Web strategist who helps creatives and service providers build websites designed to grow with them. Unlike other designers, I don’t just build for launch—I create strategic, scalable sites that stay valuable long after day one.
Stuck deciding between Squarespace vs Showit for your business website? You’re not alone. As a web designer who’s built countless sites on both platforms, I’ve seen firsthand which works best for different business types. This Squarespace vs Showit comparison breaks down exactly what you need to know before investing in either platform. Let’s compare these popular website builders category by category to help you make the right investment for your online presence.
Winner: Showit
Showit offers unmatched design freedom – imagine having a blank canvas where you can place any element exactly where you want it. There are no rows, columns, or grid systems limiting your creativity. Want text following a curved path? Or a uniquely animated element that only appears on mobile? Showit makes these creative visions possible.
Squarespace provides beautiful templates and a clean aesthetic, but you’re ultimately constrained by its section-based structure. While recent updates have improved flexibility, you’re still working within Squarespace’s framework rather than having complete creative control.
For businesses where unique branding and visual impact are essential, Showit’s design freedom is revolutionary.
Winner: Squarespace
Squarespace is famously user-friendly, especially for beginners. Its interface is intuitive, with clear navigation and straightforward content editing. Nearly everything is managed through simple drag-and-drop controls, making it accessible even for the most tech-averse business owners.
Showit has a relatively friendly interface that will feel familiar to Adobe users, but it comes with a steeper learning curve. The freedom it offers requires more design decisions and understanding of how elements interact. While not difficult to learn, it’s less immediately intuitive than Squarespace’s guided approach.
For getting up and running quickly with minimal frustration, Squarespace takes this round.
Winner: Tie
Both platforms offer solid SEO fundamentals. Squarespace has built-in tools for adding meta descriptions, alt text, and customizing URLs. Its structured approach helps ensure you don’t miss critical SEO elements.
Showit has significantly improved its SEO capabilities, especially with its WordPress blog integration. This gives you access to powerful SEO plugins like Yoast or Rank Math for blog content.
For most businesses, either platform can support strong SEO when properly implemented. The difference comes down to execution rather than platform limitations.
Winner: Showit
Showit’s integration with WordPress for blogging gives it a significant edge. WordPress remains the gold standard for blogging, offering superior categorization, tagging, and content management. With Showit, you get beautifully designed blog pages powered by WordPress’s robust backend.
Squarespace’s blogging tools are clean and functional but lack the depth and flexibility of WordPress. Features like advanced categorization, custom taxonomies, and the extensive plugin ecosystem aren’t available on Squarespace blogs.
For content-driven businesses where blogging is central to strategy, Showit’s WordPress integration is invaluable.
Winner: Squarespace
If selling products is your primary goal, Squarespace has a clear advantage with its native e-commerce functionality. Product management, inventory tracking, tax calculations, and shipping options are all built right in, creating a seamless experience for both you and your customers.
Showit requires third-party integrations for e-commerce functionality, typically through ThriveCart, Shopify Lite, or Square. While these integrations work well for businesses selling a limited range of products, they don’t provide the same cohesive experience as Squarespace’s built-in solution.
For product-based businesses or those with extensive catalogs, Squarespace offers a more comprehensive selling platform.
Winner: Squarespace
Squarespace plans range from $16-$49/month (billed annually), with the popular Business plan at $23/month including basic e-commerce functionality. This all-in-one pricing covers hosting, templates, and all platform features.
Showit starts at $24/month for basic sites and goes up to $39/month for the blog plan (which most users need). When you add in costs for third-party e-commerce integrations, Showit typically ends up being the more expensive option.
For budget-conscious entrepreneurs, Squarespace offers more comprehensive features at a lower price point.
Winner: Tie
Both platforms shine when it comes to templates. Squarespace is known for its minimalist, photography-forward templates that look professional right out of the box. Their designs emphasize white space and typography for a consistently polished aesthetic.
Showit’s template marketplace features designs specifically targeted toward creative entrepreneurs, with options that tend to be more unique and personality-driven. The customization potential is also higher with Showit templates.
This category comes down to aesthetic preference – Squarespace for refined minimalism, Showit for creative expression.
Winner: Squarespace
Squarespace handles all technical maintenance and updates automatically. When they roll out new features, they’re immediately available across all sites. Their customer support is also comprehensive, with 24/7 email support and live chat during business hours.
Showit offers solid support, but the WordPress blog integration adds a layer of complexity, occasionally requiring updates and maintenance. The split platform approach (Showit for pages, WordPress for blog) can sometimes lead to troubleshooting across multiple systems.
For hassle-free maintenance and reliable support, Squarespace edges ahead.
It depends on YOUR business
For photographers, designers, coaches, and creative service providers: 👑 Showit takes the crown. The design flexibility and WordPress blogging integration make it ideal for brand-focused creative businesses.
For product-based businesses, restaurants, and service providers needing simplicity: 👑 Squarespace is your champion. The all-in-one functionality, built-in e-commerce, and ease of use make it the more practical choice.
Ask yourself these questions:
If you answered yes to #1 and #2, lean toward Showit. If you answered yes to #3 or prioritize ease of use (#4), Squarespace might be better for you.
The Squarespace vs Showit decision ultimately comes down to your specific needs. When comparing Squarespace vs Showit, consider what matters most to your business. Want a site that breaks creative boundaries and supports serious blogging? Showit is worth the investment. Need something more straightforward with built-in e-commerce and minimal maintenance? Squarespace delivers consistent results.
Not sure which platform is right for your specific situation? Slide into my DMs – I’m happy to give you personalized advice based on your business goals.
Stuck on your website? Download my free Website Strategy Floorplan: Think of this as the foundation for your digital home. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refreshing an existing site, this floorplan will help you plan a website that’s not just pretty—but strategic, functional, and magnetic to your dream clients.
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