Squarespace vs. WordPress vs. WebFlow: Let’s Break It Down
Without getting bogged down in web designer geek-speak, a website platform is the content management system or software system that powers most websites. This is the web-based interface that allows you to easily make website changes without coding.
To keep things easy, we’re breaking things down into several “tiers” of platforms.
- DIY / WYSIWYG
- Page Builders
- Feature Rich
DIY / WYSIWYG Websites
A Do It Yourself (DIY) or What You See Is What You Get (WYSIWYG) website is commonly configured, hosted, and edited through a separate website. These platforms are intended to be built and managed by someone not familiar with coding or website design. Drag and drop tools allow for easy building and easy management.
DIY Examples
Wix, Squarespace, Shopify (ecommerce)
DIY Pros
Very easy to get started on basic, brochure-style websites. The extensive selection of templates, drag and drop formatting, and built-in search optimization tools are a great way for small businesses to get on the web. With an extensive library of add-ons, some additional features and functions are available.
DIY Cons
Sites can look very similar to one another with extensive use of templates. The ability to customize your site is limited. Mobile vs. desktop versions can get difficult to manage.
Development Budget
$ – $$
WordPress Page Builders
WordPress is the most popular content management system (CMS) powering websites. But there are add-on tools called Page Builders that allow websites to be managed in more of a WYSIWYG fashion. Page builders are frequently used to help site owners easily manage page content while keeping the features and functions of WordPress.
Page Builder Examples
Divi, Elementor, Beaver Builder
Page Builder Pros
In addition to being easy to manage content, many page builders also have helpful features “baked in” to their site management tools. Because the page builder framework remains consistent between different designs, your site can have more creative flexibility than many of the DIY platforms. Plus, WordPress websites benefit from their extensive ecosystem of plug-ins and tools.
Page Builder Cons
Because page builders “bolt on” to WordPress CMS, it adds to the site size and diminishes the page load performance. Some page builders will also encounter compatibility issues with WordPress updates or plugin updates over time. Finally, page builders will often have an additional subscription cost beyond normal hosting fees.
Development Budget
$$ – $$$
Feature Rich CMS
While there are extensive technical differences between the examples below, feature-rich CMS platforms are highly customizable from both a design and feature perspective. When your business is looking for a larger website that has numerous technical requirements or needs to fit into a larger marketing strategy, these are excellent platforms.
Feature Rich Examples
NOTE: I know there are significant differences between these platforms. Selecting the right one for your business site should be done with a web development partner that understands your needs.
Feature Rich Pros
Each platform has specific advantages, but this tier of website platform is a solid choice for businesses that need more than a brochure site. Websites with a large number of pages like product listings, service offerings, or other custom functionality are the right fit for these platforms.
Each is easy to manage and connect with the rest of your marketing infrastructure. While a more complex site development, the end results are worth the investment.
Feature Rich Cons
Websites utilizing these platforms are best built by a developer with a documented, effective process. This means a commitment of development time and budget. Development projects like this will take months and require greater participation by members of your business leadership. It’s recommended these sites use a maintenance plan to keep the website secure and software up to date.
Development Budget
$$$ – $$$$
Which Platform is Right for You?
There has never been a better time to start working on a small business website. You have a ton of options. Some thoughts on which platform is right for you:
- The budget on a DIY website looks attractive, but do you have time to come up with a design, create the content, and assemble everything by yourself or internally?
- What features and functions are critical for your website? Will you link with your CRM or your ERP? Do you need to sell or list products?
- Once the website is built—what’s next? Will you or a member of your team be making regular updates? Editing photos or videos? Writing case studies?
- What budget will you set aside? $100K? $20K? $5K? If you don’t know what to plan for, many web designers will help ballpark a budget based on your feature list.
Build Your Own Instant Estimate
Signalfire has created an instant website estimator that can help guide you through platform selection and budget planning. Don’t go into it blind. Get your estimate.