Best Squarespace Alternatives For Making Your Own Website
There are so many options available for creating a website or blog. Squarespace was a company that took website builders to the next level, i.e. beyond simply drag and drop templates. Squarespace was very focused on getting the design elements and technical elements right. Squarespace has been the go-to solution for quite some time, but they have built brand recognition through massive podcast and TV advertising spend.
What if Squarespace is not your preferred website builder? There is no “best website building tool” – it’s only the best for your project. It is now an option, if there has been any change in the last decade. Website owners don’t have to hire a designer/developer. They can choose to build their own website.
As a marketing consultant, I have had the opportunity to work with a variety of software and platforms on both my own projects and those of clients. Although Squarespace is great for certain projects, I thought it would be helpful to have a list with Squarespace alternatives and information about what they do well and who they are focused on.
Below is a summary of the information.
Summary of the Best Squarespace Alternatives
| Name | Best for | Visit! |
| Wix | Drag and drop features with diverse integrated features | Learn More |
| WordPress.com | Simple setup with managed, blog-focused platform | Learn More |
| Self-hosted WordPress | You have complete control over your website and unlimited options | Learn More |
| Shopify | Fully-featured eCommerce platform | Learn More |
Read all my reviews about various website builders.
Squarespace Alternatives Guide
This guide will cover each of them in detail, as well as other Squarespace options for specific uses.
Wix
Wix has been known for its drag-and-drop website building tool. They offer a more flexible setup and easier “onboarding” than Squarespace. They are a great alternative to Squarespace for those who want something simple and straightforward.
Here is a Wix review.
Check out Wix’s Plans.
WordPress.com
WordPress.com provides open-source and community-supported WordPress software. In exchange for hosting a limited version, they offer a managed platform that takes care of all technical issues. WordPress’ versatility can be used without worrying about HTML/CSS security, speed, or hosting. WordPress.com combines many of Squarespace’s benefits (e.g. managed hosting for one price and good design) with the best of WordPress (i.e. focus on publishing, simplicity etc).
I wrote a detailed explanation of WordPress.com. I compared WordPress.com with Squarespace.
Check out WordPress.com’s Plans.
WordPress (self-hosted).
WordPress is a free and open-source software that powers your website. It is also known as a content management system (CMS) which allows you to access your website’s backend and make changes to the design, functionality, or content. You will need to install the hosting service in order to run it. It offers unlimited options, unlike a hosted platform such as Squarespace or WordPress.com. It allows you to control your costs (from $3/mo up to $1000s). Drag & Drop builders can even be installed “on top” WordPress. This is more difficult than Squarespace, but offers more options.
I compared WordPress to Squarespace here.
Learn step-by-step how to set up self-hosted WordPress here.
Shopify
Shopify is an eCommerce platform that has a strong reputation. Shopify is a platform that focuses on online store owners, unlike Squarespace. You can drag and drop or use templates. They also offer features that are compatible with all types of online shops.
Here is a review I wrote about Shopify.
Other options
There are many other options, including those that I haven’t tried enough to fully evaluate or that don’t have the features/benefits of the ones listed above.
I have had managers compile a list to help me with my internal evaluation. Here is the list I typically provide.
- Weebly is a brand-name website builder. It features drag-and-drop design and many integrated features. I compared Weebly and Squarespace here.
- GoDaddy GoCentral website Builder is a pre-packaged product from GoDaddy. Although not as flexible as Squarespace’s, it is very easy to use. I reviewed GoDaddy’s website builder.
- SiteBuilder is a simple product, but it’s simpler and more straightforward than the other. I reviewed SiteBuilder.
- BoldGrid is software that some hosting companies offer that integrates with WordPress. This allows you to enjoy all the features of self-hosted WordPress, as well as drag and drop design and simplified configuration.
- Ghost – Software that is very similar to WordPress but which focuses only on publishers.
The complete Squarespace Review
