Shopify vs. Squarespace: E-Commerce Platforms Compared

Regarding the ecommerce platforms, two contenders are Shopify and Squarespace.

Both platforms offer impressive features and benefits to help you manage your online store, but how do you determine the best fit for your needs?

You should start by outlining your unique requirements, such as the size and nature of your inventory, the level of design customization you desire, and any specific integrations or apps you might need.

While the two can be categorized as a website builder for an online store, there are some differences you should know. Both Shopify and Squarespace offer ecommerce features that are different but can be said to serve the same purpose; selling. Read on to find out more!

Comparing Ease of Use: Shopify vs. Squarespace

In terms of ease of use, we will compare the template customization, HTML editing, and themes.

Template Customization and Switching

Both Shopify and Squarespace offer a variety of templates for online store customization. However, when switching templates, Shopify offers an advantage as it allows users to switch between themes without losing content.

On the other hand, Squarespace may require manual adjustments when switching templates, which can be time-consuming and complicated.

Editing HTML and CSS on Both Platforms

Both Shopify and Squarespace allow users to edit HTML and CSS, which gives them full control over their store’s appearance. Shopify’s theme editor provides easy access to the code, which benefits users with basic coding knowledge.

Squarespace, on the other hand, has a custom CSS editor built-in, which allows users to add custom CSS to their store’s design. However, changing HTML and CSS can be risky, so it’s important to be cautious and avoid potential issues.

Shopify Themes and Squarespace Templates

Shopify offers a wide range of themes, both free and paid, which are curated by their team. This means that users have a vast selection of options to choose from and can find a theme that best suits their needs.

On the other hand, Squarespace has a smaller selection of templates, but they focus on quality and aesthetics. Squarespace’s templates are designed to be visually appealing and can make a store stand out. Both platforms’ templates are mobile-responsive, ensuring a great user experience on all devices.

Ease of Use Verdict

Overall, Shopify is known for its focus on ease of use, and it’s appreciated by many online store owners.

Shopify’s user-friendly interface allows users to create a store quickly and easily without having to worry about the technical aspects of running a website. While user-friendly, Squarespace caters more to those who prioritize design and aesthetics in their online store.

Squarespace’s templates are designed to be visually stunning and can help businesses create a unique brand identity. Ultimately, the choice between Shopify and Squarespace depends on your preferences and business needs.

Showcasing Product Types and Sales Features

It’s only natural that a seller has products and their variations. To get them sold, a seller would also need the appropriate tools to make the process smooth as butter.

Product Options in Shopify and Squarespace

As an online store owner, you need versatility in product options. In Shopify, you can offer many choices, like size, color, and material. Squarespace also lets you create variants, but the platform supports a maximum of 100. In contrast, Shopify supports up to 100 combinations per product.

Comparing Shopify and Squarespace’s Sales Features

Both platforms enable you to sell physical and digital products. However, Shopify offers more advanced features such as discount codes, abandoned cart recovery, and a wider range of payment gateways. All are controlled from your Shopify dashboard.

Squarespace gives you the basics, like inventory tracking and a simple checkout process but lacks some of the advanced features provided by Shopify.

Point of Sale (POS) Systems in Both Platforms

Should you need to sell in person, both platforms offer POS solutions. Shopify has its own dedicated POS hardware and app, available for iOS and Android.

Squarespace POS is only available in the United States and runs exclusively on the iOS platform. Depending on your target market and preferred device, this difference may impact your choice.

You can also integrate it with Square, a payment gateway software. However, you must download the Squarespace commerce app and get a Square card reader.

Dropshipping Capabilities: Shopify vs. Squarespace

Dropshipping is a popular business choice. However, when it comes to using Shopify or Squarespace for dropshipping, the experience will be different.

Shopify: Known for its strong dropshipping capabilities, Shopify integrates with popular tools like Oberlo, Spocket, and Printful. This allows you to easily source a wide selection of products to sell in your store with minimal effort.
Squarespace: While not specifically designed for dropshipping, Squarespace allows you to connect with Printful and ShipBob for similar purposes. However, the options and apps available for dropshipping are comparatively limited.

Now that you understand product types and sales features better, you can make a well-informed decision on which platform suits your business better.

Payment Options

Both Squarespace and Shopify offer a variety of payment options for their users. Shopify’s payment system is powered by its payment gateway, Shopify Payments. This payment gateway allows users to accept credit cards and other payment methods directly on their store without having to set up a third-party payment processor.

Shopify Payments also offers competitive rates, with no additional transaction fees for using their payment gateway.

Squarespace ecommerce, on the other hand, allows users to accept payments through various payment processors, including Stripe, PayPal, and Apple Pay. Squarespace doesn’t offer its payment gateway. Still, it does allow users to use their preferred payment processor, which gives them more flexibility.

Squarespace offers competitive transaction fees, with no additional fees for using a third-party payment processor.

