Webflow vs. Squarespace: choosing the best low-code platform for your project

When dipping your toes into no-code development, choosing between Webflow and Squarespace can be tough. Both platforms give you the possibility to build beautiful, functional websites without much hassle and in record time. But, not every low-code/no-code tool is created equal and your choice of platform can definitely impact the success and longevity of your site. Let’s then go over how these two platforms compare so you can finally answer the question: Webflow or Squarespace?

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How quickly can you get started?

If you're looking for something extra easy to use, Squarespace is a good option. Its drag-and-drop interface is straightforward and user-friendly, letting anyone create a professional-looking website without needing much tech know-how. This is especially convenient for small businesses, artists, and entrepreneurs who want to launch their site quickly without getting bogged down by complicated tools or steep learning curves.

Webflow, on the other hand, gives you a lot more design flexibility but might require a bit more effort to learn. It’s not as plug-and-play as Squarespace, so if you’re willing to invest some time to learn the ropes or team up with a web design studio, Webflow can unlock a ton of creative options. It’s a solid choice for designers or businesses that want full control over their website’s design and features. While it might take a bit longer to master, the design freedom you gain is definitely worth it.

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Customization: the limits (or lack thereof) on design

When it comes to customization, the main difference is how much control you want over your website’s look. Squarespace is known for its beautiful templates, which offer a variety of sleek, professional designs that look great out of the box. While these templates make it easy to create a polished website quickly, they do limit your customization options. You can of course tweak fonts, colors, and some layout aspects, but deeper design control isn’t part of the package. 

In contrast, Webflow truly excels in design flexibility and offers unlimited customization possibilities. You’re not stuck to pre-made templates but can create your own from scratch or modify every detail of an existing one to match your brand perfectly. This is a game-changer for designers. Webflow’s visual editor lets you customize every single element down to the pixel, so you can bring your most complex design ideas to life. Want to add custom animations, intricate layouts, or highly interactive features? That’s no problem with Webflow.

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SEO and performance

By now, we all know how important SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is for any website to rank and drive organic traffic. Luckily, both platforms offer built-in SEO tools that will make it easier for you to optimize your site for Google and other search engines. 

With Squarespace, you get access to basic SEO functionality, like customizable page titles, descriptions, and alt text for images. The platform also takes care of things like automatic sitemaps and SSL encryption, so your website meets the minimum requirements for search engines. 

Webflow plays in a different ballpark and takes SEO a step further. From metadata and alt tags to URL structures, it gives you control over almost every aspect of optimization. You also get auto-generated sitemaps, SSL encryption, and simple 301 redirects. On top of that, Webflow’s clean code and fast load times make sure your site performs well, which is essential for both search engine rankings and user satisfaction. 

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E-commerce capabilities

Here again, both Webflow and Squarespace offer their users the possibility to run an online shop thanks to their integrated e-commerce capabilities (with their e-commerce plans). The main difference between the two lies in the level of customization during the customer journey. 

Squarespace’s e-commerce features are easy to set up and use. It gives you the possibility to add up to 10,000 products and has extensive email marketing tools, which can be really handy to communicate with customers. Plus, the platform offers inventory management, payment processing, and shipping options, all within a simple, user-friendly interface.

Webflow’s e-commerce capabilities are pretty similar but include up to 15,000 e-commerce items and a greater level of customization both on the buyer’s and seller’s sides. Thanks to the possibility of integrating third-party tools like Mailchimp or ShipStation, you get to customize your own experience as the store owner. And, when it comes to the customer journey, you can fully personalize your store's design and user experience by customizing the layout of your cart, checkout page, and payment options.

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Performance over time: which platform is more future-proof?

One of your biggest considerations when choosing a website builder should be scalability and how well it will grow with your business. 

On the one hand, Squarespace is a great choice if you need something simple, elegant, and functional right now. Including hosting, domain management, built-in SEO and marketing tools, its all-in-one ecosystem is really handy and doesn’t require much more for you to get started. This being said, as your website and business grow, you may find yourself wanting more functionalities and customization options that could eventually require you to move to a more flexible platform.

Webflow, on the other hand, offers a much more scalable solution right off the bat. By not being restricted by templates or simplified tools, your Webflow website gets to evolve along with your business. Whether you want to introduce interactive features, deal with complex CMS content, or boost your SEO game, Webflow can adapt to your changing needs. It's perfect for businesses that expect to grow over time or have intricate web requirements from the start, providing a flexible platform that meets both creative and technical challenges.

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So, bottom line: is Webflow better than Squarespace? 

Here, at Studio by Miyagami, we think it is! While both Webflow and Squarespace are excellent platforms, if you’re serious about creating a website that not only looks beautiful but also functions seamlessly and adapts to future challenges, Webflow is the platform that will allow you to push your site to new heights. 

At Studio by Miyagami, it has become our go-to for creating vibrant, high-quality web projects that cater to both our clients' needs and our own standards. Thinking about having us create your next digital project using Webflow? <show-contact>Reach out to us<show-contact>!