Squarespace vs. Shopify
So, you’re ready to launch your online store. You’ve got the products, the branding, and a dream of becoming the next Jeff Bezos (minus the weird obsession with space travel). But now comes the big question: Shopify or Squarespace? You’ve heard of them both by now, as they are two of the most popular website building platforms in the world, or at least you’ve seen their Super Bowl commercials. So which is best for you? That’s a question only you can answer. But I’ll give you my two cents anyway, and by the end of this post you’ll understand why Shopify is the Beyoncé of e-commerce, while Squarespace (which I LOVE) is… well, let’s just say it’s the Kelly Rowland.
Capabilities
Let’s be real—when you think “e-commerce,” Shopify is the first name that pops into your head. Like when you think “pop goddess,” Beyoncé immediately comes to mind. With its crown of 2.1 million active users (and counting), Shopify is the undisputed queen of ecommerce. Meanwhile, Squarespace is kinda like Kelly Rowland—talented and beautiful in her own right, but you’re not exactly playing “Dilemma” on repeat. And while Squarespace does have plenty of ecommerce capabilities, Shopify was designed with e-commerce in its DNA first and foremost. It’s only mission is to create a thriving online store. Squarespace is great for so many other things … websites, blogs, portfolios, but maybe not the first choice when it comes to serious ecommerce.
Apps
Shopify is backed by a massive app store filled with over 7,000 apps that can turn your basic online store into a full-blown e-commerce empire. Need a special feature? There’s an app for that. Want to integrate and sell on your favorite social media platform? There’s an app for that too.
Squarespace, on the other hand, has a more limited range of integrations and apps. Not bad, but definitely missing the “wow” factor. Sure, you can do a lot with Squarespace’s built-in features, but if you need something more specialized, you might find yourself shaking your head like, “Where’s the rest of it?”
Pricing
Shopify’s pricing plans might seem a bit steeper than Squarespace’s at first glance, but you’re getting what you pay for: a top-tier e-commerce experience with all the bells and whistles. Think of it like paying for front-row Beyoncé tickets—yes, it’s an investment, but the experience is worth every penny. (I would know. The only time I ever went to a Beyonce concert I had back-row seats, in a football stadium no less, and the experience was sub par. That could also be because she brought Jay-Z out on stage way more times than necessary, like that’s who we came to see, c’mon.)
Squarespace, on the other hand, offers more affordable pricing plans, but when it comes to e-commerce, you might find yourself needing to pay extra for the features you really want.
Support
Both Shopify and Squarespace have solid support, but Shopify shines a little more here by offering 24/7 support by phone, email, and live chat. Squarespace has an award-winning support team, but it is limited to email and live chat.
Of course, there are plenty of other factors to keep in mind when choosing a platform for ecommerce. But in my opinion, (and millions of others) there is no better choice than Shopify. Would I give a big fat thumbs down forever to Squarespace as an ecommerce option? Of course not. It has plenty of capabilities and features for operating a successful storefront. I think it’s perfectly suited for smaller stores or service-based businesses. And it’s always advancing as a platform too. But if you have bigger ecommerce dreams, Shopify can handle the biggest.
However, if you are not planning on selling products online, then my vote is Squarespace allll day long. Learn why here!