Starting a blog is an exciting way to share your ideas, connect with others, and even build a personal brand. But before you can dive into writing your first post, there’s one big decision to make: which platform should you use?
WordPress and Squarespace are two of the most popular choices for bloggers, and each has its own strengths. WordPress is known for being highly customizable, while Squarespace is praised for its simplicity and sleek design. Both have loyal fans and plenty of features, but choosing between them can feel a little overwhelming.
In this post, we’ll break down the differences between WordPress and Squarespace to help you figure out which one is the better fit for your blogging goals. Whether you’re a total beginner or someone with a bit of experience, this guide will give you a clear picture of what each platform offers—and which one might work best for you. Let’s get started!
Overview of WordPress and Squarespace
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty details, let’s take a closer look at what WordPress and Squarespace are all about.
What is WordPress?
WordPress is one of the most widely used platforms in the world, powering over 40% of all websites online. It comes in two versions: WordPress.org and WordPress.com. WordPress.org is the self-hosted option, giving you full control over your site since it’s a content management system, while WordPress.com is a more streamlined version with hosting included.
The main draw of WordPress website is its flexibility. WordPress site allows extensive customization due to its open-source nature. You can choose from thousands of themes, install plugins to add extra features, and customize your blog to look and function exactly how you want. It’s a favorite for bloggers who want room to grow or need specific tools for their site. It has a wide-ranging ecosystem of third-party plugins.
What is Squarespace?
Squarespace, on the other hand, is an all-in-one website builder. Everything you need—from hosting to templates to design tools—is included in one package. It is a closed-source platform. Squarespace is especially popular with people who want a beautiful, professional-looking website without having to deal with too many technical details.
Known for its drag-and-drop editor and visually stunning templates, Squarespace makes it easy to create a polished blog even if you don’t have any design experience. It provides a curated collection of templates. It’s a great option if you want a straightforward way to start blogging without worrying about installing plugins or managing updates.
With this basic overview in mind, let’s see how these two platforms stack up in key areas like ease of use, customization, and blogging features.
Key comparison factors: WordPress vs Squarespace
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s do a Squarespace vs WordPress comparison in the areas that matter most for bloggers.
1. Ease of use
For beginners, ease of use can make or break the experience of starting a blog.
- WordPress:
WordPress is incredibly powerful. But the WordPress dashboard can feel overwhelming for beginners because it offers many advanced features. Setting up your blog involves choosing a hosting provider, installing WordPress, and figuring out how themes, plugins, and deep customization work. It has a steep learning curve and technical expertise. Once you get the hang of it, though, the self hosted wordpress website offers possibilities that are nearly endless as it allows you to integrate tools like editorial calendar plugins to keep your content schedule organized and consistent. Learn more about creating a blog calendar with these expert tips. - Squarespace:
Unlike WordPress, Squarespace is built with simplicity in mind. It is a drag-and-drop website builder designed for people who don’t have technical skills. You don’t need to worry about hosting or coding—just sign up, pick a template, and start designing your blog with its drag-and-drop editor to build a stylish website. Users can see real-time changes as they edit in Squarespace account, simplifying the design process. It’s a much smoother experience for first-time users, but some advanced customization options are limited.
2. Customization and design
Both platforms support various industries, thanks to their design and functionality features. WordPress themes can vary greatly in quality and features due to their diverse development sources. Squarespace integrates third-party tools but has fewer overall options compared to WordPress. But how much control do you want over your blog’s look and features?
- WordPress:
With WordPress, you can choose from thousands of free and premium themes, many of which are highly customizable. Add plugins for everything from SEO tools to social media integrations, and you’ve got a platform that can be tailored to almost any vision. However, managing all these options can be overwhelming for new users. - Squarespace:
All Squarespace free templates are professionally designed and responsive out of the box. While customization is more limited compared to WordPress, the built-in design tools let you tweak fonts, colors, and layouts without needing to touch a single line of code.
3. Blogging features
Let’s talk about the features that matter most for creating and managing blog posts.
- WordPress:
WordPress was built for blogging, so it offers a ton of features, like post scheduling, tagging, categories, and media management. Plus, you can extend its functionality with plugins to add things like content calendars, advanced editors, or social sharing buttons. WordPress’s Block Editor is a game-changer for bloggers, enabling faster and more efficient content creation. Discover practical strategies to speed up your writing process. - Squarespace:
Squarespace website covers all the basics, including post scheduling, tags, and categories. Its blogging interface is clean and simple, and it includes built-in features like social sharing and analytics. While it doesn’t offer as much flexibility as WordPress, it’s more than enough for most casual bloggers.
4. Cost
Budget is always a factor when starting a blog.
