Ultimate Website Builder Comparison 2024 | Find the BEST One for You + Why I Hated Squarespace

Summary

In this video, Sophie, a seasoned designer, compares top website builders, including Squarespace, Wix, Shopify, Webflow, Cargo Collective, and Readymag. She discusses their pros and cons, customization options, ease of use, and suitability for different users, from students to business owners. Sophie also shares her personal experiences and recommends alternatives like Notion, Adobe Portfolio, and free HTML templates for those seeking flexibility or cost-effective solutions.

Takeaways

• 😀 Squarespace is known for its beautiful templates and ease of use, allowing for quick website setup.
• 🔐 Squarespace offers integrated domain and mailbox services, reducing the need for third-party options.
• 📱 Squarespace templates come with optimized mobile versions, simplifying the process for mobile responsiveness.
• 🚫 Limited flexibility is a downside of Squarespace, as it restricts customization for those without custom code knowledge.
• 🤔 Wix provides more customization and flexibility compared to Squarespace, making it suitable for those wanting more control over design.
• 🛍️ Shopify excels in e-commerce features, offering comprehensive tools and widgets that simplify the selling process.
• 💼 Webflow is highly flexible and suitable for designers and businesses, allowing for extensive customization but with a learning curve.
• 🎨 Cargo Collective offers unique and refreshing templates, perfect for those looking to stand out from traditional website designs.
• 📚 Readymag combines the flexibility of Wix with the sleekness of Squarespace, making it user-friendly and visually appealing.
• 🆓 Free alternatives like Notion, Adobe Portfolio, and HTML templates provide cost-effective options for simple websites or those with coding knowledge.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video script?

The main topic of the video script is a comparison and review of various website builders, discussing their pros and cons, and suitability for different users.

What are the key features of Squarespace mentioned in the script?

Squarespace is highlighted for its beautiful templates, ease of use, integrated domain and mailbox services, mobile optimization, and built-in tools like analytics.

Why might someone not prefer Squarespace according to the script?

Some users might not prefer Squarespace due to its limited flexibility, commonality of templates leading to a lack of uniqueness, and the inflexibility of its drag-and-drop structure.

What is the comparison between Squarespace and Wix in terms of customization?

Wix is described as having more customization and flexibility compared to Squarespace, allowing users to place elements anywhere and add custom code, while Squarespace is more rigid with its grid structure.

How does the script describe the user experience of Wix?

The script describes Wix as being more complex than Squarespace but offering more flexibility. It is likened to Android in comparison to Squarespace's Apple-like simplicity.

What are the standout features of Shopify mentioned in the script?

Shopify is noted for its comprehensive tools and widgets for selling, making it easy to set up online stores, and its excellent customer service.

Why is Webflow considered the best website builder by the script's author?

Webflow is considered the best for its high level of flexibility, allowing for custom code and complex integrations, making it suitable for designers and businesses ready for advanced customization.

What is the main drawback of using Webflow according to the script?

The main drawback of Webflow is its learning curve and the need for users to manage aspects like analytics and mobile optimization themselves, as it does not come with built-in tools for these.

What alternative website builder is suggested for those looking for unique templates?

Cargo Collective is suggested for those seeking unique and refreshing templates that break away from traditional designs.

How does Readymag compare to Wix and Squarespace in the script?

Readymag is described as having Wix's flexibility and Squarespace's sleekness, offering an easy-to-use interface with modern templates and animations, making it a good first-time website builder.

What advice does the script give for someone new to website building?

For someone new, the script suggests trying out Readymag or using existing tools like Notion or Adobe Portfolio, which are either free or already paid for through existing subscriptions.