When it comes to building a website for your small business, choosing the right platform can make all the difference. Two popular options that I’ve had experience with are Webflow and Squarespace. Each has its own set of strengths and drawbacks, and the best choice really depends on your specific needs, budget, and long-term goals. Let’s dive into a comparison of the two, based on what I’ve seen as a marketer and designer.
Webflow: Design Freedom Meets Technical Power
The Benefits:
- Super Customizable: If you’re someone who wants full control over your site’s look and feel, Webflow is a dream. Unlike many website builders that force you into pre-made templates, Webflow gives you the freedom to design almost anything you can imagine. You can customize down to the smallest detail, which is great for businesses looking to stand out and make a unique impression.
- Easier to Use Complex Code: Webflow is a mix of a visual editor and a code editor. So, if you or someone on your team knows a bit of HTML, CSS, or JavaScript, you can take things a step further. This makes it easier to implement more advanced features or integrate external tools without feeling like you’re fighting the platform.
- Custom CMS Collections: This is where Webflow shines. The CMS (Content Management System) is incredibly flexible, allowing you to build custom databases for your content. Whether it’s a blog, product catalog, portfolio, or something totally unique, you can set up collections to organize and display content exactly how you want. This is a huge advantage if you plan on creating a content-heavy site.
- Manual Control Over SEO: I appreciate the way Webflow handles SEO. While other platforms automate a lot of it, Webflow lets you manually tweak SEO settings for each page, image, and collection. This can be a real asset for larger or more complex sites where SEO is crucial, as you’re not restricted by the limitations of automated tools.
The Drawbacks:
- E-commerce is SUPER Basic: If you’re planning to run an online store, Webflow might not be the best fit. Its e-commerce features are very basic, and while they get the job done for smaller stores, you’ll find the setup and customization options lacking compared to dedicated platforms like Shopify.
- Longer Setup Process & Execution Timeline: The customization that makes Webflow so powerful also makes it more time-consuming. It’s not a plug-and-play experience, so be prepared to invest more time (or hire a designer/developer) to get your site up and running. If you’re in a rush or don’t have a technical background, this can be a dealbreaker.
Squarespace: Simplicity and Functionality in One Package
The Benefits:
- User-Friendly (Requires Less Coding Knowledge): Squarespace is designed for people who want a professional-looking website without getting into the weeds of coding. It’s all about simplicity. You can pick a template, add your content, and launch a polished site quickly. This is ideal for small business owners who need to get online fast without a steep learning curve.
- Packed with Integrated SEO Tools: Squarespace comes with built-in SEO features that handle a lot of the heavy lifting for you. It automatically generates sitemaps, manages redirects, and optimizes URLs. While it’s not as hands-on as Webflow, it’s still effective, especially if you don’t want to spend a lot of time managing SEO.
The Drawbacks:
- Limited Design Customization: Squarespace has improved its design capabilities with the new Fluid Engine, but there are still limits to how much you can customize. You can modify templates, but if you want to create something truly unique, you might find yourself feeling a bit boxed in. For small businesses with simple design needs, this isn’t a huge issue, but for those wanting a highly custom site, it can be frustrating.
- Limited CMS Collection Types: While Squarespace does have a CMS, it’s not as robust or flexible as Webflow’s. You’re restricted to their predefined content types, which can be limiting if you need to set up custom structures for more complex content.
So, Which One Should You Choose?
- Choose Webflow if: You want complete control over your website’s design and are comfortable with a bit of a learning curve. It’s ideal for businesses that need a highly custom site or those who want to integrate more complex features. Just keep in mind that you might need to invest more time (or money) upfront to get everything working perfectly.
- Choose Squarespace if: You want a quick and easy solution that doesn’t require a lot of coding. It’s perfect for small businesses that need a simple, professional-looking site up and running without a lot of fuss. Squarespace handles a lot of the back-end stuff for you, making it a great choice for busy business owners who don’t have the time to learn web design.
My Takeaway
Both platforms have their place, and I’ve enjoyed using each one for different projects. Webflow is my go-to when a client needs something that really stands out or has complex content requirements. On the other hand, I often recommend Squarespace for smaller projects where simplicity and speed are priorities. The right choice for you will depend on what you value more: creative freedom or convenience.
