Squarespace vs. Showit: Which Platform Is Right For Your Biz?
Building a website is kinda like picking the right bike. Some are sturdy and reliable, ready to roll straight out of the shop. Others let you tweak every little detail—custom handlebars, vintage bell, maybe even a sidecar—if you’re willing to tinker.
That’s the Squarespace vs. Showit debate in a nutshell.
And as a website studio that has built dozens of websites on both platforms, we know exactly where each one cruises with ease—and where they might leave you huffing uphill.
The truth?
Neither is “better”. But one is better for you.
So, let’s break it down.
Which Website Builder Has the Best Features: Squarespace or Showit?
A website isn’t just a pretty face—it has to do things. Whether that’s blogging, selling products, or running an email list, some platforms make it easy, while others make you piece it together.
Squarespace has everything built in.
Blogging, eCommerce, online courses, email marketing, analytics, and even a stock photo library—it’s all included. No messing with outside services or extra subscriptions (unless you want advanced features like memberships or courses). Squarespace makes it easy to get started and keep things running.
Showit lets you do it all...with a few extra steps.
You can blog, but you’ll need WordPress. You can sell products, but you’ll need Shopify Lite or Thrivecart. Email marketing? That’s another integration. Most advanced functions require plug-ins, third-party platforms, or another subscription.
Verdict: Do we even have to say it? Squarespace, Squarespace, Squarespace.
Squarespace vs. Showit: Which Platform Gives You More Creative Freedom?
Some website builders give you just enough control to tweak things within a neat little box. Others throw the rulebook out the window and let you design whatever your heart desires (for better or worse).
Christine Nicole’s custom website, built on Squarespace.
Squarespace makes customization simple.
You can adjust layouts, swap fonts, change colors, and even add custom code (yep, we do that). It gives you flexibility without the chaos. You can’t put elements anywhere, but that’s =a good thing—it keeps your design balanced and makes updates easier down the line.
Showit hands you total creative control.
Move anything, anywhere. Layer elements, create unique layouts, and build a site from top to bottom. If your brand identity is highly visual or unconventional, Showit lets you go all in. But without a built-in structure, it’s also easier to break things or end up with a design that’s harder to manage—especially if you’re not a designer.
Verdict: If you’re DIYing, Squarespace gives you structure so things don’t go off the rails. If you’re working with professionals (like us!), you can get a fully custom site either way.
Which Is More Beginner-Friendly: Squarespace or Showit?
Website builders love to promise they’re “easy.” But what they actually mean is, “easy, if you already know what you’re doing.”
Squarespace keeps things simple.
Everything—hosting, security, updates—is built in, so you don’t have to think about the backend. The editor is structured, meaning you can drag things around, but within a system that keeps your layout intact. There’s a learning curve, but once you get the basics down, it’s easy to update without breaking anything.
Showit gives you more choices but fewer guardrails.
The interface is true drag-and-drop, so you can move anything anywhere with no restrictions. That freedom is great if you know what you’re doing, but overwhelming if you don’t. Unlike Squarespace, Showit doesn’t have built-in hosting, so setup takes a few extra steps.
Verdict: Squarespace is easier to set up and manage. But if we’re talking purely about design interface, the platforms aren’t that different.
Squarespace vs. Showit: Who Does Accessibility Better?
Accessibility isn’t about ticking a box—it’s about making sure people can use your site, whether they’re navigating by keyboard, using a screen reader, or trying to read your content in bad lighting.
Squarespace bakes in accessibility basics.
Their templates follow best practices right out of the gate—proper heading structures, mobile-friendly layouts, and clear navigation. You still have to do your part (alt text, legible fonts, good color contrast), but the foundation is solid.
Showit wasn’t built with accessibility as a priority, and it shows.
Keyboard navigation is inconsistent, screen readers struggle with content order, and there’s no built-in structure to keep things organized. An accessible Showit site is possible, but it takes more work.
Verdict: Squarespace for the win, again!
Tousled Beauty Co.’s custom website built on Showit.
SEO Showdown: Will Squarespace or Showit Help You Rank Higher?
People love to argue about which platform is better for SEO, but let’s be real—Google doesn’t care what you built your site on. What matters? A site that’s well-structured, easy to navigate, and full of content people want to read.
Squarespace gives you everything you need for SEO.
Meta titles, descriptions, automatic sitemaps, mobile-friendly design—it’s all built in. The only catch? Squarespace sites can be a little slower but unless you’re uploading billboard-sized images, it’s not enough to stress about.
And the results speak for themselves! One of our clients, Fluent Expression, switched from Wix to Squarespace and saw their Google clicks and impressions double in just six months after she launched their new site.
Showit gives you all the same SEO settings and a little more.
Since its blog runs on WordPress, you can use plugins like Yoast SEO or RankMath. These tools can be helpful, but they’re not magic—just because RankMath gives you a perfect score doesn’t mean Google will roll out the red carpet.
Verdict: SEO isn’t about the platform—it’s about the site itself. Call this one a tie.
Squarespace vs. Showit: Which Platform Offers the Best Bang for Your Buck?
Website pricing isn’t just about the number on the price tag. It’s about what’s included and what’s going to cost you extra.
Squarespace gives you more value upfront.
Hosting, blogging, analytics, and even a free domain for the first year are included in Squarespace’s pricing. Plans start at $21/month for a basic site, while business and eCommerce plans range from $32–$66/month.
(And if you build with us, you’ll get an exclusive Squarespace Circle Member discount. Our clients get a special deal through Samara, meaning you’ll save even more on your first year!)
Showit’s add-ons can drive up the cost.
Showit’s basic site (no blog) is $27/month, while blog-friendly plans start at $35/month. If your blog is a big part of your business, you’ll need the $56/month plan. Unlike Squarespace, you’ll also need to buy your domain separately.
Verdict: Unless blogging is your full-time thing, Squarespace gives you way more for your money.
Christy Renee’s custom website for her destination photography business, built on Squarespace.
Wild Roots’ custom website, built on Showit.
So, Which Website Platform Is Right For Your Business?
By now, you should have a pretty solid idea of which platform fits your brand.
If you want a site that looks great and has everything built in—Squarespace.
If you want total design freedom and don’t mind extra setup—Showit.
Whichever one you pick, we make sure it works. Hosting? Done. Blog? Connected. Design? Custom. Copy? Written. Tech headaches? Not your problem.
Because getting your website together shouldn’t feel like a never-ending uphill climb. Whether you go with Squarespace or Showit, you need a site that feels good to use, fits your brand, and actually helps your business grow—not something that sits half-finished while you try to figure out the backend.
That’s where we come in.
We don’t just set up the basics and call it a day. We build websites that are thoughtfully designed, easy to update, and actually do their job—so you can do yours. Whether you’re launching from scratch or giving your website a much-needed upgrade, we make the process clear, fast, and (dare we say) fun.