- WordPress:
WordPress website platform itself is free, but you’ll need to pay for hosting, a domain name, and possibly premium themes or plugins. The renewal price for hosting often doubles or triples after the first year. Most professional WordPress themes require an additional purchase beyond the basic free options. WordPress themes can cost anywhere from under $80 to over $1000. If you plan to monetize your blog and add an online store, WordPress offers a free e-commerce option via WooCommerce, but plugins may have additional costs. There are around 59,642 plugins available for WordPress. Costs can vary widely depending on your choices, but you have more control over how much you spend. - Squarespace:
Squarespace offers predictable pricing structure as it uses a straightforward subscription model, with pricing plans that include hosting, templates, and customer support. Standard Squarespace pricing starts at $15 per month for a Personal plan. Squarespace’s e-commerce plans for online stores start at $23 per month. On top of Squarespace’s monthly fee, domain names cost around $20 annually. Third-party Squarespace templates range from $149 to over $1000. Squarespace has fewer third-party extensions but their quality is generally higher. While it might cost more upfront than basic WordPress hosting, there are no hidden expenses for plugins or extra features.
5. SEO and performance
Getting your blog noticed is easier with strong SEO and good site performance. Both WordPress and Squarespace provide built-in SEO features. Both platforms optimize websites for mobile access. You can add your website on Google analytics to check website traffic. Let’s compare WordPress with Squarespace site.
- WordPress:
WordPress shines here thanks to SEO plugins which gives you detailed control over search engine optimization. WordPress users can also optimize your site’s performance with caching wordpress plugins and other tools. These powerful SEO plugins tools that can help increase your blog’s visibility. If you’re looking to fine-tune your strategy with advanced seo tactics, check out this step-by-step WordPress SEO checklist to ensure your site is fully optimized - Squarespace:
Squarespace has solid built-in SEO features and tools, so you can customize page titles, descriptions, and URLs without extra plugins. It offers automatic sitemaps. It allows automatic redirects for multiple domains. It has built-in analytics features for tracking site performance. However, advanced SEO tweaks might feel limited compared to what’s possible with WordPress.
6. Support and Maintenance
When you run into questions or issues, it’s good to know where to turn for help.
- WordPress:
WordPress offers unofficial support through forums, but it does not have a dedicated support team. It has a massive user wordpress community, so you’ll find countless tutorials, forums, and resources online. Many hosting providers also offer support specific to WordPress websites. For WordPress sites, users must regularly back up their website to prevent data loss on their managed hosting. - Squarespace:
Both platforms provide tutorials and resources for users, but Squarespace’s is more focused on its platform. Squarespace team offers direct customer support via email or live chat, which is helpful if you prefer one-on-one assistance. It has 24/7 customer support available for its users. Its community isn’t as large as WordPress’s, but its help guides and tutorials are well-organized and beginner-friendly.
7. Ecommerce features for monetization
If you’re a blogger looking to monetize your content and become a small business owner, both WordPress and Squarepace platforms have ecommerce functionality and commerce advanced plans.
- WordPress:
WordPress is a clear winner for ecommerce and blog monetization. With ecommerce plugins like WooCommerce, you can easily sell products, set up digital downloads, or even integrate affiliate links. It’s flexible and scalable for long-term growth. - Squarespace:
One of the best Squarespace’s features is its built-in ecommerce tools, ideal for simple online stores. However, it lacks the advanced monetization options and plugins that WordPress offers.
For bloggers serious about monetization, we’d recommend WordPress provides more freedom and functionality.
Pros and cons
To help you weigh your options, here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons of WordPress vs Squarespace for blogging.
WordPress: pros and cons
- Pros:
- Limitless customization: You can use thousands of themes and plugins to create a blog that’s uniquely yours.
- Scalability: Perfect for growing blogs or turning your site into a more complex platform over time.
- Control: As a self-hosted platform, WordPress lets you control every aspect of your site.
- Robust blogging tools: Built-in features and plugins make it easy to manage and organize your content.
- Cons:
- Learning curve: Beginners might feel overwhelmed by the setup process and options.
- Maintenance required: You’ll need to handle updates, backups, and security measures on your own.
- Variable costs: While WordPress itself is free, costs for hosting, premium themes, and plugins can add up.
Squarespace: pros and cons
- Pros:
- Ease of use: Squarespace’s all-in-one approach makes it simple to set up and manage a blog.
- Beautiful design: Its templates are visually stunning and look professional right out of the box.
- No technical headaches: Hosting, updates, and security are handled for you, so you can focus on blogging and less on technical aspects.
- Customer support: Squarespace offers reliable and accessible customer service for users at all levels.
- High Security: Squarespace is less vulnerable to security issues since it is a closed-source platform with built-in direct support.
