Is Your Web Design Potential Hindered by Website Builders like Squarespace?

Written By Elwyn Davies

Elwyn Davies, Squarespace Authorized Trainer, explains if Squarespace truly limits the creation of complex, stunning websites.

So, is Squarespace a Bottleneck for Beautiful, Multifaceted Websites?

This question crops up in various forms, so I thought it was time to dispel some myths about Squarespace and its limitations. To clarify, I'm not sponsored or paid directly for writing this article. However, as an affiliate partner, if you choose Squarespace using the link at the bottom of this page, it helps me a bit.

I've built around 400 websites, and I can confidently say that Squarespace is a powerhouse for most professional web design needs. While Squarespace is not the only platform I recommend, it often fits the bill perfectly.

Adding custom code and third-party plugins can make Squarespace incredibly versatile. It's fast becoming the Swiss Army knife of website builders.

Squarespace vs WordPress - The New Apple vs Microsoft?

Squarespace has been compared to Apple, while WordPress is often likened to Microsoft. Squarespace's reputation as a closed system—where everything works within the platform—is both a strength and a limitation. But most of the time, as the hosting is managed on Squarespace servers, this ensures quality control and allows us to focus on client care and the design process.

In contrast, WordPress offers more autonomy and a larger plugin library, making it ideal for those needing extensive customization (e.g. fully bespoke systems). It all depends on your starting skill set and what you aim to achieve.

From my experience, Squarespace is ideal if you need to create beautiful website layouts quickly. WordPress might be better for developers who prefer more control and are comfortable adjusting and fitting content to templates. Similarly, WordPress is the way to go for websites expanding into online applications requiring custom integration.

But why did I choose Squarespace as the flagship partner for PixelHaze Studio?

Just over 10 years ago, I first heard about Squarespace while listening to the Big Web Show podcast on a holiday. I needed a system for startups and micro-businesses that couldn't afford standard Agency price tags for their websites.

I instantly knew that Squarespace would fit the bill.

"Over a decade of working with Squarespace daily, I can confidently distinguish between a Squarespace, Wix, and WordPress website, but 99% of my clients or their visitors cannot."

- Elwyn Davies

I've seen Squarespace evolve from a limited content management system to a robust digital marketing platform suitable for almost any small—to medium-sized enterprise.

While WordPress and other platforms remain the most popular solutions for multinational corporations, for SMEs, Squarespace's capabilities are more than sufficient. I have built bilingual websites with over 300 pages and intricate layouts, integrating third-party plugins via iframes within Squarespace.

Fluid Engine - Squarespace Taking Over?

When Squarespace rolled out Fluid Engine, things took up another notch.

Although a seasoned designer might notice differences between platforms, 99% of the general public wouldn't. So, is Squarespace limited compared to other platforms? Again, in 99% of cases, the answer is no. The bottleneck is often the designer's experience or other factors like website maintenance.

So, if you’re worried about that slight extra loading time with Squarespace, I recommend redirecting that energy into creating engaging content for your audience.

A well-maintained and content-rich website will pay off much faster.

However, the best thing you can do when starting your web design career is to try a few different platforms (including Squarespace, Wix and Hostinger Website Builder, to see which one best fits your needs. Most platforms have free trials or 30-day money back guarantees.


Takeaway Points:

  • Squarespace offers robust tools for creating beautiful, multifaceted websites.

  • The platform's managed hosting ensures quality control.

  • WordPress is better for extensive customization and bespoke integrations; however, websites are often more expensive to build.

  • Squarespace's Fluid Engine enhances design capabilities and makes the platform more appealing to designers.

  • Designer experience and website maintenance often impact performance more than the platform.

Wrap-up

I can confidently recommend Squarespace for 99% of websites, especially for SMEs. It provides the necessary tools to create stunning, functional websites efficiently. So, focus on creating engaging content and let Squarespace handle the rest.

GET A 20% DISCOUNT ON YOUR FIRST ANNUAL/MONTHLY SQUARESPACE PLAN!

Just follow the steps below:

1. Create a free trial in Squarespace by following the link below: https://squarespace.syuh.net/pixelhaze

2. When subscribing to your first plan, use our voucher code to get a 20% discount on your first month/year plan: PixelHaze20

WHAT IS SQUARESPACE?

Squarespace is an all-in-one website builder that offers personal, business, and e-commerce hosting plans, e-commerce services for selling online, and domain services.

It is an excellent tool for bloggers and businesses and a great starting point for graphic designers learning web design for the first time.

The standout feature of Squarespace is the growing collection of beautifully designed website templates suitable for businesses in any sector, from photography studios to restaurants and even manufacturing plants. Squarespace is a website management system that allows real-time updates and works responsively across all web platforms, from mobile devices to large-screen displays.

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Affiliate notice: We are affiliate partners with Squarespace and may receive compensation for purchases made through the links on this page.

Elwyn Davies
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