If you’re starting out in web design, you’ve probably typed this into Google already:

WordPress or Squarespace for web designers – which one’s better?

It’s one of the most common questions I hear from the students of my e-courses.

Both platforms can help you create beautiful websites. But they work in very different ways – and if you’re building a design business or working with clients, only one will serve you better in the long run.

Let’s break it down.

Why WordPress or Squarespace for web designers is such a common debate

It’s easy to feel stuck when choosing your platform.

Squarespace promises simplicity. WordPress offers full flexibility. One is ready-made. The other is endlessly customisable.

So which is better for web designers… WordPress or Squarespace?

The short answer: if you’re serious about creative freedom, SEO, and scalability, WordPress always wins. Here’s why:

1. Design flexibility: WordPress wins

Squarespace has polished templates and a beginner-friendly setup. But it also has limits.

WordPress, especially with a drag-and-drop builder like Divi or Elementor, gives you total creative control. You can build from scratch, customise layouts, and fine-tune every element – all without needing to code.

When comparing WordPress or Squarespace for web designers, WordPress lets you build exactly what you want. Not just what a template allows.

2. With WordPress, you own the site

Squarespace is a closed platform. Everything (hosting, styling, content) lives within their system.

WordPress is open-source. You own your site, your domain, your tools. You’re not renting with limited options, you’re always in full control no matter what tech changes, email accounts, and other features need to be tweaked over time.

If you’re designing for clients or building your own business site, that level of ownership matters.

3. Plugin power = more possibilities

Squarespace has a set range of features. But WordPress? You’ve got over 70,000 plugins at your fingertips.

From SEO tools and image galleries to online shops and booking systems… WordPress gives you room to grow as your business evolves and requires new things.

So when deciding between WordPress or Squarespace for web designers, think long-term. WordPress scales with you.

4. Is SEO better with WordPress or Squarespace?

If your clients care about getting found on Google, this is a big one.

Squarespace offers basic SEO settings. WordPress offers (yep, you guessed it) – full control. Titles, tags, speed tools, permalinks, redirects, schema, and more.

With the right setup, WordPress is a search engine’s best friend. And that means better results for you and your clients.

Even if SEO doesn’t seem like an important thing for you to consider right now, if you or your clients decide to properly market their business online, all the options for SEO enhancement will be highly beneficial.

5. Is WordPress too complicated for clients to use?

Squarespace might look simpler on the surface. But if you set up WordPress with a clean dashboard, a solid page builder, and a short tutorial for your clients, they’ll be totally fine to make basic edits themselves.

I’ve designed hundreds of websites for clients over the years, and I’ve always had great feedback from their WordPress experience. They’re always so thankful I had the foresight to create a website for their business that can evolve as their business does – without a ceiling.

Using WordPress allows you to deliver a site that can grow with their business.

If you want to read more about if WordPress is easy to learn, check out my earlier blog post about this here.

So… WordPress or Squarespace for Web Designers?

Squarespace is great for basic brochure-style sites or beginners who want something quick.

But if you’re a designer who wants full creative freedom, better SEO, more flexibility, and the ability to grow – WordPress is the better choice.

That’s why I use it. That’s why I teach it. And that’s why I always recommend it when someone asks, “Which is better for web designers – WordPress or Squarespace?”

Want to see how I use WordPress as a designer?

If you’re a designer who’s ready to finally get your head around WordPress and start offering websites that clients adore, watch my free training.

🎥 How to Confidently Create Irresistible WordPress Websites  Your Clients Will Love—without Code, Confusion or Years of Costly Mistakes

Inside the training, I’ll walk you through what you actually need to know. No fluff. No overwhelm. Just a clear path to feeling confident with WordPress.

See you inside the free training!

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