Squarespace vs. Hosted Wordpress

[bthockey]

I wanted to get everyones thoughts on the pros and cons between Squarespace and hosting a Wordpress blog on a server. I am trying to choose between these two options so I thought I would ask some people that are more knowledgeable than myself. I personally have learned HTML and CSS. I know some Javascript but I am trying to learn more. So, here is how I see it:

Squarespace Pros:

• Don't really need to know HTML and CSS. (But it helps)
• Don't need to design something from scratch in Dreamweaver or Fireworks.
• All the grunt work is done behind the scenes.
• Update or put out a new template, without having to redesign or re upload anything.
• Amazing customer service.
• Everything is in the cloud.

Wordpress Pros:

• More control on the server side of things.
• Costs less than most Squarespace plans.
• Has some features that you must pay extra for on Squarespace.
• An extensive list of plug-ins made by developers all over the world.
• Everything is not in the cloud.

Thoughts? Post them down below. If something made you switch from one to the other, what was it? Did you also have to choose between the two? What made you choose the one over the other? It will be interesting to hear all of you thoughts.

 

[design-is]

Hi bthockey


Squarespace has always looked interesting, but I have to say I've never tried it...

I have however been having a lot of fun with WordPress recently, so can recommend that.

At the end of the day, if you have your own server, you have control over what you put on it. You can try a number of different content management systems out and pick the one you like. If You're sure WP is for you on the self hosted route, then as you've already said, plugins make almost anything possible! AND you can always download a backup, switch themes, change servers, domains etc etc.

You can also use or adapt a variety of free or premium themes (Woo Themes for example) for WordPress, which in my opinion makes developing for that platform really easy.

Squarespace looks good, but I've found WordPress great.

Hope that helps a little...

/Doug

 

[dmmcintyre3]

What happens if squarespace closes? Is there a way to back up a site from there?

If you host wordpress on any of the standard web hosts and the host you use closes, then you just find another assuming you have a backup and upload your backup and database.

 

[bthockey]

What happens if squarespace closes? Is there a way to back up a site from there?

If you host wordpress on any of the standard web hosts and the host you use closes, then you just find another assuming you have a backup and upload your backup and database.

Though I don't think Squarespace will ever close because their service is picking up more and more users, this is a very good point. Everything being hosted on the cloud can have pros and cons.

 

[SchneiderMan]

I would highly recommend SS. I'm currently using them and they are extremely user friendly and their hosting is fast. They have outstanding 24/7 customer support which is smoothly integrated into your site's management panel. They are simple and easy to use just like Apple unlike wordpress. Yes they are pricy but you get what you pay for in this situation..