How to know whether you need a Squarespace® or WordPress® website
When considering a new website design, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is which content management system (CMS) to use. There are two big players that often meet in the metaphorical web development ring: It’s often Squarespace® vs WordPress®. While both platforms are content management systems meant to assist in blog and website creation and management, they have many differences.
Let’s step in the ring with them and see how they match up.
The vital difference in Squarespace vs WordPress: open source software
Open source software uses publicly accessible and modifiable source code, or a program’s initial programming language. This means anyone has the ability to adjust, fix or improve upon the software’s source code.
WordPress® is built on this open source software. Anyone around the world with programming abilities can shape the content management system to match a company’s needs. While understanding code is not necessary to operate basic customizations for WordPress®, there are potential pitfalls that call for a programmer’s knowledge. For example, to have security measures for your WordPress® website that are stronger than those offered, you’ll need a programmer’s expertise.
On the other hand, Squarespace® does not use open source software and CMS options are built in. Squarespace® covers the basic options – mobile compatibility, security, site hosting, support, e-commerce capabilities – instead of requiring users to program in these options themselves. This stability comes at the cost of customization, however.
Who wins the cost prize fight in Squarespace vs WordPress
Breaking down the cost differences between Squarespace® and WordPress® can be confusing. Squarespace® offers four different fixed-cost plans. You can pay for additional features, but the options are well laid out and structured for budget planning.
WordPress® is described as “free to download, use, change, and build upon,”; however, the platform doesn’t include hosting and other features—costs that can quickly accrue. In short, the greater the customization, the higher the cost.
Another round of differences in Squarespace vs WordPress
When watching these two CMS giants duke it out, we recognize a few more differences:
- Ease of use: Squarespace® often times requires only the click of a button to add a new feature. No programming necessary!
- Design and templates: Both platforms offer basic options that need little if any customization, but WordPress® also offers highly customizable options for those with specific desires.
- Support: Squarespace® has a dedicated support team and a library of information at hand.
Match the platform to organizational strategy
Deciding which platform to choose points back to your organizational strategy. For example, Squarespace® contains all functions on one platform, which cuts down on the need for programming. That comes at the cost of future scalability. If your site is a stepping stone to growth and customer reach, WordPress® may be a better option.
So, when deciding Squarespace® vs WordPress®, ask yourself some questions:
- What kind of website are you looking for? Simple or intricate?
- Do you need only a few landing pages or something that will be scalable as you grow?
- Do you have a programmer on staff? WordPress® frequently requires one to customize the site.
Squarespace® vs WordPress®, did one player knock out the other for you? Or are the two still fighting it out? Either way, our team understands the game from start to finish and is ready to teach you the moves. Connect with us to make your web design a reigning champion.
