Squarespace vs. WordPress vs. Shopify: Which platform is best for small businesses?
Choosing a website platform can feel like trying to pick a city to build your dream home in. Everyone has an opinion, and the options can be overwhelming. As a digital marketing consultant working with small, creative businesses, I often get asked: “Should I go for Squarespace, WordPress… or maybe Shopify?”
The truth is, each platform has its strengths. What matters most is choosing the one that fits your needs, your goals, and the way you like to work. So here’s a breakdown to help you make that decision with confidence.
A quick overview
Squarespace is an all-in-one website builder. You choose a template, personalize it, and you’re ready to go. Hosting, design, updates, and features are all built in.
WordPress.org is open-source. You can build absolutely anything, including an online shop, but it requires more setup, maintenance, and technical confidence.
Shopify is a dedicated e-commerce platform built specifically for selling online. You get a clean, professional store with powerful tools to manage products, inventory, and payments.
Ease of use
Squarespace
Perfect if you want something simple, beautiful, and fast. You don’t need coding skills or technical experience. It’s great for creatives, service providers, and solo entrepreneurs.
WordPress
Ideal if you’re comfortable setting things up or want to hire someone to help. You’ll need to manage hosting, plugins, and updates, but you’ll have total freedom.
Shopify
Very user-friendly, especially if your main goal is to sell products online. It’s made for e-commerce, so everything is optimized for shopping, even if you’re not tech-savvy.
My take
If you want a site you can build and manage yourself without too much stress, go with Squarespace or Shopify.
If you want full creative control or a content-heavy site, WordPress is a great choice with more flexibility long-term.
Design and customization
Squarespace
Sleek, modern templates that are easy to customize. You can create a professional-looking site without design experience.
WordPress
Endless design possibilities. Your website can look and function any way you want it to, especially if you’re working with a designer or developer.
Shopify
Beautiful, clean e-commerce themes. Design flexibility is more limited unless you use custom code or hire a developer, but for most shops, it’s more than enough.
My take
Squarespace is perfect for stylish, minimal websites or portfolios.
Shopify shines when product pages and checkout flow are your top priorities.
WordPress wins if you need a fully custom website with advanced layout or functionality.
Features and scalability
Squarespace
Great for small websites, portfolios, and simple e-commerce. You can sell a few products or services, but you’ll hit limits if you need advanced functionality.
WordPress
Limitless scalability. You can build a blog, a membership site, a multilingual platform, or a large e-commerce store. You just need the right plugins and setup.
Shopify
Made for e-commerce at scale. It can support everything from small boutiques to large product catalogs, and integrates with all well-known payment processors, shipping tools, and marketing apps.
My take
Squarespace is ideal for brands who want a beautiful site and simple shop.
Shopify is your go-to if your business is centered around selling products.
WordPress is best if you want to build a complex or highly customized site and you’re ready to handle (or delegate) the tech side.
Pricing and maintenance
Squarespace
Starts at CHF 15/month (billed annually). Everything is included: hosting, templates, features, and support.
WordPress
Free to use, but you’ll need to pay for hosting, domain, premium themes or plugins, and any tech help. The price depends on how much you DIY and how complex your site is.
Shopify
Starts at CHF 25/month (billed annually). Includes hosting, store features, and support. Some themes and apps are paid, and transaction fees always apply, with rates depending on your payment method. The great thing about Shopify is that you can try it for free for 3 days and then enjoy a special discounted price of CHF 1 per month for 3 months. Ideal to test an e-commerce project!
My take
Squarespace is the most budget-friendly for beautiful, simple websites.
WordPress is flexible but may require a bigger upfront setup investment (in time or money).
Shopify is worth the cost if e-commerce is your core activity and you want powerful tools that are ready to use.
So… which one should you choose?
Choose Squarespace if…
You want to build it yourself, easily
You love minimal, elegant design
Your site is mainly informational or service-based
You want everything in one place with minimal maintenance
-> I’m using Squarespace for this website.
Choose WordPress if…
You need full control and flexibility
You need advanced layouts or functionality
Your site is content-heavy or multi-language
You don’t mind (or plan to delegate) tech and setup
-> I’m using WordPress for my travel blog The Beach Muse.
Choose Shopify if…
You want to sell products online
You want a store that’s ready to scale
You’re focusing 100% on e-commerce
You want strong inventory, payment, shipping tools and integration-ready marketing tools
-> I always choose Shopify for my clients’ eshops.
My personal advice?
Start where you are.
If you want a beautiful site that’s quick to launch and easy to manage, Squarespace is ideal.
If you’re building an online shop as your main business, Shopify is your best ally.
If your vision is big, long-term, and content-rich, WordPress gives you the power to grow with it.
Still unsure? Let’s talk about your business goals and what you actually want your website to do. I’ll help you choose the platform that fits your project, not just the trend.
Read my Case Studies
Leonardo Zürich - E-Commerce Growth & Management
Hi, I’m Sophie!
I design websites that reflect your brand, attract your audience, and support your growth.
Are you ready to discuss your project? Book a free consultation with me and let’s build a website that makes your brand shine!