wordpress-vs-squarespace

Squarespace vs WordPress: Which is Better?

You probably already know that WordPress and Squarespace are two of the world’s biggest content management systems (CMS). If you’re looking to create a website without any coding experience required, they’re both great options to consider. But which one is better?  

What is Squarespace?

Squarespace is a website builder that lets you create a website without having prior coding knowledge. It’s a SaaS (Software as a Service) company, which means they provide services online. 

When you sign up for Squarespace, it will create your website based on the templates they have available. They have over 100 different templates to choose from, and more are always added. 

Squarespace is meant to be used by non-tech-savvy people who want to set up their websites quickly and easily online with no coding skills required.

What is WordPress?

WordPress is the most popular CMS (content management system) in the world. It’s free, easy to use, and can be built in minutes. WordPress is also open source, which means it’s constantly being improved by tens of thousands of developers worldwide. 

WordPress powers over two-thirds of internet websites today, and over 28% of all new websites start with WordPress as their platform! 

Squarespace vs WordPress: Similarities Between the Two

While you may be inclined to think that the two platforms are entirely different, there are a few things you might be surprised to find out about both. For example, both offer a free trial. This is great if you want to test out their features before committing to one or the other (and not just because these trials are a good way for Squarespace and WordPress to get new customers). 

Both platforms also offer free domain names when you sign up for their hosting plans—so if you’re planning on starting your website soon and don’t already have one picked out, this should also give you some peace of mind! Both platforms also have 30-day money-back guarantees, which means that if something goes wrong with either platform during this period (for whatever reason), they’ll refund 100% of what was paid so far without question or hassle. Finally, both have user-friendly interfaces that make it easy for beginners to get started immediately without needing extra help from outside sources.

WordPress vs Squarespace: Cost Comparison 

WordPress is more expensive than Squarespace. Both have the option to start your website for free, but if you need the bells and whistles like custom domains and eCommerce, then WordPress will cost more than Squarespace. 

WordPress also has a paid version that’s designed for sites with more traffic or users.

Squarespace vs WordPress: Ease of Use Comparison 

Squarespace is a simple website builder that doesn’t require much technical knowledge to use. However, it also comes with limitations in terms of layout and design. For example, if you want your website to look like an eCommerce store, Squarespace doesn’t offer that type of capability. On the other hand, WordPress has more flexibility when building websites because you can customize them as needed without having to code. You can also find tons of plugins for WordPress, which will allow you to add new features or do something unique with your site without having a programming background.

Squarespace vs WordPress: Feature Comparison 

WordPress and Squarespace are both excellent choices for those looking to host their websites. However, the two platforms differ significantly in terms of customization and user experience. 

WordPress provides more flexibility, so you can create a website that looks exactly how you want it to look. This also means you have more control over your site’s functions because WordPress allows for extensive customization through its thousands of available plugins (free downloads). However, this power comes at the expense of security—your site could be vulnerable if not configured correctly or if no updates are applied regularly.

Which One Should You Choose?

Simply put, if you are looking for a do-it-yourself website builder that offers a simple, drag-and-drop interface for building websites, Squarespace could be your option. On the other hand, opt for WordPress if you’re looking to build a website from scratch using customized themes and plugins that run on the WordPress platform at its core.  

The best platform for you depends on what features you need, how often you customize your site and its end use.  

Squarespace is an all-inclusive solution for those who want to create a website without having to know HTML or CSS codes. It allows users to build beautiful websites with minimal effort by letting them choose from pre-built templates and editing features. The plugins are built into each template, so no additional coding is required! This means that moving your site over to another hosting platform will not impact any of your content (which we will touch more on later). 

WordPress is open-source software that anyone can download and use as they please, but it requires some technical knowledge to establish an online presence. For example, if someone wanted to use WordPress as their CMS but didn’t have access to too many resources (web hosting), they would need help from developers or designers who could assist them with getting started with their project/blogging journey!

Agency Partner Can Help

Whether you’re just starting your first website or need a custom WordPress web design complete with hosting packages, Agency Partner has you covered. Our web development experts offer maintenance, support, and custom solutions tailored to achieving your goals. Contact us today and schedule your free consultation!

e-commerce

10 Best e-Commerce Platforms for Small Businesses

Expert Tips For Small Businesses

E-commerce is a thriving industry.. this is a fact. If you are struggling to cope with this, then you should take a look at the following infographic from BigCommerce.

e_commerce_platforms

If you want to start an online store or simply wish to migrate to an existing content management system (CMS), there are fortunately numerous options for you to choose from. 

Here are 10 of the best e-Commerce platforms geared specifically toward small businesses

1. Shopify

Benefits: Overall functionality, convenient use
Price: $9-$300.
Transaction Fee: 2.9% + $0.30 – 2.4% + $0.30

Shopify is a preeminent e-commerce CMS. As one of the more cutting-edge options available, users can take advantage of how convenient it is to use this platform. Both beginners and veteran marketplace teams can excel on this platform with a wide variety of helpful features.