Both platforms offer integration with popular payment processors, such as PayPal and Stripe, allowing users to accept payments from various sources. Shopify and Squarespace also both offer the ability to set up recurring payments, which is useful for subscription-based businesses or for accepting payments for ongoing services.

Regarding international payments, both Shopify and Squarespace offer support for multiple currencies and languages. Shopify offers automatic currency conversion, which makes it easy for users to sell products to customers in different countries.

Squarespace, on the other hand, offers localization features, which allow users to display their store in different languages and currencies depending on the customer’s location.

Both Squarespace and Shopify offer a range of payment options and features to suit the needs of different businesses. Shopify offers its payment gateway, while Squarespace allows users to use their preferred payment processor.

Both platforms offer support for multiple currencies and languages, which is important for international businesses. Ultimately, the choice between Shopify and Squarespace depends on the specific needs and preferences of each business.

Exploring Apps, Integrations, and Plugins

Some actions are sometimes not available on either Squarespace or Shopify. That’s why many sellers tend to use apps and plugins that do provide access to their desired actions. Both Shopify and Squarespace must provide a good integrating capability to use the apps.

Shopify vs. Squarespace: App Store Comparison

There is a Shopify store, and just… Squarespace. When it comes to apps and plugins, Shopify excels with its extensive app store. You’ll find thousands of options tailored to your business needs. In contrast, Squarespace offers a more limited selection but still covers the essential app categories.

Shopify app store: over 4,000 Shopify apps spanning various categories
Squarespace: fewer apps but covers essential categories

Being an ecommerce platform with ecommerce functionality, Shopify simply wins in terms of application availability. Squarespace, while it can be used to make an online store, is not focused on serving this function.

Integration with Google Workspace

Both platforms conveniently integrate with Google Workspace. This means you can easily connect your preferred domain email, sync calendars, and utilize the full range of Google tools.

Social Media Integration in Shopify

Shopify’s social media integration stands out, enabling you to streamline your marketing efforts. This includes selling directly on popular platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Shipping Options and Real-Time Quotes in Shopify

With Shopify, your customers can benefit from real-time shipping quotes. This integration makes it seamless to find the best shipping rates based on their location. Additionally, Shopify offers a range of integrated shipping options to choose from.

Delving into Marketing and SEO Capabilities

Both Shopify and Squarespace have the ability to maintain the SEO of your website. Here is the overview of the SEO and marketing capabilities of both Shopify and Squarespace.

Shopify vs. Squarespace: Marketing Features Showdown

Both Shopify and Squarespace provide exceptional marketing features to promote your online business. Shopify shines with its extensive app store, offering integrations for various marketing tools, including email, social media, and automated campaigns. On the other hand, Squarespace boasts built-in marketing capabilities, which are well-suited for beginners.

To help grow your online business, consider the following aspects:

Native integration – Shopify has a larger app store with diverse marketing options, while Squarespace’s built-in features work seamlessly.
Automation tools – Automating your marketing efforts can save time and drive results. Shopify’s app store allows you to easily find tools to reach your target audience.

Squarespace Email Campaigns

When it comes to email marketing, Squarespace’s Email Campaigns module has you covered. This feature enables you to design, send, and track email marketing campaigns within the platform without any extra plugins or tools. With its various pre-built templates and artful design system, your email marketing will reflect your brand’s personality, capturing your target audience’s attention.

Easy recipient list creation, open rate analysis, and the ability to schedule send times make Squarespace’s Email Campaigns an efficient tool.

SEO Tools: Comparing Shopify and Squarespace’s Offerings

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is crucial for the long-term success of your eCommerce business. Shopify and Squarespace offer solid SEO tools, such as custom title tags, alt tags for images, and SSL certification for site security.

Shopify may have the edge over Squarespace in terms of page load speed, which impacts search engine rankings. Additionally, you can find various SEO apps like Yoast in Shopify’s App Store, providing detailed SEO analysis and recommendations.

However, for most small businesses and startups, Squarespace’s SEO tools will suffice. As your business grows, you may want to explore more advanced SEO tools, potentially making Shopify a stronger choice in the long run.

Don’t forget that there is always the option to opt for third-party apps, such as Google Keyword Planner, Google Analytics, SurferSEO, and SEMrush.

Evaluating Security and Customer Support

As an ecommerce business owner, you must consider security and customer support when choosing a platform. Shopify and Squarespace provide robust tools and support, but which stands out?

Security Measures in Shopify and Squarespace

Shopify is known for its strong security features. For example, all Shopify stores have SSL certificates and are PCI compliant. This ensures that customer data remains secure during online transactions.

Squarespace also takes security seriously with SSL certificates and PCI compliance, similar to Shopify. Additionally, Squarespace uses enterprise-level security measures to protect your site from potential threats.

Comparing Shopify and Squarespace’s Customer Support

Customer support is crucial when running an online store. Shopify provides 24/7 customer service through various channels such as live chat, email, and phone support. This means you can easily reach them if you encounter any issues.

