When it comes to building a website that not only looks beautiful, but actually works for your business, choosing the right website platform is everything.

Your website is more than just a pretty online space. It’s the first hello to your dream clients, and the bridge between someone clicking away or clicking book now. So, how do you know if Squarespace, Showit, or Shopify is the right fit for you?

Each website platform has its own magic, quirks, and ideal fit. Whether you’re a creative entrepreneur, a service provider, or running an online shop, let’s break down the pros, cons, and why you might choose one over the others.

Squarespace: An Easy, All-in-One Solution

Best For: Service providers, creatives, and small business owners who want a beautiful website without the tech-induced headaches.

Squarespace is the friend who always has their life together: minimalist, sleek, and effortlessly functional. If you’re looking for a website that’s almost ready straight out of the box, this one’s for you.

Everything is built in: hosting, security, SEO tools, analytics – you name it. No endless plugin rabbit holes, no worrying about code. Just pick a template, customize it to match your brand, and you’re good to go.

If you want an elegant, easy-to-manage website that takes care of all the techy stuff for you, Squarespace is a dream. Perfect for service providers, creatives, and small businesses who want a site that’s low-maintenance but still stunning.

The Pros:

• All-in-one website platform (no separate hosting, no extra fees for security)
• User-friendly
• Built-in blogging and simple eCommerce features
• More affordable compared to more complex platforms

The Cons:

• Limited creative freedom: You have to work within structured layouts
• Not ideal for full-scale eCommerce: it works for small shops but isn’t as powerful as Shopify
• Less customization compared to Showit

Want an example? Check out The Collab Collective’s site which we designed in Squarespace in the summer of 2024! →

Showit: Complete Creative Freedom

Best For: Photographers, designers, and creative entrepreneurs who want a completely custom site that looks and feels one-of-a-kind.

Showit is the equivalent of a blank canvas and a brand-new set of paints, total creative freedom. Unlike Squarespace, where you work within structured templates, Showit lets you move things anywhere. Want text that dances across the page? A layout that feels like an actual work of art? Go for it.

And the best part? Blogging happens through WordPress, meaning more SEO potential with WordPress tools.

If branding and aesthetics are everything to you, Showit is the website platform. It’s for those who want a site that doesn’t just function, it feels like an experience. If you’re a photographer, designer, or creative business owner who needs to stand out visually, this is your match.

The Pros:

• Complete creative control – if you can envision it, you can design it
• Drag-and-drop editor (limited to no code necessary)
• Best for branding-focused businesses — because your website will be exactly how you envision it
• Uses WordPress for blogging, giving you strong SEO capabilities

The Cons:

• No built-in eCommerce (but you can integrate Shopify’s Basic plan if needed)
• Steeper learning curve than Squarespace
• No built-in SEO tools everything is done through WordPress, which takes more effort

Check out this Showit website designed by the Kylie Buss Design studio →

Shopify: The Website Platform for Selling Online

Best For: Product-based businesses, online shops, and brands whose main goal is to sell.

If Squarespace and Showit are built for creativity, Shopify is all about business, it’s the platform that keeps your online store running smoothly.

Shopify was built for selling – inventory management, payment processing, abandoned cart recovery, and marketing integrations are all included. While it doesn’t offer as much design flexibility as Showit, its strength lies in its ability to help your business scale.

If you want an elegant, easy-to-manage website that takes care of all the techy stuff for you, Squarespace is a dream. Perfect for service providers, creatives, and small businesses who want a site that’s low-maintenance but still stunning.

The Pros:

• Amazing eCommerce features, built specifically for selling
• Endless third-party apps for marketing, sales, and automation
• Scalable for businesses of all sizes
• Built-in abandoned cart recovery, because we all know shoppers get distracted

The Cons:

• Limited design flexibility, it’s more about function than aesthetics
• Higher costs, monthly fees and transaction fees if you don’t use Shopify Payments
• Not the most intuitive, it takes a little learning to get comfortable

Check out Gather & Knot’s Shopify Site designed by the KBD Studio →

So, which on is right for you?

The best platform for you depends on your goals.

Here’s your cheat sheet:

• If you want ease – Squarespace.
• If you want full creative control – Showit.
• If you want to sell, sell, sell – Shopify.

At the end of the day, your website should work for you, not against you. Whether you’re building a dreamy brand experience, a streamlined service-based site, or an online store, picking the right platform makes all the difference.

Need help making the decision? Book a call by filling out the contact form, I’d love to help you create the site of your dreams.