What’s the Best Website Platform for Online Businesses: Squarespace or Shopify?
If you’re starting or scaling an online business, one of the first big decisions you’ll face is: What platform should I build my website on?
For most of my clients, the answer comes down to one rule of thumb:
Shopify is best for ecommerce businesses.
Squarespace is best for service-based businesses.
But let’s dive deeper, because each platform has its strengths (and drawbacks).
Shopify: Built for Selling Products
Pros of Shopify
Ecommerce powerhouse: Shopify is designed for selling. Some of the biggest online retailers in the world—like Kylie Cosmetics—run on Shopify. If your business is all about moving products, this is where Shopify shines.
Endless functionality: From inventory management to advanced checkout options, wholesale pricing, and more, Shopify’s ecosystem of apps and plugins can add almost any feature you can imagine.
Scalability: It’s built to grow with you. Whether you’re selling 10 products or 10,000, Shopify can handle it.
Cons of Shopify
Customization costs: While Shopify templates look polished, making them truly custom often requires a designer or developer—and that can get expensive.
Plugin overload: Many common features (like wholesale pricing, email marketing, or advanced pop-ups) require additional apps or plugins, which can add to your monthly costs.
Design flexibility: Beyond the homepage, custom layouts can feel clunky. If you want every page to have a unique, branded look, you might feel a bit boxed in.
Squarespace: Simplicity Meets Style
Pros of Squarespace
All-in-one platform: Squarespace bundles everything—domain, hosting, templates, email, even online courses and products—into one seamless package.
Design freedom: It’s incredibly easy to make every page feel unique and on-brand without touching a single line of code.
User-friendly: The interface is intuitive, which makes it perfect for business owners who want to DIY their site or update things on the fly.
Cons of Squarespace
Ecommerce limitations: While you can sell products on Squarespace, its ecommerce functionality doesn’t match Shopify’s depth. If your primary focus is running a large-scale online store, you may find it lacking.
So, Which Should You Choose?
Choose Shopify if you’re running a product-based business where ecommerce is the star of the show. You’ll have the flexibility and power to scale your shop as big as you can dream.
Choose Squarespace if you’re a service-based business, coach, wellness brand, or creative entrepreneur who needs a beautiful, functional website that’s easy to manage and update.
At the end of the day, both platforms can help you run a successful online business—it just depends on what you need most.
Need Help Deciding?
I specialize in creating custom Squarespace and Shopify websites that fit your business goals and your brand identity. If you’re still unsure which direction to go, let’s talk.
Book an intro call and I’ll help you figure out the best path forward for your business.
