WordPress vs. Squarespace vs. Shopify
WordPress or Squarespace or Shopify?
Shopify offers an intuitive ecommerce platform, thousands of apps, and 24/7 access to its customer support team.
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Why choose Shopify over WordPress and Squarespace
| Key features | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Free trial | WordPress | Squarespace | Shopify |
| 24/7 support | WordPress | Squarespace | Shopify |
| Sell online and in-store | WordPress | Squarespace | Shopify |
| Business capital | WordPress | Squarespace | Shopify |
| Custom domain | WordPress | Squarespace | Shopify |
| SEO features | WordPress | Squarespace | Shopify |
| Hosting | WordPress | Squarespace | Shopify |
| Sell worldwide | WordPress | Squarespace | Shopify |
| Multi-currency support | WordPress | Squarespace | Shopify |
| Mobile-friendly | WordPress | Squarespace | Shopify |
| Fraud protection | WordPress | Squarespace | Shopify |
| Integrated checkout | WordPress | Squarespace | Shopify |
| Integrated fulfillment network | WordPress | Squarespace | Shopify |
| Email marketing tools | WordPress | Squarespace | Shopify |
| App Store | WordPress | Squarespace | Shopify |
| Mobile app for merchants | WordPress | Squarespace | Shopify |
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7 things Shopify can do vs. WordPress and Squarespace
Provide built-in ecommerce functionality
Neither WordPress nor Squarespace is purpose-built for online store creation. On WordPress, you'll have to create a basic website and then install the WooCommerce plugin to turn it into a functional ecommerce store. Squarespace is designed to assist creatives like photographers in setting up a website. Shopify offers an out-of-the-box solution that makes it easy to set up a store. Anyone, anywhere, can use Shopify's themes, apps, and tools to start an ecommerce business.
Streamline inventory management
Which is better for inventory management: WordPress or Squarespace? Actually, it’s Shopify because the platform allows you to stay on top of inventory activities and prevent costly errors. Merchants can use Shopify’s inventory management solution to perform several tasks, including organizing incoming and outgoing inventory, tracking stock counts, and managing product variations. You can also view the history of inventory adjustments to learn about stock changes and more.
Ensure no product limits
On WordPress, you can only display as many products as the cap set by the third-party hosting server. Shopify, like Squarespace, allows you to add as many products to your ecommerce store as you need. At no point would you face product limits on Shopify. All Shopify plans also include free unlimited bandwidth. This means merchants using the platform won't be charged based on how many online visitors visit their store or how many product photos or files they upload.
Make international selling easy
Both WordPress and Squarespace allow you to create a multilingual site. However, WordPress requires a plugin to set it up. Squarespace stores can display built-in text, such as on the checkout page, only in one language. Shopify lets you sell in multiple languages with ease. Shopify merchants can enable multiple languages from their Shopify admin to build separate URLs for their translated content. After the translation, customers can browse and checkout in their local language.
Support multiple payment methods
When comparing WordPress vs. Squarespace, you’ll notice they both allow you to create a checkout page. However, there’s no way for you to change the currency or display additional currency details with Squarespace. In contrast, Shopify offers an integrated checkout function that supports various payment methods, including digital and multi-currency wallets. It’s also customizable and optimized for accelerated options like Apple Pay and PayPal Express checkout.
Give access to sales channels
Shopify partners with several platforms like Amazon, Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger so you can sell where people shop. Merchants can also customize where their products appear, build relationships, and track sales all from within Shopify. WordPress relies on integrations to set up multiple channels, whereas Squarespace only lets merchants sell on Instagram. If you want all your sales channels to be integrated in one place, Shopify is a great option.
Secure your website
Shopify offers a free SSL certificate that helps secure customer data from hackers. Shopify also includes fraud protection that notifies businesses about suspicious orders. Avoid turning away legitimate sales for fear of fraud.
Why merchants choose Shopify over WordPress vs. Squarespace
First-party POS hardware
Shopify sells its own branded hardware that syncs well with its POS software and in-house payment processor. Merchants can connect Shopify’s portable hardware to their mobile device and take their business anywhere.
Exclusive apps
Shopify has over 6,000 apps specializing in ecommerce. Whether you’re looking to switch from traditional ecommerce to dropshipping or want to check the status of shipments, you’ll find plenty of apps to suit your needs.
Marketing tools that convert
A built-in blog, sales channels, gift cards, automatic discounts, cart recovery emails — Shopify has a wealth of marketing tools to help merchants turn browsers into buyers.
Fast loading speed
Site speed is crucial for gaining search traffic and improving the visitor experience. Shopify websites load quickly, which helps prevent potential shoppers from turning away due to slow loading times.
Over 100 payment gateways
Shopify offers over 100 payment gateways, including PayPal, AmazonPay, Stripe, and more. Shopify also has its own payment gateway called Shopify Payments that supports most major payment processors with no transaction fees.
24/7 support
Shopify support is available 24/7, no matter which plan you’re on. You’ll also have access to help docs, webinars, blog posts, and online courses to guide you along the way.
Flexible pricing
Select a payment schedule that suits your needs. With Shopify, you can pay every month or save by paying for a year or more in advance.
We’ve been able to build something in 3 years that a lot of brands haven’t actually gotten to in 10 years.
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FAQs
Is Squarespace or WordPress better?
WordPress is an excellent platform for managing websites with an active blog, because of its elaborate CMS. Squarespace is ideal for freelancers like photographers or creative individuals looking to create an elegant website. Shopify is a great option for building an ecommerce store, whether it’s online or brick-and-mortar.
Which is better for ecommerce: WordPress vs. Squarespace?
Both WordPress and Squarespace rely on integrations to provide a host of ecommerce features. In contrast, Shopify offers a first-party ecommerce platform that makes it easy to build an ecommerce site. Every feature, app, tool, and more centers on facilitating people selling items online or in person.
WordPress vs. Squarespace: which is the better website builder?
Squarespace offers drag-and-drop functionality to help you easily design your online store. Based on the themes and plug-ins you use, you might put in some extra work on different parts of your website to build your store on WordPress. With Shopify, you get a drag-and-drop feature that simplifies the process of building an online store. You can change and customize colors, typography, and more, without needing to learn code on Shopify.
Page last updated: January 24, 2022
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