Squarespace vs. Showit: The Website Platform Matchmaker for Creatives

Let’s be honest — picking the right website platform when you’re a creative is basically like dating in your 30s.

You definitely know what you don’t want (bad UX, clunky backend, commitment issues)…
But who’s actually worth building a long-term relationship with?

Should you go for the clean, dependable vibes of Squarespace?
Or the artsy, "you up?" energy of Showit?

As a web and brand designer based in Austin, I’ve worked with dozens of creatives, influencers, and service providers — and 90% of them fall into one of these camps:

• Totally overwhelmed by the tech

• Stuck with a platform that doesn’t get them

• Trying to DIY their dream site and feeling like they need a nap (or a margarita)

So let’s break it down — no fluff, just real talk — and figure out which platform is your creative soulmate.

Meet the Contenders: Squarespace vs. Showit

FeatureSquarespaceShowitEase of UseBeginner-friendly, all-in-oneVisual drag-and-drop, some learning curveDesign FlexibilityGreat for clean layoutsWildly customizable, no code neededBloggingBuilt-in toolsPowered by WordPress (big SEO win)E-commerceNative toolsNeeds integration (Shopify, Thrivecart, etc.)SEOSolid and simpleStrong via WordPress backendMobile OptimizationAutomatically responsiveManual control (amazing, but needs attention)SupportFast email/chat supportSuper helpful team + deep tutorial libraryBest ForMinimalist brands, service prosVisual brands, photographers, stylists, coaches

Why You Might Love Squarespace

Squarespace is like the friend who shows up early, always brings snacks, and just gets your vibe without needing a lot of explanation. It’s reliable, polished, and ready to help you launch — fast.

Why my clients love it:

• Templates that are beautiful and easy to use

• Built-in tools for blogging, email, SEO, e-comm, scheduling — the whole shebang

• A simple backend that won’t make you cry

• Mobile-friendly right out of the gate

But here’s the catch: Squarespace likes structure. It’s not the platform for rule-breakers or layout rebels. If you want overlapping text, collage-style visuals, or anything that feels “editorial-chic,” you’ll either need a designer — or a working knowledge of CSS and a large iced coffee.

Why You Might Love Showit

Showit is the artsy one. Think: thrifted boots, beautifully curated chaos, and ideas that can’t be boxed in.

Why it’s a dream for creatives:

• Drag-and-drop freedom (seriously, move anything anywhere)

• Ideal for visual brands, stylists, photographers, and aesthetic-driven coaches

• SEO powerhouse via WordPress blogging

• Separate mobile layout control — so your site looks amazing everywhere

The trade-off? It takes a little more time to learn, and you’ll need to connect a few outside tools (think Shopify for your shop or ConvertKit for email). But the freedom to make something totally yours? Worth it.

So… Which One’s Right for You?

Choose Squarespace if you:

• Want a polished site live like, yesterday

• Prefer built-in tools over plugin chaos

• Offer services and need a sleek portfolio

• Don’t want to obsess over every pixel

Choose Showit if you:

• Have a strong brand identity you want to show off

• Are a visual thinker with opinions about layout

• Blog often and want SEO that works

• Are ready for something that feels custom and high-end

What I Recommend (as Someone Who’s Built Both for Real Humans)

Here’s the question I ask my clients when we’re choosing a platform together:

Do you want something easy to manage that still looks good?
Or do you want something stunningly custom that might need a bit more upfront time — or a designer’s help — to bring to life?

If you’re just starting out, want to move fast, or value simplicity above all: go Squarespace.

If you’re rebranding, leveling up, raising your rates, or ready for a website that feels like a moodboard come to life: go Showit.

Need Help Picking (or Building) the Right Site?

I design custom websites for creative entrepreneurs, influencers, and service providers who are scaling up — without selling out.

Whether you’re going full DIY or want someone to handle it for you, I’ll make sure your site:

• Reflects the real value of your work

• Converts visitors into paying clients

• Feels effortless, on-brand, and totally aligned with your goals

🎯 I’m currently booking 5 new web design clients this month.
Ready to build your dream site? Inquire here.