Comparing Website Builders: Why Squarespace is Ideal for Writers and Authors
Last night, you finally decided—it’s time to build an author website for your book.
So, like any determined writer, you hit Google… and instantly got slammed with options. Website builders, designers, templates, DIY tutorials—you name it.
Suddenly, you’re knee-deep in Squarespace vs. WordPress vs. Wix vs. Shopify vs. platforms-you’ve-never-heard-of, and your simple plan to create a website turns into an existential crisis. (Maybe that’s even how you landed here—good call!)
So, which platform is actually the best for writers? Don’t worry—I’ve done the heavy lifting for you.
Let’s break down the top website builders and find the one that works best for your author career without the headache.
Before we get into it, feel free to grab my free author website blueprint here!
What Writers & Authors Need in a Website Builder
The best website builder for writers should be easy to use, customizable to match your brand, and built to help you sell books, attract readers, and grow your audience—without the tech headache.
You need a platform that makes blogging effortless (so you can boost SEO and connect with readers), has built-in e-commerce tools (so you can sell books directly), and includes SEO features to help you rank on Google.
Plus, since most visitors browse on their phones, your site must be mobile-friendly. The goal? A website that works for you, not one that adds to your to-do list.
Now, let’s break down the best website builders and see which one actually delivers!
Related: Before You Self-Publish: Experts Answer Your Top Questions on Editing, Design & Marketing
Website Builder Comparison – Which One is Best for Writers?
There are plenty of website builders out there, but which one is the best for writers? Let’s compare Squarespace to other popular platforms and see which one makes the most sense for your author website.
1. Squarespace vs. WordPress – Simplicity vs. Full Control
WordPress is powerful and highly customizable, but it comes with a steep learning curve and requires ongoing maintenance. If you want full control over every aspect of your site and don’t mind dealing with plugins, hosting, and security updates, WordPress is a solid option.
Squarespace, on the other hand, is an all-in-one solution—it takes care of hosting, security, and updates for you. If you want a website that’s easy to manage without worrying about the tech, Squarespace is the better choice for most writers.
Related: Squarespace for Authors: A Quickstart Guide to Building Your Perfect Author Website
2. Squarespace vs. Wix – Structured Elegance vs. Unlimited Customization
Wix gives you total creative freedom with its drag-and-drop builder, but that flexibility can quickly lead to a cluttered, unstructured site if you’re not careful. Squarespace offers a more structured, high-quality drag and drop design experience, ensuring your site looks polished and professional right out of the box.
Even though both these platforms offer drag-and-drop design freedom, Squarespace guides you with carefully curated templates and design guardrails that maintain aesthetic harmony, making it a great choice for those who want a sleek, professional look without needing extensive design skills.
If you love playing around with design and want total creative control, Wix might work for you. But if you prefer a sleek, professional site with less hassle, Squarespace is the better fit!
3. Squarespace vs. Showit – Professionalism vs. Simplicity
Showit is a drag-and-drop website builder known for its design flexibility, making it a great option for creatives who want a highly visual, fully customized site. However, its simplicity comes at a cost—while it allows for beautiful layouts, it lacks built-in blogging features (you’ll need WordPress integration), structured SEO tools, and seamless e-commerce options.
Squarespace, on the other hand, provides an all-in-one platform with integrated blogging, SEO optimization, and an easy-to-use online store, making it the better choice for authors who want to grow their audience, sell books, and rank on Google without managing multiple platforms. If you’re looking for a website that’s not just visually appealing but also strategic and functional, Squarespace wins.
4. Squarespace vs. Shopify – Author Platform vs. E-Commerce Powerhouse
Shopify is hands-down the best platform for e-commerce, but it’s designed primarily for selling products—not for author branding, blogging, or content-focused websites. If your main goal is to sell books and merch at scale, Shopify is a powerful choice with robust sales features, advanced inventory management, and seamless integrations with payment processors. However, that power comes at a cost—Shopify’s pricing is higher than Squarespace’s, especially when you factor in transaction fees, app costs, and premium themes.
