Stop second-guessing your platform choice. If you’re stuck between Squarespace and WordPress, you’re not alone—this is one of the most common roadblocks for aspiring bloggers. The truth? Both platforms can work, but only one will work best for your specific goals.
I’m breaking down exactly what each platform does well (and where they fall short) so you can skip the overwhelm and start building a blog that actually makes money.
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The Quick Answer: Squarespace vs. WordPress
Choosing a website builder comes down to how much control you want versus how much simplicity you need.
Choose Squarespace if: You prioritize beautiful design over customization and want an all-in-one solution that’s beginner-friendly.
Choose WordPress if: You want maximum flexibility, plan to monetize aggressively, and don’t mind a learning curve.
Still not sure? Keep reading—I’ll walk you through the details that matter.
What Makes a Good Blogging Platform?
Before we dive into the comparison, you need to know what actually matters when choosing a blog platform. Spoiler: It’s not just about which one looks prettier.
Key Features Every Blogger Needs
A solid blogging platform for beginners should give you:
- Easy content creation: You shouldn’t need a degree in coding to publish a post
- SEO capabilities: If search engines can’t find you, your blog won’t grow
- Monetization options: Because making money blogging is a valid goal
- Design flexibility: Your blog needs to reflect your brand
- Reliable hosting: Slow, broken sites lose readers fast
- Email marketing integration: Email beats Instagram every time
These are non-negotiables. Any platform you choose needs to deliver on all six.
WordPress: The Powerhouse Platform for Serious Bloggers
WordPress powers 43% of all websites for a reason—it’s the most flexible, customizable platform available. But “flexible” comes with trade-offs.
What WordPress Does Best
Complete control: With WordPress, you own everything. Your content, your data, your design choices. No platform can take that away from you.
Unlimited monetization options: Want to run ads? Sell digital products? Add affiliate links everywhere? WordPress doesn’t limit you. You can monetize however you want.
SEO-friendly structure: WordPress is built for search engines. Add plugins like Yoast or RankMath, and you’ve got SEO tools that rival expensive software.
Massive WordPress plugin library: There’s a plugin for everything—email capture, social sharing, content scheduling, analytics. If you can think it, someone built it.
Scalability: Start with a simple blog, scale to a full business. WordPress grows with you without forcing a platform migration later.
Where WordPress Falls Short
Steeper learning curve: WordPress isn’t hard, but it’s not instant either. Expect to spend time learning the basics.
More maintenance: You’ll handle updates, backups, and security yourself (or pay someone to do it). It’s manageable but requires attention.
Hosting costs add up: You’ll need separate hosting, which costs $3–$30+ monthly depending on your traffic.
Decision fatigue: With 60,000+ WordPress plugins and thousands of themes, choice overload is real. You’ll need to research and test options.
WordPress Pricing Breakdown
- Hosting: $3–$30/month (Bluehost, SiteGround, WP Engine)
- Domain name: $10–$15/year
- Premium WordPress themes (optional): $30–$100 one-time
- Premium plugins (optional): $0–$100/year
Total first-year cost: Roughly $50–$500 depending on your choices.
Use WordPress For
WordPress is the best blogging platform for beginners who are serious about growth. Choose it if you:
- Plan to monetize through multiple income streams
- Want full design and functionality control
- Don’t mind a learning curve
- Need advanced SEO and analytics tools
- See your WordPress website as a long-term business, not a hobby
Squarespace: The All-in-One Solution for Visual Bloggers
Squarespace is the platform people choose when they want their blog to look stunning without touching code. It’s polished, user-friendly, and handles everything in one place.
What Squarespace Does Best
Gorgeous templates: Squarespace templates are legitimately beautiful. If blogging aesthetic matters to you, this platform delivers.
All-in-one simplicity: Hosting, domain, analytics, email—everything’s included. No hunting for separate services.
Intuitive drag-and-drop editor: Building pages feels natural. If you can use Canva, you can use Squarespace.
Built-in e-commerce: Selling digital products or physical goods? Squarespace makes it simple with native store features.
Reliable support: Squarespace offers 24/7 customer support via chat and email. Someone’s always there to help.
Where Squarespace Falls Short
Limited customization: Templates look great, but deep customization requires custom code—which defeats the “easy” purpose.
SEO limitations: Squarespace’s SEO tools exist, but they’re not as robust as WordPress with plugins. You’ll hit a ceiling.
Fewer integrations: Want a specific third-party tool? You might be out of luck. Squarespace’s app ecosystem is much smaller.
Higher ongoing costs: What seems simple upfront becomes expensive over time. You’re locked into monthly fees with fewer ways to cut additional costs.
Platform dependency: You’re renting space on Squarespace. If they change policies or shut down, you’re scrambling.
Squarespace Pricing Breakdown
- Personal Plan: $16/month (annual billing)—basic features, no e-commerce
- Business Plan: $26/month (annual billing)—e-commerce, advanced analytics
- Domain: Free for the first year, then $20–$70/year depending on extension
Total first-year cost: $192–$312 (plus renewal costs after year one).
