Wix vs Squarespace for Ecommerce

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you'll be able to:

• Compare Wix and Squarespace for ecommerce functionality
• Identify which platform suits different business types and skill levels
• Set up basic ecommerce features on both platforms
• Make an informed decision between the two platforms for your online store

Introduction

Building an online store means choosing the right foundation. Wix and Squarespace are two popular website builders that both offer ecommerce features, but they take different approaches. Wix gives you complete design freedom with its drag-and-drop editor, while Squarespace focuses on polished templates and streamlined setup. Here's what you need to know to pick the right one for your business.

Lessons

Wix: The Flexible Option

Wix's main strength is its drag-and-drop editor. You can move elements anywhere on your page, giving you complete control over your store's layout.

Setting up your Wix store:

1. Choose an ecommerce template from the Wix library
2. Use the drag-and-drop editor to customise your layout
3. Add products through the Wix Stores app
4. Set up payments via Wix Payments, PayPal, or Stripe
5. Configure shipping options and tax settings

Where Wix excels:

• Complete design freedom
• Extensive app market for added functionality
• Good for businesses that need custom layouts
• Strong SEO tools built in

Where it falls short:

• Can feel overwhelming for beginners
• Too much choice can slow down decision-making
• Templates aren't mobile-optimised by default

Squarespace: The Design-First Platform

Squarespace takes a different approach. It gives you fewer customisation options but ensures everything looks professional from the start.

Setting up your Squarespace store:

1. Pick from Squarespace's curated template collection
2. Customise colours, fonts, and spacing using the style editor
3. Add products through the commerce section
4. Enable Squarespace Commerce or connect Stripe/PayPal
5. Set up inventory tracking and shipping

Where Squarespace excels:

• Templates look professional without much tweaking
• All templates are mobile-responsive
• Built-in analytics and marketing tools
• Reliable hosting included

Where it falls short:

• Limited customisation compared to Wix
• Higher starting price for ecommerce features
• Fewer third-party integrations available

Making Your Choice

Your decision should come down to what matters most for your business:

Choose Wix if:

• You want complete design control
• You plan to add lots of features over time
• You're comfortable with a steeper learning curve
• Budget is a primary concern

Choose Squarespace if:

• You want a professional look without much effort
• You prefer simplicity over endless options
• Mobile responsiveness is crucial
• You value integrated analytics and marketing tools

Practice

Set up a test store on both platforms using their free trials:

1. Create accounts on both Wix and Squarespace
2. Choose an ecommerce template on each platform
3. Add 3-5 sample products to both stores
4. Customise the design to match a brand (real or imagined)
5. Test the checkout process as a customer would
6. Compare how long each setup took and which felt more intuitive

Note which platform better matches your technical comfort level and design preferences.

FAQs

Which platform is easier for complete beginners?
Squarespace is generally easier to start with. Its templates work well straight away, and there are fewer decisions to make. Wix gives you more control but can feel overwhelming at first.

How do the costs compare?
Wix's ecommerce plans start at £17/month, while Squarespace starts at £16/month. However, Squarespace includes more features in its base price, while Wix often requires paid apps for similar functionality.

Can I switch platforms later?
Yes, but it's not simple. You'll need to manually recreate your design and re-upload your products. Some content migration tools exist, but expect to spend significant time on the switch.

Which has better payment options?
Both support major payment processors like Stripe and PayPal. Wix offers more payment gateway options overall, while Squarespace's built-in commerce system is more streamlined.

Jargon Buster

Drag-and-drop editor: A website builder that lets you move elements around your page by clicking and dragging them, like moving files on your desktop.

Payment gateway: The service that processes credit card payments for your online store, like Stripe or PayPal.

Mobile-responsive: A website design that automatically adjusts to look good on phones, tablets, and computers.

Template: A pre-designed website layout that you can customise with your own content and branding.

Third-party integrations: External apps or services that connect to your website to add extra functionality.

Wrap-up

Wix and Squarespace both build solid online stores, but they suit different needs. Wix works best when you want maximum flexibility and don't mind spending time learning the system. Squarespace is ideal when you want professional results quickly and prefer simplicity over endless options.

The best platform is the one you'll actually use effectively. Consider your technical comfort level, design needs, and long-term business goals when making your choice.

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