In contrast, Squarespace offers customer support through email and live chat but no direct phone support. However, they do have a comprehensive help center with articles and video tutorials to assist you.

Shopify: Offers 24/7 support via live chat, email, and phone.
Squarespace: Provides support through email and live chat, with an extensive help center.

Now that you understand the security measures and customer support options of each platform, it’s easier to make an informed decision for your ecommerce business.

Diving into Pricing: Shopify vs. Squarespace

Both platforms offer different pricing options. Here are the numbers.

Shopify Pricing Plans and Their Key Differences

When considering Shopify, you’ll find three main pricing tiers: Basic Shopify ($19/month), Shopify ($49/month), and Advanced Shopify ($299/month), all billed yearly. Key differences between these plans are the credit card processing rates, shipping discounts, and the number of staff accounts you can have. Check out a comparison:

Basic Shopify: 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction, two staff accounts, up to 64% shipping discounts
Shopify: 2.6% + 30¢ per transaction, five staff accounts, up to 72% shipping discounts
Advanced Shopify: 2.4% + 30¢ per transaction, 15 staff accounts, up to 74% shipping discounts

As always, check out Shopify website for the latest pricing.

Squarespace’s Plans: Are They Checking All Your Boxes?

Squarespace also offers three plans tailored for e-commerce: Personal ($16/month), Business ($23/month), and Commerce ($27/month) and Advanced ($49/month). Notably, transaction fees are only applicable to the Business plan, which charges 3% per sale. Here’s a quick summary:

Personal: No e-commerce features, limited design customization, and basic website metrics
Business: 3% transaction fees, unlimited design customization, and access to various e-commerce features
Commerce Basic: No transaction fees, abandoned cart recovery, and customer account creation
Commerce Advanced: All Basic features plus advanced shipping and discounts, and gift cards

As always, prices are subject to change. Go to Squarespace website to check the latest pricing.

Free Trial Options for Both Platforms

If you’re still unsure, both Shopify and Squarespace offer 14-day free trials to help you decide. Your trial allows you to test out features, designs, and integrations without the pressure of long-term commitments. Make the most of it and see which platform suits your needs best.

Which Platform Offers More Bang for Your Buck?

Ultimately, it depends on your specific e-commerce needs. Shopify boasts lower transaction fees and higher shipping discounts, making it a better fit for larger stores with more complex shipping requirements. On the other hand, Squarespace offers more affordable plans and is better suited for small businesses or those with simpler e-commerce needs. Carefully assess your business requirements before making a decision.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the choice between Shopify and Squarespace depends on your specific needs and objectives. If you’re primarily focused on building a robust online store, Shopify offers an extensive range of features, making it a powerful platform for e-commerce.

In contrast, Squarespace is ideal for those who want a visually stunning website with e-commerce capabilities. With its user-friendly interface and elegant designs, it’s perfect for creative businesses and small retailers. There are many Squarespace sites that please the eyes, and it’s thanks to its capability to achieve that.

These two options can make good online stores, but do consider functionality. Shopify excels in e-commerce features, unlike Squarespace. Squarespace is geared toward design and content management.

After that, take a look at the pricing: Evaluate your budget and the value each platform offers for the cost. Keep in mind transaction fees and available integrations.

Last but not least, consider the aspect of support: Since both platforms provide excellent customer support, assess the resources available, such as help centers, guides, and community forums.

Experiment with both website builders by using the free trial periods to get a feel for how they work. By exploring your options and identifying your priorities, you’ll select the platform best suited to your unique business needs.

So, which one is your best-suited ecommerce website builder? Squarespace? Or Shopify?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use Shopify and Squarespace for free?

Shopify offers a fourteen day free trial that allows you to explore its features without entering credit card information. Squarespace offers a fourteen day free trial, but unlike Shopify, it requires you to enter payment details before the trial starts.

What do users like best about Shopify?

Users appreciate Shopify’s ease of use, a wide range of features, and extensive app store that offers additional functionality. The platform’s versatility is particularly popular, as it supports both small businesses and large enterprises seamlessly.

How does Shopify’s social media integration work?

Shopify enables you to integrate your store with various social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. This integration allows you to sell products directly on these platforms, reaching a broader audience and streamlining the purchasing process for your customers.

What are the differences between Shopify and Squarespace’s SEO tools?

Both Shopify and Squarespace offer built-in SEO tools to help you optimize your site for search engines. Shopify’s SEO tools are considered more powerful and advanced, while Squarespace focuses on simplicity and providing essential SEO tools. Depending on your needs and expertise, one may be more suitable for you.

How easy is it to edit HTML and CSS on both platforms?

Both Shopify and Squarespace stores allow you to edit your site’s HTML and CSS. Shopify provides a more flexible and powerful editing experience through its theme editor and Liquid templating language. The Squarespace site, on the other hand, offers editing through its built-in CSS editor, which is more beginner-friendly but may be limiting for experienced developers.