If you want a well-rounded author website that includes a blog, a book showcase, and an integrated store without the higher price tag, Squarespace gives you the best of both worlds. It offers elegant design, built-in e-commerce capabilities, and a seamless user experience—all at a more affordable monthly rate. While Shopify excels in advanced selling features, Squarespace is the better choice for authors who want a professional, polished site with an integrated shop without the added complexity and expense.
Why Squarespace is the Best Website Builder for Writers & Authors
When it comes to creating a professional, easy-to-manage author website, Squarespace stands out as the best option for writers. It’s not just about looking good—it’s about having a website that helps you sell books, grow your audience, and build your brand without dealing with tech headaches. Here’s why Squarespace is the top choice for authors.
📖 Professional, Author-Friendly Templates
Squarespace offers sleek, modern templates that are specifically designed for creatives, making it easy to build a site that showcases your books, blog, and brand. Whether you write fiction, non-fiction, poetry, or self-help, there’s a beautifully structured template that makes your work shine. No need to mess with complicated design layouts—just plug in your content, and you’re set.
📝 Built-in Blogging & SEO Features
A blog is one of the best ways to attract readers and boost your website’s visibility on Google. With Squarespace’s built-in blogging platform, you can share book updates, writing tips, and behind-the-scenes content—all while improving your SEO. Unlike other website builders that require extra plugins for SEO, Squarespace has built-in tools that help you optimize your site effortlessly.
🛒 E-commerce Ready – Sell Books, Merch, or Services Seamlessly
Want to sell signed books, digital downloads, or even writing workshops? Squarespace makes it easy to set up an online store—no third-party integrations required. You can sell physical books and digital products directly from your site, create pre-orders, and even offer discount codes to your most loyal readers.
📩 Integrated Email & Marketing Tools
Email marketing is crucial for authors, and Squarespace helps you grow your list without needing extra software. With built-in email marketing, lead magnets, and newsletter sign-ups, you can easily connect with your audience, send book launch updates, and build a loyal reader base—all from one platform.
⚡ No Plugins or Maintenance Hassles
Unlike WordPress, which requires constant updates, plugin management, and security fixes, Squarespace handles everything for you. There’s no need to install extra tools for SEO, e-commerce, or design features—it’s all built-in. That means less stress, less troubleshooting, and more time to focus on your writing.
📱 Mobile Optimization & Fast Performance
Most readers will visit your website from their phones, so your site needs to look good on any device. Every Squarespace template is automatically mobile-responsive, ensuring a smooth, fast-loading experience whether someone visits from a desktop, tablet, or smartphone. No need to manually adjust settings—Squarespace does it for you.
🚀 The Bottom Line: Why Writers Choose Squarespace
If you want a beautiful, easy-to-use website that helps you blog, sell books, and grow your audience, Squarespace is the best choice for writers. It takes care of the tech side so you can focus on your craft—and that’s exactly what an author website should do. Ready to build your author brand online? Let’s make it happen
Let’s Get Your Author Website Built!
As a professional website designer specializing in author websites, you could say I know a thing or two about what makes an author website successful—and more importantly, what holds authors back from having a site that actually works for them. Whether you’re looking for a simple, stylish DIY solution or want a completely custom, done-for-you website, I’ve got you covered.
🚀 Want to DIY? Grab one of my author website templates—designed specifically for writers—to create a polished, professional site without the stress. Just plug in your content, tweak the design, and launch!
🔥 Prefer a fully custom site? Let me take care of the design, setup, and strategy so you can focus on your writing while I build a high-converting, professional author website that grows with your career.
Have a question? Simply fill out my contact form here. I can’t wait to hear from you!
Before you go…check out my Squarespace Author Templates !
Visit the Author Website Template Shop: TEMPLATE SHOP
THE ATWOOD - Squarespace Author Website Template
THE HEMINGWAY - Squarespace Author Website Template
THE GILBERT - Squarespace Author Website Template
