Story: Experience with CMS, WordPress, Wix, Webflow and Squarespace
I used major CMS platforms as a web designer. I am not a front-end developer. So, I use visual builder and install CSS if necessary. I had a project which require to use Squarespace. I quickly learned it, but I failed.
Reason
1. Squarespace is not flexible
– Flexbox, alignment, position absolute, etc…
– Element customization, signup form…
2. Squarespace requires writing CSS too much
– Font/typography setting, custom font, line height, letter spacing…
– Display none to header/footer…
I found a resource on YouTube, but I need to struggle with my feeling, why do I need to do this way? If I use WP, the task is done in a day. If I use Webflow, I don’t need to say I cannot. After all, I outsourced this project.
My preference
1. WordPress/Webflow
2. Wix
3. Squarespace
What are the criteria for evaluation? How I can quickly develop a website from Figma without coding. Squarespace requires CSS each time, custom fonts, background color, font size, line heights, margin, padding, etc. I don’t have any benefits using Squarespace.
If people want to develop a custom website, please don’t use Squarespace. Wix is much more flexible. WP is much easier. Webflow is generally no limits unless you try really crazy customization. Even I failed, and I don’t have a plan to learn Squarespace right now, I keep the resource that I found.
5 CSS Mistakes Beginners Make on Squarespace
©S-E Web Design
The video explains CSS. Squarespace really needs to write CSS a lot. There are pre-made elements, but it is not many custom option. One strange issue is that I could see the CSS result on Google inspector, but it did not work on the Squarespace custom CSS section. It is very time-consuming.
Squarespace CSS Masterclass: Using Scope to Target Specific Elements
©S-E Web Design
It is not difficult, but why do I need to write CSS for changing the button color? I don't think a designer is the target audience for Squarespace.
How to Customize Squarespace with Code // Copy & Paste for Squarespace CSS Training
©InsideTheSquare - Squarespace Tutorials
ghostplugins.com
InsideTheSquare.co
She is a Squarespace master. So many resources on websites and YouTube. Because Squarespace cannot do many without CSS.
squarewebsites.org
There are so many paid plugins. I did not use it.
©S-E Web Design: SquareWebsites Tools Extension Pro: Getting Started Guide
Standoutsquare.space
This website develops by Squarespace. Looks nice, but we can develop it by Wix or Webflow more easily. There is no reason to use Squarespace.
Conclusion: Use template for Squarespace project
If you develop a website based on Figma/prototype, please don't use Squarespace. If you have only wireframe/contents, please try Squarespace CMS. You may not face too much conflict during the development. Just follow the premade elements.
Through this experience, I decided to focus on what I can do. I am always learning. I am open to new technology. I understand what I am good at, and not good at. We need to take an uncomfortable situation to improve something. Even so, custom website with Squarespace is not for me.
