SHOULD I USE SQUARESPACE OR WORDPRESS?

At Lillian Purge, we specialise in Local SEO Services and have written Should I use Wordpress or Squarespace? to help you compare core features and choose the best builder for your goals and skills.

Choosing between WordPress and Squarespace is one of the first major decisions when building a website. Both are powerful platforms, but they cater to very different needs. WordPress offers flexibility, scalability, and deep SEO control, while Squarespace provides simplicity, design consistency, and a more beginner-friendly experience.

The best choice depends on your goals, technical ability, and long-term plans. This article compares WordPress and Squarespace in detail so you can decide which platform fits your business best.

Understanding the Two Platforms

WordPress

WordPress is the world’s most popular content management system (CMS), powering more than 40% of all websites globally. It’s open-source software, which means it’s free to use but requires hosting and setup.

There are two versions:

• WordPress.org: The self-hosted version that gives full control over your website, design, and functionality.

• WordPress.com: A hosted version with limitations, better suited for personal blogs or small projects.

Most businesses choose WordPress.org because it allows complete flexibility in design, plugins, and performance optimisation.

Squarespace

Squarespace is an all-in-one website builder that includes hosting, templates, and maintenance. It’s designed for users who want a professional-looking website without dealing with the technical side of web development.

Squarespace is known for its sleek templates, drag-and-drop interface, and built-in tools for design, eCommerce, and SEO. It’s ideal for creatives, small business owners, or service providers who want a fast, hassle-free setup.

Ease of Use

Squarespace: Designed for Simplicity

Squarespace is built for convenience. You can start a website within hours using its visual editor. It handles all the hosting, security, and updates automatically, so you don’t need technical knowledge.

However, the simplicity comes at a cost: limited flexibility. Customising layouts beyond template options can be restrictive, and certain features (like advanced SEO settings or complex integrations) aren’t as customisable.

WordPress: Steeper Learning Curve, More Control

WordPress offers much greater freedom but requires more involvement. You’ll need to purchase hosting, install themes, and manage plugins. Once set up, though, it provides unmatched control.

If you’re willing to learn or work with a developer, WordPress lets you create virtually any website whether it’s a blog, business site, eCommerce store, or membership platform.

Design and Customisation

Squarespace: Stylish Templates

Squarespace’s main strength lies in its professionally designed templates. They’re mobile-responsive and visually consistent, ideal for photographers, designers, and small brands that value aesthetics. The built-in design tools ensure your site looks polished without needing coding skills.

However, you’re limited to the structure of each template. While you can change colours, fonts, and sections, deep layout customisation or third-party integrations are restricted.

WordPress: Endless Design Possibilities

WordPress offers tens of thousands of free and premium themes, along with drag-and-drop page builders like Elementor and Divi. You can customise every aspect of your site’s design from layout and typography to animations and interactive elements.

Because it’s open-source, developers can build completely bespoke themes and features. The result is near-total creative freedom, though managing that flexibility requires time and sometimes technical expertise.

SEO and Performance

WordPress: Complete SEO Control

WordPress is widely regarded as the best platform for SEO. You can install plugins like Yoast SEO or Rank Math to manage titles, meta descriptions, schema markup, sitemaps, and redirects. You also have control over hosting performance, caching, and technical SEO factors like structured data and indexing.

This control makes WordPress ideal for businesses with ongoing SEO strategies or those planning to scale nationally or internationally.

Squarespace: Built-in but Limited SEO Tools

Squarespace includes basic SEO features such as editable titles, descriptions, and mobile-friendly templates. It automatically generates sitemaps and includes SSL certificates.

However, users have less control over advanced elements like schema, page speed optimisation, and backlink tracking. While good enough for local or creative businesses, it’s not as powerful for large-scale SEO campaigns.

eCommerce Capability

Squarespace: Streamlined for Small Shops

Squarespace’s eCommerce tools are easy to use and integrate directly into the platform. You can sell physical or digital products, manage inventory, accept payments, and calculate taxes.

However, features like multi-channel selling (Amazon, eBay, Google Shopping) or complex shipping rules are limited. It’s ideal for smaller online shops that prioritise simplicity over scale.

WordPress: Built for Growth with WooCommerce

WordPress combined with the WooCommerce plugin creates a robust eCommerce platform suitable for any size business. It supports everything from small stores to global marketplaces.

WooCommerce allows advanced customisation, integrations with major payment gateways, and access to countless plugins for marketing, analytics, and fulfilment. It requires more setup but offers far greater scalability than Squarespace.

Maintenance and Security

Squarespace: Managed and Secure

Squarespace handles all maintenance tasks, including updates, backups, and security. You don’t need to worry about plugin conflicts or hosting downtime. This makes it ideal for users who want a low-maintenance solution.

The downside is limited control. If something breaks or a feature is missing, you’re dependent on Squarespace’s system and support team.

WordPress: Responsibility and Flexibility

With WordPress, maintenance is your responsibility. You must update plugins, manage backups, and secure your site against vulnerabilities. However, many hosting providers now offer managed WordPress plans that automate these tasks.

While it requires more care, the advantage is flexibility you can choose your security measures, backup frequency, and hosting provider.

Cost Comparison

Squarespace

Squarespace pricing is straightforward, with plans ranging from about £12 to £35 per month depending on features. The subscription includes hosting, templates, and SSL security.

It’s predictable and easy to budget for, but costs can increase if you add premium extensions or eCommerce transaction fees.

WordPress

WordPress itself is free, but you’ll need to pay for hosting (£5–£25 per month), a domain name, and potentially premium themes or plugins. Costs vary depending on how advanced your site becomes.

While initial setup may seem cheaper, WordPress can become more expensive if you rely on professional developers or paid tools. However, for long-term scalability, it offers better value.

Support and Community

Squarespace provides direct customer support, including live chat and email, which is helpful for beginners. WordPress relies on community support, documentation, and forums, though many hosting providers offer their own support for managed WordPress plans.

WordPress’s global community means there are countless tutorials, developers, and resources available, but finding official answers can take longer.

Who Should Choose Squarespace

• Creative professionals such as photographers, designers, or writers

• Small local businesses wanting a beautiful site without technical hassle

• Entrepreneurs who prioritise convenience over flexibility

• Users who don’t plan to make major custom changes

Who Should Choose WordPress

• Businesses focused on SEO and long-term growth

• eCommerce stores needing complex functionality or multi-channel selling

• Agencies, publishers, or content-heavy websites

• Users with some technical experience or developer support

Final Thoughts

If you want simplicity, stylish templates, and a site that’s quick to launch, Squarespace is an excellent choice. It’s ideal for small businesses that want an attractive online presence with minimal maintenance.

However, if your priority is SEO performance, scalability, and customisation, WordPress is the stronger option. It requires more setup and care but provides the flexibility to grow your website in any direction.

Your decision ultimately depends on your goals. For a creative portfolio or small business website, Squarespace is convenient. For a long-term marketing or eCommerce platform, WordPress offers greater control and potential.

We have also written in depth articles on Is Squarespace Free? How Much is Squarespace and Best Squarespace SEO settings every business should know as well as our Squarespace Hub to give you further guidance.