Shopify vs Squarespace – which platform gets more points

Written on September 2, 2024. Posted in Ecommerce, Shopify.

Shopify and Squarespace are two of the most popular options in the ecommerce platform space.

All ecommerce platforms have strengths but fit different needs and priorities. So, when it comes to Shopify vs Squarespace, which is best for your ecommerce business?

Shopify is built for ecommerce, Squarespace excels in design

Before going through the detailed comparison, here’s the bottom line: If your primary goal is to sell products online, Shopify is your go-to. It’s built specifically for online selling, with powerful tools and features.

On the other hand, if your focus is on creating a beautifully designed website with ecommerce as an add-on, Squarespace shines with its design flexibility.

Now, let’s see all the details.

Shopify is easier to use for ecommerce

Regarding ease of use, both Shopify and Squarespace are known for their user-friendly interfaces, but they serve different purposes.

Shopify is explicitly designed for ecommerce. Everything is built with the ecommerce entrepreneur in mind. The interface is intuitive, and Shopify offers many apps and integrations to expand the store’s functionality.

Squarespace is known for its design: it’s beautiful, customizable templates and design flexibility. While it’s excellent for creating visually stunning websites, it doesn’t offer the same level of ecommerce-specific tools as Shopify.

So, Squarespace might be easier to use if you’re primarily focused on content and design with a small online store as an add-on.

You’re choosing Shopify? We can help you build your store.

Squarespace leads in design flexibility, but Shopify isn’t far behind

Shopify offers a wide range of free and premium themes specifically designed for ecommerce. These themes are mobile-responsive and designed to convert visitors into customers.

While customization options are somewhat limited compared to Squarespace, Shopify themes are built with best practices for online sales, ensuring that your store looks good and performs well.

But Squarespace is renowned for its stunning design templates. Squarespace offers more design flexibility and customization options if you want to create a visually driven website.

However, this focus on design sometimes comes at the expense of ecommerce functionality. You can still sell products, but the process isn’t as streamlined or robust as it is on Shopify.

For ecommerce, Shopify is more powerful

As we mentioned before, Shopify is built for ecommerce, so it comes packed with features to help you sell online. Shopify has everything you need to run a successful online store.

Squarespace does offer ecommerce functionality, but it’s more limited. You can sell products, manage inventory, and accept payments, but the Squarespace platform lacks some of Shopify’s more advanced ecommerce features.

Squarespace is more budget-friendly

Shopify’s pricing starts at $32 per month for the Basic plan, which includes all the essentials you need to start selling online. Moving up to the Shopify ($92/month) and Advanced ($399/month) plans, you can access more advanced features, better shipping rates, and more detailed analytics. Shopify also offers a 14-day free trial to test the platform before committing. And don’t forget about Shopify Plus.

Squarespace’s pricing starts at $25 per month for the Personal plan, but if you want to add ecommerce functionality, you’ll need to opt for the Business plan ($36/month) or the Basic Commerce plan ($40/month). The Advanced Commerce plan is $72 monthly and includes more robust ecommerce features. Squarespace offers a 14-day free trial as well.

The pricing itself is clear, so you see that Squarespace is more affordable.

Shopify has more depth for ecommerce

Both platforms offer strong SEO and marketing tools but with different focuses.

Shopify and its SEO features help your products rank better in search engines. It also offers a variety of marketing tools, including email marketing, social media integrations, and discount codes. Shopify’s app store has tools that can improve your marketing efforts, although they can get pricey.

Squarespace is known for its excellent SEO capabilities, particularly for content-driven sites. It offers solid blogging tools, social media integrations, and email marketing features. However, in ecommerce-specific marketing tools, Shopify offers more depth and flexibility.

Shopify vs Squarespace – which one fits you?

Shopify and Squarespace are excellent platforms, but they are made for different needs. If you’re looking for a platform entirely dedicated to ecommerce with all the tools you need to grow and scale your online store, Shopify is the winner here (and we can help you set everything up). It’s designed to make selling online as efficient and effective as possible, with a focus on driving sales and managing your business.

On the other hand, if your primary focus is on creating a beautifully designed website with ecommerce as a secondary feature, Squarespace might be the better option. It’s ideal for those who prioritize aesthetics and content but still want the ability to sell products online.