Comparing Cloud-Based Web Development Platforms Wix vs WordPress.com vs Squarespace
Are you in desperate need of a website, but don't have the coding know-how to create one from scratch? Fear not! Cloud-based web development platforms can help you create a professional-looking website in no time. The problem is, with so many options out there, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. Don't worry, though; we're here to help. In this post, we'll compare three of the most popular cloud-based web development platforms: Wix, WordPress.com, and Squarespace. So, without further ado...
Ease of Use
| Platform | Ease of Use (1-10) |
|---|---|
| Wix | 9 |
| WordPress.com | 7 |
| Squarespace | 8 |
Let's start with ease of use. All three platforms are user-friendly, but some are more intuitive than others. Wix comes out on top here with its drag-and-drop editor, making it easy to customize your website without needing much technical know-how. Squarespace has a similar editor, but some users have reported it can be slightly more complex. WordPress.com is the most technically challenging of the three, with a steeper learning curve.
Cost
| Platform | Basic Monthly Cost | Higher-Tier Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Wix | $14 | $35 |
| WordPress.com | $4 | $45 |
| Squarespace | $12 | $40 |
Cost is undoubtedly a significant factor when deciding which platform to use. All three have a range of pricing tiers to suit different budgets. Wix is the cheapest option, with its basic plan starting at $14 per month, while Squarespace is slightly more expensive at $12 per month. WordPress.com offers the cheapest basic plan, starting at just $4 per month. However, prices will vary depending on the features you need. WordPress.com's premium plan is a whopping $45 per month, compared to Wix's $35 per month.
Features
| Platform | Number of Templates | Number of Plugins | Commerce Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wix | 500+ | 250+ | Yes |
| WordPress.com | 200+ | 55,000+ | Yes |
| Squarespace | 100+ | Extensive built-in features | Yes |
When it comes to features, all three platforms offer a wealth of options. Wix has over 500 templates to choose from, while Squarespace has 100+. WordPress.com doesn't have quite so many templates, but it more than makes up for it with the sheer number of plugins available, a whopping 55,000+. Squarespace offers an extensive range of built-in features, so you won't need to use third-party plugins. All three platforms offer commerce features, which is essential if you want to sell products online.
SEO
| Platform | SEO Features |
|---|---|
| Wix | Basic |
| WordPress.com | Advanced |
| Squarespace | Advanced |
Finally, let's take a look at SEO features. All three platforms come with basic SEO features, such as meta tags and descriptions. However, WordPress.com and Squarespace go above and beyond with advanced SEO features, such as custom URLs and sitemaps, making it easier for your website to rank higher in search engines.
Conclusion
So, which platform is right for you? Ultimately, it depends on your needs and budget. Wix is the most user-friendly and cheapest option, while WordPress.com offers the most features, especially when it comes to plugins. Squarespace offers extensive built-in features and great SEO capabilities. Whichever platform you choose, all three can help you create a professional-looking website easily.