If you’re thinking about switching from Squarespace to Shopify for your online store, comparing the two platforms is essential. While both have perks, Shopify is often a better option for managing your e-commerce site. Here’s a more straightforward look at why Shopify might be the right choice for your business.
Shopify vs. Squarespace: Which E-Commerce Platform is the Best Choice?
Connecting with More Sales Channels
Shopify connects easily with various sales channels like Facebook Marketplace, Instagram, TikTok, Amazon, and Walmart. This broad reach helps you tap into different markets and boost your sales potential. In contrast, Squarespace has fewer integration options, which may limit your customer engagement across different platforms.
Seamless In-Person Transactions
Shopify’s built-in POS system smooths in-person sales and offers lower transaction fees than Squarespace, which relies on third-party systems like Square. Shopify’s extensive app integrations also provide greater flexibility for managing both online and offline sales.
Diverse Payment Options
Shopify supports over 100 payment gateways, including Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Affirm, Klarna, and various international and cryptocurrency options. This variety makes it easy for customers worldwide to pay. Conversely, Squarespace has fewer payment options, mainly sticking to Stripe, PayPal, Square, and Apple Pay.
Efficient Shipping and Fulfillment
Shopify excels in shipping with direct integrations for USPS, UPS, DHL, and various dropshipping services. It offers easy logistics and significant postage discounts. Squarespace handles basic shipping but lacks the advanced features needed for higher-volume businesses.
Content Management Features
Squarespace is strong in content management, making it ideal for bloggers and artists. However, for e-commerce-focused businesses, Shopify’s advanced content management and e-commerce tools make it a more effective choice.
Extensive App Marketplace
Shopify’s app store features thousands of applications for various business needs, from inventory management to marketing automation. While Squarespace offers some third-party integrations, its app ecosystem is not as extensive, potentially limiting growth and customization.
SEO Tools and Flexibility
Squarespace provides solid built-in SEO tools, including Google Analytics and keyword search features. Shopify relies on third-party apps like Semrush, Ahrefs, MozBar, and WordStream for SEO but offers more flexibility for optimizing your store’s search engine rankings.
What to Expect When Transitioning from Squarespace to Shopify
Migrating your e-commerce store from Squarespace to Shopify can be complex, especially for larger or more detailed sites. With careful planning, you can make the process smoother. Here are some key considerations:
- Content Migration: You must transfer pages, blog posts, images, and other media from Squarespace to Shopify. Both platforms offer tools to help, but the process can be time-consuming for larger sites. Make sure to set aside enough time for this step.
- Product Data Transfer: Migrating product information—like descriptions, images, prices, variants, and inventory—is crucial for maintaining smooth operations. Shopify has strong import/export tools, but you might need to adjust your data to fit Shopify’s format for an efficient transition.
- Design and Theme Adjustments: Shopify’s theme system differs from Squarespace’s, so your site’s design might need updates or a complete redesign. Shopify offers various themes, but adapting them to match your old design might require some coding or design work. If extensive customization is needed, consider hiring a developer.
- Custom Code and Integrations: If your Squarespace site includes custom code or third-party integrations, you must find equivalent solutions on Shopify or recreate those features. Shopify supports custom code, but ensuring everything works properly is crucial to avoid migration issues.
A Comprehensive Guide to Transferring Your Domain from Squarespace to Shopify
1. Unlock Your Domain
Go to Squarespace’s Domains section and unlock the domain you want to move.
2. Get the Authorization Code
Copy the Domain Authorization Code (EPP code) from Squarespace.
3. Start the Transfer
Log in to Shopify, go to Online Store > Domains, and click “Transfer domain.” Follow the steps.
4. Enter the Domain Name
Type in your domain name and follow the instructions.
5. Provide the EPP Code
Enter the EPP code you got from Squarespace.
6. Confirm and Wait
If needed, confirm the transfer in Squarespace and wait for it to finish (this can take a few hours to a few days).
7. Check DNS Settings
After the transfer, check your DNS settings in Shopify.
Important Tips for Migration
1. Set Up URL Redirects
Redirect old Squarespace URLs to your new Shopify pages to avoid broken links and keep your SEO intact.
2. Preserve SEO Elements
Keep your meta descriptions, titles, and keywords the same to maintain your search engine rankings.
3. Test Before Launch
Make sure to test your new Shopify store thoroughly to ensure everything is working correctly before going live.
Wrapping Up: Key Considerations for Switching from Squarespace to Shopify
Moving from Squarespace to Shopify can greatly improve your online store. Though the transition needs careful planning and execution, Shopify’s powerful features and flexibility are worth it. If you’d rather have experts handle the move, companies like VT Labs can manage the entire process, making sure your switch to Shopify goes smoothly and securely. Also, they offer ecommerce management services so you can focus on your strategic growth goals.