Choosing the right CMS platform for your website

Why Squarespace?

I use Squarespace to create fully customized websites. I start with a blank page, not a template, and create the website according to my client's reference websites, from mock-ups, or according to my client's content and specifications. I code in CSS on Squarespace to customize the design or add animations, for example. The mobile version can be managed independently of the desktop version. In other words, I can decide to arrange my content differently on desktop and mobile.

Squarespace integrates ecommerce functionality and works very well for a classic e-shop, but doesn't support certain advanced features. It's very easy to use, so you'll be able to manage your website on a day-to-day basis without the hassle and additional, recurring costs of hiring a professional.

Squarespace is an all-in-one platform, meaning that all functions and tools can be configured directly on squarespace: website creation, ecommerce management, SEO management, newsletter creation and sending, blogging, analytics, website translation, customer accounts, online courses, etc. The Squarespace subscription costs between €288 and €432 per year, depending on the subscription chosen. Squarespace takes no commission on sales and uses Stripe for secure online payment.

The cost of creating a Squarespace website varies between 3,500 and 4,500 euros, depending on the number of pages, the number of products in the eshop and design expectations.

Why Shopify?

When using Shopify, at the start of a project, it's important to be clear about what you want in terms of design and functionality, so that you can choose the most suitable template that's closest to the desired result. Indeed, on Shopify it's essential to choose the right template, as it's more complicated to go outside the framework of the chosen template, but this is always possible with additional development.

The mobile version is an adapted version of the desktop version that is created automatically. I can't manage it independently except with additional development.

On Shopify, all functionalities are available as plug-ins. There's a huge range of possibilities, and an extensive plug-in library. But all these plug-ins have to be added to the site, configured, often designed too (developer) and most of them have to be paid for.

The back office is intuitive and you'll be able to manage your eshop and orders with ease, although some site upgrades may require the help of a developer.

Shopify costs €29/month or €79/month depending on the subscription chosen, and Shopify also takes a commission on sales.

We use Stripe or Shopify Payment for secure online payment.

The cost of creating a Shopify website starts at 4500 euros.