Squarespace vs Shopify: Choosing the Best Platform for Selling Art Prints
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Background of Squarespace and Shopify
- Choosing the Right Platform for Selling Art Prints Online
- Pricing Comparison
- Design Comparison
- Creating Products and Variants
- Payment Gateways
- Shipping Options
- Taxes and Legal Considerations
- Email Marketing and Other Features
- Domains and Website Setup
- Support and Resources
- Conclusion
Choosing Between Squarespace and Shopify for Selling Art Prints Online
Are you an artist looking to sell your art prints online but unsure which platform to use? In this article, we will compare two popular options, Squarespace and Shopify, and help you make an informed decision. We will discuss the background of both platforms, their pricing, design capabilities, product creation features, payment gateways, shipping options, taxes, and more. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of which platform is the right fit for your online art print business. So, let's dive in and explore the pros and cons of Squarespace and Shopify!
Introduction:
Selling art prints online has become increasingly popular among artists who want to reach a wider audience and monetize their creations. However, choosing the right platform for selling your art prints is crucial to your success. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide between Squarespace and Shopify. In this article, we will break down the key factors you should consider when making this decision, including pricing, design capabilities, product creation features, payment gateways, shipping options, taxes, and more. By the end, you will have a clear understanding of which platform best suits your needs.
Background of Squarespace and Shopify:
Before we delve into the specifics of Squarespace and Shopify, let's take a brief look at the background of these platforms. Squarespace was initially created as a content-driven platform, making it ideal for bloggers and photographers looking to showcase their work. On the other hand, Shopify was specifically designed for e-commerce, with a focus on selling products online. As an artist selling art prints, your primary goal is to create a seamless online shopping experience for your customers. Considering this, it's important to choose a platform that aligns with your needs.
Pricing Comparison:
When it comes to pricing, both Squarespace and Shopify offer competitive packages. While the plans may vary slightly, they are relatively similar in terms of cost. However, Shopify provides a wider range of add-ons and apps that can enhance your online store's functionality. For instance, Shopify offers a product customization plugin, which allows customers to upload photos directly when placing an order for custom pet portraits. Squarespace, on the other hand, lacks this specific feature. While both platforms provide ways to customize your store, Shopify's extensive app store gives it an edge in terms of flexibility and scalability.
Design Comparison:
Design is a crucial aspect of creating an engaging and visually appealing online store. Squarespace is renowned for its design capabilities and offers a wide variety of free templates and themes. Its user-friendly interface allows you to easily customize your website, add images, text, and create a visually captivating space. Conversely, Shopify also provides a selection of free templates, albeit fewer in number. However, Shopify's approach to design differs slightly, as you make modifications through a left panel rather than directly on the page. While both platforms offer design flexibility, Squarespace has a slight advantage in terms of design aesthetics.
Creating Products and Variants:
As an artist selling art prints online, you'll need a platform that allows you to create products and variants effortlessly. Both Squarespace and Shopify offer user-friendly interfaces for product creation. However, Shopify has an advantage in terms of versatility. Shopify's extensive plugin options enable you to add multiple variants and options to your products, such as different sizes, colors, and styles. Squarespace, although capable of creating products and variants, does not offer the same level of customization. If you aim to provide your customers with a wide array of choices, Shopify is the preferred option.
Payment Gateways:
The availability of various payment gateways is crucial in facilitating a seamless checkout process for your customers. Both Squarespace and Shopify offer integrations with major credit card issuers, as well as PayPal. In the past, Shopify had a more extensive range of payment methods. However, both platforms currently offer similar options, making it a non-distinguishing factor when choosing between the two.
Shipping Options:
Shipping options play a significant role in the success of your online art print business. Shopify has a built-in shipping feature that provides discounted rates for major postal services such as USPS, UPS, and DHL Express. In contrast, Squarespace does not have a built-in shipping feature and requires you to purchase an additional plugin, such as ShipStation, to streamline the shipping process. While both platforms allow you to create prepaid labels for convenience, Shopify's built-in shipping functionality gives it an advantage in terms of cost-effectiveness and ease of use.
Taxes and Legal Considerations:
When running an online store, it's crucial to comply with tax regulations and legal requirements. This aspect becomes even more complex if you sell your art prints internationally or within different tax regions. Squarespace lacks a built-in tax calculator, requiring you to manually enter tax rates for each region. This can be time-consuming and prone to human error. Shopify, on the other hand, offers a more robust solution, automatically calculating taxes based on your location and providing support for international sales and currencies. If taxes are a concern for your art print business, Shopify's integrated tax features make it the recommended choice.
Email Marketing and Other Features:
Both Squarespace and Shopify offer email marketing features to help you grow your customer base and promote your art prints. You can collect customer emails, create newsletters, and engage with your audience effectively. While email marketing capabilities are relatively similar, Shopify does have an advantage in terms of the additional features and plugins available through its extensive app store. Ultimately, your decision should be based on which platform offers the necessary tools and integrations for your specific marketing needs.
Domains and Website Setup:
When setting up your online store, having a custom domain name is essential for branding and professionalism. Both Squarespace and Shopify offer the option to purchase a domain directly through their platforms or connect an existing domain from a third-party provider. The process of connecting a domain is relatively straightforward for both platforms. However, if you are looking for a more cost-effective option, purchasing a domain from an external provider like GoDaddy may be a viable alternative. Regardless of your choice, ensure your domain name is available and aligns with your brand.
Support and Resources:
Having access to reliable support and resources is invaluable when troubleshooting issues or seeking guidance. Both Squarespace and Shopify offer forums and support websites where you can find answers to common questions and interact with the community. However, Squarespace's support is more content-driven, while Shopify's strength lies in its e-commerce-focused resources. Prioritize your requirements and consider the nature of your business when evaluating the available support options.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, if you're an artist looking to sell art prints online, Shopify is recommended for its e-commerce-specific features, robust product creation capabilities, integrated tax calculator, and cost-effective shipping options. While Squarespace excels in design flexibility and content-driven websites, it may be better suited for individuals focused solely on showcasing their portfolio rather than selling a diverse range of products. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your specific needs, goals, and long-term vision for your online art print business.
By considering factors such as pricing, design, product creation, payment gateways, shipping, taxes, and support, you can make an informed choice between Squarespace and Shopify, ensuring the success of your online art print business.