Shopify is also relatively inexpensive. Therefore, if you’re looking for a standard e-commerce platform you can grow with, choosing Shopify is a great selection.

2. BigCommerce

Benefits: Wide selection of themes and designs, broad payment options. 
Price: $29.95 – $249.95
Transaction Fee: 2.9% + $0.30 – 2.2% + $0.30

BigCommerce is a fierce competitor to Shopify as the e-Commerce industry’s top CMS. Both platforms offer similar features at an identical cost. You can’t really go wrong in choosing either platform.

However, BigCommerce does have some advantages, including a wider selection of themes, designs, and broader payment options. BigCommerce provides a visual store builder, supplying up to 80 different themes. 

Other features include 24/7 support, cloud-hosting, marketing services, conversion optimization tools, and so much more.

3. 3dcart

Benefits: Built-in features, payment options
Price: $19 – $229
Transaction Fee: Varies

3dcart is an ideal alternative to Shopify. Though, the platform has a strong reputation for providing more than 200 built-in features users can take advantage of. Users also have the option to choose an affordable plan and still receive incredible benefits, such as saved carts, real-time shipping rates, unlimited product variants, and one-page checkout.

Furthermore, 3dcart provides more than 100 different payment providers and offers a discount if you use payment gateways they are partnered with. 

4. Volusion

Benefits: Cheap processing rates
Price: $29 – $299
Transaction Fee: 2.15% + $0.30 with Volusion Payments

Volusion is similarly priced compared to Shopify, but it is perhaps more simple-to-use. Many themes on the platform are free, as well as inventory and customer management, sales analytics, and marketing tools. 

Volusion does have some disadvantages, which include an annual sales limit depending on the plan they choose.

There are also a limited number of payment options. While Volusion may not be as advanced as Shopify, it does offer users the opportunity to save money on processing orders. 

Depending on the model of your business, this may be an ideal choice. 

5. PrestaShop

Benefits: Open-source platform 
Price: Free to download
Transaction Fee: Varies

All of the entries on this list so far have been SaaS platforms. Though, depending on your marketplace, an open-source platform may be a better selection. If you are looking for an open-source platform, you should consider choosing PrestaShop.

This platform is completely free to download. This means you will only be responsible for paying for payment processor costs, web hosting, and other developmental resources. 

One underrated feature of PrestaShop is the ability to integrate and run numerous stores from one platform. If you have access to a skilled developer, possess proficient technical knowledge, or are willing to pay for the costs of setting up your marketplace, PrestaShop is a great option. 

6. WooCommerce:

Benefits: Free for WordPress users
Price: Free 
Transaction Fee: Varies

There isn’t much to say about WooCommerce that hasn’t already been stated previously. Compared to Shopify and BigCommerce, WooCommerce is a worthy alternative. This platform gives users the ability to upload an unlimited number of products and integrate with more than 400 applications.

What’s more, is that WooCommerce has been integrated with WordPress. If you are currently using WordPress, you can download WooCommerce for free and begin using it. 

7. Squarespace

Benefits: Ideal for very small retailers
Price: $26 – $40
Transaction Fee: 2.9% + $0.30

This list wouldn’t be complete if there wasn’t an option for very small retailers. If you run a shop by yourself or have a limited number of products, Squarespace is an excellent and affordable option.

Squarespace offers all of the features you need to run a successful marketplace. The platform is used mainly to build business websites, so you can expect the templates on there to be professional and clean. 

8. Square Online Store

Benefits: Free hosting
Price: $0 – $79
Transaction Fee: 2.9% + $0.30

Square Online Store is very similar to Squarespace. It’s also powered by Weebly, allowing users to create an online store within minutes. Before getting started, you can choose from a bunch of free themes, customize your theme, and start accepting payments instantly. 

Your completed website will come with a free SSL certificate, product options, unlimited products, and so much more. In fact, the most basic plan on this platform is completely free of charge.

If you desire to use a convenient platform with sufficient features for your marketplace, then Square Online Store is for you.

9. Sellfy

Benefits: Selling digital products
Price: $29 – $99
Transaction Fee: Varies

All of the platforms on this list are designed to sell digital products. However, if you are solely looking to sell your products and limit your spending, Sellfy is a great option. On this platform, you can quickly build your marketplace and start processing orders.

Sellfy is best for very small retailers that don’t have a preference of advanced features. 

10. AmeriCommerce

Benefits: High scalability
Price: $24.95 – $299
Transaction Fee: 2.9% + $0.30 – 2.4% + $0.30

AmericCommerce is similar to Sellfy, but this platform allows you to scale your business over time. Generally speaking, AmeriCommerce will grow as your business grows. You can choose more than 60 free themes and utilize dozens of payment gateways as you improve your marketplace.

Give Us a Call Today!

Do you need direction in choosing the right e-Commerce platform for your business? If so, give us a call at (214) 295-5845 to speak to a member of our award-winning team. 

Not big on reading? That’s okay. Watch “10 Best e-Commerce Platforms for Small Businessesinstead.

Using the power of Artificial Intelligence, we turned this blog into a video for you. Check it out below!