There’s no denying that custom-coded websites look great and load fast. For most businesses, however, they are overkill as modern website builders are faster and look better than ever.
Take Wix and Squarespace as an example. These are both excellent website builders that can be used to create stunning business websites without rendering your bank account penniless. That explains why together these two platforms account for almost 50% of sites made with a website builder.
But here’s the real question. Since you can only pick one, which is the better website builder?
Let’s find out.
1. Ease of Use
Ease of use is arguably the most important consideration when choosing the best website builder. So let’s start with that.
Wix lets you edit your website in an unstructured approach. What that means is that you can move an element anywhere on the page with pixel perfection.
So your creativity is the only limit here. But that also means you must align and design the tiniest details of the layout all on your own. If you’re not a professional designer, good luck doing that — especially with all the inconsistency that it produces.
You’ll notice similar patterns in Wix’s overall user interface. It’s powerful and gives you tons of freedom, but in the end, it’s cluttered and confusing.
Squarespace takes the opposite approach. Instead of handing you a canvas and leaving you on your own, their system lets you place elements in pre-defined rows and columns so everything is structured and looks professional.
So while you can’t tinker with the exact pixel position of your elements, you still get enough freedom to make your design your own and keep it professional.
Squarespace follows the same principals through its user interface by keeping things minimal. You get just the controls you need to create the site of your dreams without drowning in confusion.
2. Design
Next up is the overall design of your website. It matters a lot because your website is your online storefront. What it looks like is exactly how your customers will remember your brand.
Wix offers a massive library of templates so you’ll have many options to pick from, regardless of your industry. Last we checked, they had close to 700 templates with more being added regularly.
Whether that’s a good thing is debatable. With a focus on quantity over quality, finding a clean and professional design on Wix is a hit or miss.
Squarespace, again, has taken the opposite approach. While their library of under 100 templates is surely modest, we’re talking about the artisan bread of design templates here. Each design is more impressive and awe-inspiring than the one before.
So while you may not have as many templates to pick from, you’re sure to choose one that looks great and makes your business look even better.
3. SEO
You’re creating a website to win more customers for your business. One of the most passive and lucrative ways to do that is by optimizing your website for search engine rankings. And that starts with setting a solid SEO foundation by choosing the right website builder.
Wix is notorious for its poor implementation of SEO practices. While the team has implemented some features to make their site builder suitable for SEO, there’s still a lot to be desired. For instance, Wix automatically renames your images to some cryptic gibberish that’s sure to hurt your image SEO.
Squarespace is, yet again, the opposite. From optimized titles and URLs to 301 redirects and readable image file names, Squarespace offers all and a lot more. Coupled with the intuitive UI, their platform makes search optimization a breeze.
Final Verdict
While Wix and Squarespace are both fantastic website builders, the real-world scenarios paint a clear winner. Squarespace is easier to use, has better templates, and can set your site up for success with proven SEO practices. Making a clean and modern website as a non-designer has never been easier.
Now, that’s not to say there isn’t a learning curve. While you can throw up a pretty decent website in a weekend, making it look truly professional and stunning is still best left to the pros. You know, people who have done it a thousand times before.
So whether you need help to design the site of your dreams or just need some advice on the right Squarespace package for your business, get in touch with us today.