Use Squarespace For
Squarespace is ideal if you:
- Prioritize design and want a polished look immediately
- Need an all-in-one platform without juggling multiple services
- Don’t plan aggressive monetization or traffic growth
- Prefer support over DIY troubleshooting
- Want to start a blog with no money upfront (during free trial)
Side-by-Side Comparison: WordPress vs. Squarespace
| Feature | WordPress | Squarespace |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Moderate learning curve | Beginner-friendly |
| Design Flexibility | Unlimited (with themes/plugins) | Limited to templates |
| SEO Capabilities | Advanced (with plugins) | Basic built-in tools |
| Monetization Options | Unlimited | Good, but restricted |
| Hosting | Self-managed | Included |
| Cost | $50–$500/year | $192–$312/year |
| Customization | Full control | Template-based |
| Support | Community forums | 24/7 official support |
| Best For | Growth-focused bloggers | Visual, simplicity-focused bloggers |
How to Decide: Ask Yourself These Questions
Still torn between these two popular blogging platforms? Answer these three questions honestly:
1. How serious are you about monetization? If making money blogging is your goal, WordPress wins. It gives you unlimited ways to generate income without platform restrictions.
2. How much time can you invest upfront? If you want to launch fast and learn as you go, Squarespace is easier. WordPress rewards patience with flexibility.
3. What matters more: control or convenience? WordPress = control. Squarespace = convenience. There’s no wrong answer—just the right fit for you.
What About Other Platforms?
WordPress and Squarespace aren’t your only options. Here’s a quick rundown of other blog hosting sites:
Wix: Similar to Squarespace website but with more quirks. Good for hobbyists, not serious bloggers.
Blogger: Free and owned by Google, but extremely limited. Fine for a personal diary, not a business.
Medium: Great for building an audience, terrible for monetization. You don’t own your content or email list.
Ghost: A WordPress alternative focused on speed and simplicity. Best for writers who want minimal distractions.
Substack: Perfect for newsletters, but limited as a standalone blog platform.
If you’re choosing between blog platforms, WordPress and Squarespace cover 90% of use cases.
My Recommendation: Start with WordPress
WordPress is the best platform for bloggers who want to make money, grow strategically, and own their content. It’s not the easiest option, but it’s the smartest long-term choice.
Yes, the learning curve exists. But with resources like YouTube tutorials, affordable themes, and beginner-friendly hosting (Bluehost is solid for starting out), you’ll be up and running faster than you think.
If you’re thinking, “But what if I mess it up?”—you won’t. Thousands of bloggers start with zero tech skills and figure it out. You’re more ready than you think.
How to Start a Blog on WordPress (Quick Checklist)
Ready to commit? Here’s your start a blog checklist:
- Choose a niche: Pick a topic you can write about consistently (not just what’s trending)
- Buy hosting: Go with Bluehost, SiteGround, or another beginner-friendly host
- Install WordPress: Most hosts offer one-click installation
- Pick a theme: Start with a free theme like Astra or GeneratePress or go premium like Bluchic Feminine WordPress themes
- Set up essential plugins: Yoast SEO, MonsterInsights, and a backup plugin are must-haves
- Create core pages: About, Contact, and Privacy Policy
- Write your first post: Don’t overthink it—just start
- Set up Pinterest: Learn how to start a blog on Pinterest to drive free traffic
- Build your email list: Start collecting subscribers from day one. Flodesk is a good email marketing platform for beginners.
Systems save your sanity. Follow this checklist and you’ll skip 90% of beginner mistakes.
How to Make Money Blogging (No Matter Your Platform)
Whether you choose WordPress or Squarespace, monetization comes down to strategy, not platform.
Top Ways to Make Money Blogging
Affiliate marketing: Promote products you love, earn commissions. Learn how to start affiliate marketing with programs like Amazon Associates or ShareASale.
Display ads: Platforms like Mediavine and AdThrive pay you for pageviews. You’ll need traffic first (usually 50k+ monthly sessions).
Digital products: Sell templates, courses, or guides. Squarespace and WordPress both support this.
Sponsored content: Partner with brands for paid posts. Build your audience first, then pitch.
Services: Offer freelance writing, design, or consulting based on your niche expertise.
The secret? Diversify. Don’t rely on one income stream.
Final Thoughts: Your Blog, Your Rules
WordPress versus Squarespace isn’t about which platform is “better”—it’s about which one aligns with your goals.
If you’re building a blog as a business, WordPress gives you the tools to scale. If you want simplicity and stunning design without the tech hassle, Squarespace works.
Either way, the most important step is starting. Pick a platform, commit to it for six months, and adjust as you learn.
Blogging doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Strategy beats hustle every time. You’ve got this.
Ready to take the next step? Grab my free How to Start a Blog Checklist and stop guessing what comes next. Let’s get you from stuck to strategic—starting today.
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