Choosing a website platform is about as fun as trying to decide what to watch on Netflix when your partner insists on “just one more episode” of that show you hate. But here’s the thing: unlike your Netflix choices, your website platform actually matters for your business. (Sorry, Netflix. You know I love you.)
So, grab your popcorn (or your kale chips, no judgment here), and let’s dive into the epic battle of WordPress (.org not .com!) vs Showit vs Squarespace vs Wix. We’re talking features, ease of use, flexibility, and yes, even the dreaded pricing. By the end of this, you’ll be so well-informed, you’ll be the go-to guru at your next dietitian happy hour. (That’s a thing, right? If not, it should be.)
Let’s start with the question on everyone’s mind: “Can I build this website without wanting to throw my computer out the window?”
WordPress is like that friend who’s super smart but sometimes speaks in riddles. It’s incredibly powerful, but it can be overwhelming if you’re new to web design. Think of it as the “choose your own adventure” of website builders.
Showit is like the cool art teacher of website builders. It gives you a blank canvas and says, “Go wild, kid!” Great for creative types who want control over design without needing to code.
Squarespace can be sleek and stylish if you’re looking for a super simple site (assuming you don’t know how to code).
Wix is like the “easy” button of website builders. It holds your hand through the whole process and even offers to do most of the work for you with its AI.
Round 1 Winner: Squarespace
Squarespace offers the entry point for beginners. But remember, ease of use isn’t everything!
Now, let’s talk about making your site look as good as that perfectly styled plate of food you posted on Instagram.
WordPress is like a fully stocked kitchen. You can make pretty much anything, but you need to know your way around the tools.
Showit is like having a personal chef who lets you into the kitchen. You have a lot of control, and it’s hard to mess up too badly.
Squarespace is like a fancy restaurant with a set menu. Everything looks great, but you might struggle if you want something that’s not on the menu.
Wix is like a buffet. There’s a lot to choose from, and you can mix and match, but it might not be as refined as a plated meal.
Round 2 Winner: WordPress (with Showit as a close second)
WordPress offers the most flexibility, especially if you’re willing to learn or hire help. Showit is great for those who want design control without the coding.
Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Can these platforms do what you need them to do?
WordPress is like a Swiss Army knife. It can do almost anything with the right plugins.
Showit is like a really nice fountain pen. It’s great at what it does (design), but you might need other tools for some tasks.
Squarespace is like a high-end all-in-one appliance. It does a lot out of the box, and it does it well.
Wix is like a well-equipped starter home. It has most of what you need.
Round 3 Winner: WordPress
WordPress takes this round due to its unmatched flexibility and the sheer number of plugins and integrations available.
Because what’s the point of a beautiful website if no one can find it, right?
WordPress is like having a personal SEO coach. It gives you all the tools, but you need to know how to use them.
Showit is like having a helpful SEO assistant. It covers the basics and does a good job, but might not go as deep as some need.
Squarespace is like an SEO checklist. It helps you hit all the important points without overwhelming you.
Wix is like an SEO workshop for beginners. It teaches you as you go and helps you cover the basics.
Round 4 Winner: WordPress
WordPress wins again due to its unparalleled control and customization options for SEO.
Alright, let’s talk money. Because as much as we’d all love to pretend otherwise, budget matters.
WordPress is like cooking at home. The ingredients (hosting, domain) are cheap, but you might splurge on fancy kitchen gadgets (premium themes/plugins).
Showit is like a meal kit delivery service. It’s more expensive than cooking from scratch, but everything you need is included. And their lower tiers don’t include blogging.
Squarespace is like a prix fixe menu. You know exactly what you’re getting and how much it’ll cost upfront.
Wix is like a restaurant with an extensive menu. There’s a price point for everyone, but you might end up paying for extras.
Round 5 Winner: It depends on your needs
WordPress can be the cheapest option if you’re tech-savvy, but Squarespace might be more cost-effective if you factor in the time you’ll save.
Plot twist: There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. (I know, I know, after all that, how dare I not crown a winner? But hear me out.)
Look, I’ll be honest with you. I’m a WordPress fan. It’s my go-to platform for most projects because I love its flexibility and the control it gives me. But you know what? I’m not a WordPress snob.
The truth is, the best platform is the one that works for YOU.
The one that lets you get your message out there, connect with your clients, and doesn’t make you want to throw your computer out the window every time you need to update your services page.
Remember, your website is a tool, not a destination. It’s there to help you reach your goals, not to become another full-time job.
So choose the platform that aligns with your skills, your time, and your business needs.
And hey, if you start with one platform and outgrow it? That’s okay too. You can always switch later. (Yes, it’s a pain, but it’s not the end of the world. Trust me, I’ve been there.)
At the end of the day, what matters most is that you have a website that you’re proud of, that represents your brand well, and that helps your clients find and connect with you. Whether that’s on WordPress, Showit, Squarespace, Wix, or some new platform that’ll probably pop up next week (because let’s face it, tech moves fast), the important thing is that you’re out there, doing your thing.
Courtney has 15+ years of experience putting together and designing marketing materials, WordPress websites, customer experiences, and workflows that help you save time and money. She developed these skills during her years as a Director of Corporate Health Services, Group Fitness Program Manager, Lead Wellness Dietitian, fitness and yoga instructor, and her own nutrition private practice, Vickery Wellness.
She also taught undergraduate courses at the University of Georgia where she graduated with the following degrees:
Declet Designs offers branding, website design, strategy, and local SEO for weight-inclusive private practices & small businesses. Located in Athens, GA, and serves businesses nationally and internationally.
Declet Designs is a welcoming and inclusive space for all people regardless of their race, ethnicity, age, body size, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, neurodivergence, or national origin.
Declet Designs is located on the lands of the Muscogee and Tsalaguwetiyi people and wishes to acknowledge them as the Traditional Custodians of this land. We also pay our respects to their Elders, past, present & emerging.
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