An honest comparison
Squarespace vs. a Custom-Built Website
Squarespace makes the best looking templates of any builder, and a lot of small businesses start there. Here is how it stacks up against a site built from scratch, on cost, time, speed and who owns what.
Side by Side
Where the two paths actually differ
Not a list of reasons to be scared off Squarespace. Just what each path really costs you, in money, time, and flexibility.
Cost
Squarespace
About $16 to $52 a month for as long as the site is up, plus fees if you sell online. Nice templates, but you rent them.
Custom build
One build price up front, starting at $997 for a landing page or $1,997 for a full site. After that, hosting from $59 a month with me, or anywhere you choose.
Time investment
Squarespace
Squarespace is easier than most builders, but you still do the work. Expect a few weekends to get it looking right, and more each time you change something.
Custom build
You answer a few questions and send photos. I build it and hand it over finished, usually in two to three weeks.
Design flexibility
Squarespace
The templates are the best of any builder, which is why so many sites look like each other. Stepping outside the template takes custom code, and Squarespace charges extra for that.
Custom build
Nothing starts from a template. The layout, motion and type are built around your business, so it does not look like the shop down the street.
SEO and speed
Squarespace
Decent SEO basics built in. Speed is the weak spot: the editor loads scripts and fonts you never asked for, and photo-heavy pages get slow on phones.
Custom build
Only the code the page needs. Fast on a phone, with clean headings and schema that help Google understand what you do.
Upkeep
Squarespace
Squarespace handles updates and security, which is a real plus. Editing the site, fixing layout problems and keeping content fresh are still on you.
Custom build
I handle updates, backups and fixes. On a monthly plan I also make your text and photo changes for you.
Ownership
Squarespace
You own your words and photos. You do not own the site. Cancel and it goes dark, and there is no way to export the design.
Custom build
You own the code and every file. Move it, host it anywhere, hire anyone to work on it.
When Squarespace Is Actually the Right Call
If you are a photographer, artist or one-person creative business with great photos and a simple message, Squarespace is a good fit. It is also right if you want to edit your site yourself every week and do not want to pay anyone for that. Where it falls short is speed and local SEO once you need the site to bring in customers.
Questions People Ask
Squarespace questions, answered plainly
Is Squarespace good for a small business?
Yes, for a lot of them. If you sell a simple service, have nice photos and are happy to build it yourself, it works. The trouble starts when you want to rank for local searches, load fast on phones, or do anything the template does not allow.
Squarespace or Wix, which is better?
Squarespace has nicer templates and a cleaner editor. Wix gives you more freedom to drag things around, which also makes it easier to make a mess. Neither one beats a custom site on speed or ownership. If you are choosing between the two, pick Squarespace for looks and Wix for odd layouts and apps. I wrote up Wix at /compare/wix-vs-custom-website.
Can you rebuild my Squarespace site?
Yes. I keep what works, fix what does not, and rebuild it in clean code that you own. Most rebuilds fall under the full site build on /pricing.
Ready for your site to work as hard as you do?
Tell me about your business and I'll reply with honest recommendations and a clear quote. No pressure either way.
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