Wix or Squarespace? The Honest Truth for NZ Businesses

A lot of people ask us, What is the best platform to build my website on? When it comes to website builders, two names often dominate the conversation: Wix and Squarespace. Both offer intuitive tools and some cool templates, but which one is the best fit for your New Zealand business? Let’s dive in.

Pricing: The USD Sting

Wix starts at around USD $16 per month for its Combo Plan, and Squarespace begins at USD $16 for the Personal Plan. Notice something? Both price in U.S. dollars, which is not ideal for New Zealand businesses. Firstly there’s no GST component to claim. And Secondly, Exchange rates fluctuate, adding an extra layer of unpredictability to your budget. Plus, let’s face it—it always feels worse seeing our bank statements reflect higher amounts in NZD. Not to mention the additional currency exchange fees. Ouch.

Customization: Freedom vs. Structure

Wix shines with its drag-and-drop freedom. Want your logo slightly to the left? No problem. Add a quirky GIF? Go ahead. But with great freedom comes great… chaos. It’s easy to get carried away, creating a site that looks more Frankenstein than fabulous.

Squarespace, on the other hand, is the minimalist’s dream. Its templates are polished, professional, and harder to mess up. But therein lies the rub: customization is more limited. If you’re the type who loves breaking the mold, Squarespace might feel a little restrictive.

Beginner-Friendliness: Ease of Use

If you’re tech savvy, both platforms are beginner-friendly, though Wix has a slight edge. Its editor is more intuitive, with helpful prompts and an AI tool to create sites faster. However, Squarespace’s interface feels sleeker and more consistent. It’s perfect if you prefer form over function.

SEO and Technical Optimization: The Hidden Limitations

Neither platform provides direct access to the raw code, which can be a disadvantage for advanced users. This limitation makes it harder to implement custom SEO strategies or fine-tune performance. Wix’s reliance on JavaScript can sometimes slow down site loading speeds, which search engines frown upon. Squarespace fares slightly better with built-in SEO tools, but it’s still not as flexible as a self-hosted platform like WordPress. If ranking high on Google is your top priority, these limitations are worth considering.

Scalability: Are Wix or Squarespace Platforms Business-Ready?

Are these platforms the best for a professional, growing business? That’s where the cracks start to show. While both offer decent e-commerce capabilities and integrations, they’re not as robust as platforms like Shopify or WordPress. Large-scale businesses might find the lack of customizability and raw code access a limitation over time. Growth-focused companies often outgrow these platforms once advanced features or specific functionalities become necessary. However, for small businesses, they’re a convenient, cost-effective option.

Support for Kiwis: Wix or Squarespace

For New Zealand businesses, support hours are worth mentioning. Wix has round-the-clock service, while Squarespace’s support is U.S.-centric. Need help during a late-night website panic? Wix has your back.

The Verdict

So, Wix or Squarespace, which is better? It depends. Firstly you need to ask what’s the main purpose of your website? If you want to scale or sell on there. If so, What platform is best for e-commerce? Wix is ideal for adventurous DIYers, while Squarespace suits those who value simplicity. Both have pros and cons but remember: paying in USD always stings. Whichever you choose, make sure it matches your business needs—and your wallet. And an opensource option from a local provider may be a better option!