- Cons:
- Limited customization: While you can tweak templates, it doesn’t match WordPress’s level of flexibility.
- Higher upfront cost: Squarespace’s subscription fees can feel pricey, especially for those on a tight budget.
- Less scalability: It’s not the best option for bloggers who plan to expand into complex or large-scale sites.
Both platforms have clear strengths and weaknesses, so the best choice will depend on your priorities.
Choosing the right platform for your needs
Now that we’ve gone over the key differences, it’s time to focus on what really matters—picking the platform that works best for you. The right choice depends on your blogging goals, experience level, and how hands-on you want to be with your website. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide.
Who should choose WordPress?
WordPress is the way to go if:
- You value customization: If you want full control over how your blog looks and functions, WordPress is unbeatable.
- You’re planning to grow: Whether you dream of adding an online store, forums, or other advanced features, WordPress is built to scale.
- You’re tech-savvy (or willing to learn): While WordPress has a steeper learning curve, it’s worth the effort if you’re up for experimenting and digging into the details.
WordPress is ideal for bloggers who see their site as a long-term project or want something that can evolve beyond a basic blog.
Who should choose Squarespace?
Squarespace might be the better fit if:
- You want something simple: If you’d rather avoid technical tasks like setting up hosting or managing updates, Squarespace takes care of everything for you.
- Design matters most: Squarespace’s templates are perfect for bloggers who want their site to look professional and polished right from the start.
- You’re a beginner: If you’re new to blogging and want to get started without any headaches, Squarespace’s intuitive tools make it easy.
Squarespace is a great option for casual bloggers or anyone who values ease of use over extensive customization.
Key takeaway
Choosing between WordPress and Squarespace comes down to what you need from your blogging platform. WordPress offers unmatched flexibility, scalability, and a vast ecosystem of plugins, making it perfect for bloggers who want full control and room to grow. Squarespace, on the other hand, shines with its ease of use, beautiful design templates, and all-in-one simplicity—great for beginners or those who prioritize a no-fuss experience.
If you’re leaning toward WordPress, there’s one more tool to consider to make blogging even easier: Strive Calendar. Strive is an editorial calendar plugin designed specifically for WordPress bloggers. With Strive, you can plan, organize, and stay on top of your blog content like a pro. Its drag-and-drop calendar, post-status tracking, and seamless integration with WordPress make it a must-have for managing your blog efficiently.
No matter which platform or web designer you choose, having a solid plan for your content is key to building a successful blog. If you’re ready to take your blogging workflow to the next level, give Strive a try!
Start your blogging journey today—and don’t forget to explore tools like Strive to keep your content organized and on track.
FAQ about WordPress vs Squarespace for blogging
Is it better to use Squarespace site or WordPress?
It depends on your needs. WordPress is great for customization and scalability, while Squarespace offers an easier, more user-friendly setup with less technical effort. If you prioritize design and simplicity, Squarespace may be your best option, but for more complete control, and flexibility, WordPress stands out.
Should I switch from WordPress to Squarespace?
Consider switching if you’re overwhelmed by WordPress’s learning curve and want a simpler, all-in-one solution for your blog or business. However, if you value customization and control, staying with WordPress may be better.
Can Squarespace be used for blogging?
Yes! Squarespace offers built-in blogging features, including customizable templates and post management tools, making it an excellent choice for bloggers who want simplicity without sacrificing design.
Is WordPress still good for blogging?
Absolutely. WordPress remains one of the best platforms for blogging, offering extensive themes, plugins, and SEO capabilities that can grow with your blog.
What is the disadvantage of Squarespace?
One downside of Squarespace is its limited customization compared to WordPress. While it’s easy to use, you may find it difficult to make deep, technical adjustments to your site’s design or functionality.
Which platform is better for SEO: WordPress or Squarespace?
These two website builders are good for aspiring bloggers. But WordPress has a clear edge in SEO due to seo plugins like Yoast SEO and Rank Math, while Squarespace has basic built-in SEO tools. If you have zero knowledge about SEO, you might want to choose Squarespace. However, if you’re willing to learn some basics, WordPress will be a better choice.
Can I move my blog from Squarespace to WordPress?
Yes, you can export your content from Squarespace and import it to WordPress, though it may require some manual adjustments.
Is WordPress free to use?
WordPress itself is free, but you’ll need to pay for hosting, a domain name, and potentially premium themes or plugins. Managed hosting will increase your cost.
Does Squarespace offer as many plugins as WordPress?
No, Squarespace has limited extensions, while WordPress has thousands of plugins for added functionality.
Which platform is easier for beginners?
Squarespace is more beginner-friendly with its drag-and-drop editor and all-in-one features, whereas WordPress requires a bit of a learning curve.