Showit vs. Squarespace: What’s the best website platform for service providers & creative businesses?

You’re in the market for a new website – exciting! You have the vision. The goals. The budget to make it happen. And you know that a new website – a vibrant design that captures where your brand and business are going – is exactly what you need to invest in. So, here you are. You’re researching the perfect website designer for you. And that’s when you realise: There’s more than one way to build a website – and which way you choose could impact not only your experience – but your website users’ too! The pressure.

As a creative entrepreneur or online service provider, chances are you’ve come up against two main contenders: Squarespace and Showit. There are some beautiful websites out there – built on both platforms. But stop right there. Looks alone won’t give you your answer. You have to go deeper (functionality, user experience, support, SEO) to really understand what’s best for you – as a service provider and/ or creative business. And that’s exactly what this blog post will do for you. Keep reading..

Disclaimer alert! I’m a Showit website designer, so of course, there may be a teeny-weeny bit of a bias in this blog post(!). But let’s be real: both platforms have their perks. And there are genuinely some incredible Squarespace-built websites out there. But I’m here to tell you why the Showit platform may just be the better fit for creatives and service providers – like you. Let’s break down the key differences.

1. Design flexibility means more brand individuality

One of the biggest advantages of Showit is the unlimited design flexibility it offers – I’m talking drag-and-drop and custom code. Whether you’re building a website from scratch or refreshing an existing one, Showit is a drag-and-drop platform that allows you to move elements wherever you want — no coding required! This means you can create a truly unique site that reflects your brand (think all the little things that elevate your brand) without being confined to rigid blocks and template-style design.

In contrast, Squarespace operates on a block-based system, which can feel restrictive. To achieve certain custom designs or layouts, you often need to rely on custom code or third-party developers.

One big pro for small business owners investing in a Showit website is that you can make changes yourself – and it is relatively easy to do so. Okay, having a website designer on hand is always the best way, but let’s face it: sometimes you just want (and need) to make edits yourself.

2. Personal support, with a dash of humour!

When you’re running a business, getting quick and helpful support can make all the difference. Showit is known for its personable, human-centred customer service. Whether you’re dealing with a technical issue or have a design question, Showit’s team is ready to help with a friendly attitude – and yes, they even send GIFs! My clients often report quick, efficient solutions while enjoying a personalised, fun experience.On the flipside, Squarespace’s customer service tends to be a little less… fun? Personal? Enjoyable? While the direct, more ‘corporate’ approach may work for some, I know my clients are usually the kind of people who vibe with good humour, a bit of silliness (those lol-inducing GIFs) and a person on chat support who *actually* feels like a person. Showit’s support can feel like a breath of fresh air.

3. E-commerce business? Showit’s got you covered

If you’re looking to sell products or services online, Showit gives you the flexibility to choose the right e-commerce solution for your business. You can integrate WooCommerce, Shopify, or ThriveCart, giving you control over platforms, fees, and features. This flexibility means you’re not locked into one e-commerce system.

Check this out – Purple Lime Merch: a home retailer website I built in Showit, using WooCommerce.

Squarespace, while offering built-in e-commerce functionality, may not provide the same level of customisation or flexibility as Showit (you can’t integrate WooCommerce, for example). For businesses needing a more specific solution, Showit offers the freedom to select the e-commerce platform that best suits their needs.

4. Blogging & SEO, who’s the top dog?

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is a critical factor for any business – whether you’re a photographer, interior designer, business coach or retailer – if you want to boost organic traffic by ranking higher on search engines. Showit excels by offering the crème de la crème of content management systems (aka the place where you upload your content). With Showit, your blog (and other pages, if you want/ need) is built on a WordPress backend, which means you have access to powerful SEO plugins like Yoast. These tools allow for granular control over SEO settings, giving you more flexibility to optimise your site for search engines.

In contrast, Squarespace provides built-in SEO features, but they are more basic and limited. While it’s a user-friendly option for those who aren’t SEO experts, it doesn’t offer the same depth of customisation as Showit. If you’re looking to grow, scale or simply improve your business (think dreamier clients who want to invest in your services!), SEO will likely be a key part of your marketing strategy. Therefore, the advanced SEO capabilities of Showit, through its WordPress integration, make it a better long-term choice.

5. Always evolving, Showit is leading the way!

Showit is constantly improving its platform with new features and updates to keep pace with user needs. Whether it’s new design tools or performance enhancements, you can trust that Showit will continue evolving alongside your business. For creatives and service providers who want a platform that grows with them, this is a big win.

Squarespace is also a reputable platform, but it tends to follow a more standardised development cycle, which can sometimes feel slower in comparison.

6. Choose from vetted website designers

One standout feature of Showit is its vetted network of designers. As a Showit Design Partner, I’ve gone through a thorough vetting process, meaning you can trust that your website is in expert hands. Showit recommends only those designers who meet high standards, ensuring your project is in the safest professional hands.

Squarespace also has vetted designers – known as Squarespace Circle. So arguably, they are doing the important work, too (I have to admit!). 

My conclusion? Showit is your best choice for website design

Okay, I’m biased. But hear me out…

At the end of the day, choosing between Showit and Squarespace comes down to what you value most. If you’re a creative or service provider looking for design freedom, flexibility in e-commerce, and amazing SEO features (blogging heaven!), the Showit platform offers everything you need to take your business to the next level.

With Showit, you can expect a custom, visually stunning site that reflects your brand’s authentic identity — without limitations. It’s a real ‘levelling up’ experience that’s used by countless 6-figure, 7-figure, and even 8-figure businesses. If you’re ready to step into the next chapter of your business with a website that truly represents your value and expertise, I’m here to help you make that transition with confidence. Check out my custom Showit website design services here, or drop me an inquiry to ask me about your project.

Meet Jess – Brand & Showit Website Designer

I know you’re already crushing it. But you’re ready for bigger things now.

Whether you want to increase your income, attract top-tier clients, or finally create freedom so you can take that dream vacay, I’ll create the brand and website you need for your best chapter yet.