Finding the Perfect Platform | A Website Hosting Guide for Entrepreneurs (and why I chose Squarespace as my area of expertise)
As an entrepreneur or small business owner, your website is often your first impression. Choosing the right platform can be confusing or overwhelming… basically, it can be a total headache. There are a plethora of options out there, and it's hard to know where to start.
I've been designing websites for a while now, and I've dabbled in most of the popular platforms out there. Wix is super easy to use, but it can feel kinda limited after a while. Shopify is great for selling stuff, but it's not the best for building a strong brand. And don't even get me started on WordPress – it's like trying to solve a Rubik's Cube without the instructions!
Let's break down some popular options and why I believe Squarespace reigns supreme for many businesses.
(NOTE: Absolutely no shade if you use one of these other platforms… you have to choose the right platform for you, these are just my professional opinions.)
Wix: Easy, But Limited
Wix is a popular choice for its drag-and-drop interface, making it incredibly user-friendly for those with little to no design experience (a big reason why I love Squarespace, too.) It's great for simple websites with basic needs. However, as your business grows and evolves, you might find Wix's limitations frustrating. Customization options can be restricted, and the platform can feel a bit like a digital brochure rather than a dynamic online presence.
Shopify: E-commerce Forward
If you’re primarily selling products online, Shopify is a strong contender. It offers robust e-commerce features, including inventory management, payment processing, and shipping options. But while it excels in selling, it might fall short in other areas like blogging or creating a strong brand identity. (Keep in mind that basically most website hosting platforms have e-commerce capabilities, too.)
WordPress: The Developer’s Darling
WordPress is incredibly flexible and powerful. It’s the foundation for millions of websites, including some of the largest in the world. But its flexibility comes at a cost: complexity. For most entrepreneurs and small business owners, WordPress can be overwhelming. Heck, even for those who consider themselves tech-savvy, it can be a challenge. It requires technical knowledge or the hiring of a developer, which can increase costs and slow down your website launch.
GoDaddy (and Other common platforms)
GoDaddy is a household name, but it’s primarily a domain registrar and hosting provider. While they offer website builders, they often lack the design focus and user-friendliness of platforms like Squarespace.
Why Squarespace is a Game-Changer
Squarespace stands out as a truly exceptional platform for entrepreneurs and small business owners. That's why I'm obsessed with it. It's like the perfect blend of style and function. The designs are modern and sleek, but it's also super easy for my clients to manage on their own. I mean, we all know how busy entrepreneurs are, right? They don't have time to be messing around with code.
More Than Just a Pretty Face
Let’s dive deeper into what makes Squarespace a top contender for your business, and my choice of platform for my clients.
👉 User-Friendly
The platform is incredibly intuitive, making it easy for clients to manage their own websites post-launch after I transfer ownership to them. This is a huge advantage for me as a designer, as it empowers my clients to make small edits such as changing text or imagery.
👉 DESIGN CENTRIC
Squarespace is built with aesthetics in mind (so, yes, I suppose it’s a pretty face, too.) Templates are modern and stylish. With the moderately new addition of Fluid Engine, you can create custom designs without coding, giving you unprecedented control over your website's layout.
👉 Competitive Pricing
Squarespace offers a few different plans to ensure you’re getting what you need. When I’ve done cost analysis in the past, Squarespace is on par with other major platforms. BONUS: As a Squarespace Circle Member, I’m able to offer my clients 20% off their first year of hosting at any time.
👉 Comprehensive Features
From e-commerce, blogging, Acuity scheduling, member’s only areas, AI and a LOT more… Squarespace has everything you need to build a successful online presence. Check out their extensive list of features here.
At the end of the day, you need to choose the platform that’s right for you.
If you’re in the market for a platform that's both beautiful and functional, I highly recommend giving Squarespace a try. Trust me, your future self will thank you!
(OR, just shoot me a message and I’ll hook you up 😉)
