Behind the Scenes: Navigating Website Dashboards

Written By Brittany Brown

A friend recently asked us about different website dashboards and how they compare, which got us thinking about what we’ve learned from using Squarespace. One thing we’ve really come to appreciate is how user-friendly and visually intuitive the Squarespace dashboard is—it’s easy to update content, track analytics, and manage products all in one place. While other platforms may offer more customization or integrations, Squarespace gives us a clean, cohesive experience that suits our branding and keeps everything organized without feeling overwhelming.

1. Wix – Drag-and-Drop Simplicity

Best for: Beginners, creatives, and small business owners who want control without code.

Wix is one of the most user-friendly platforms out there. You can literally drag and drop elements exactly where you want them, making it super intuitive. With hundreds of templates to choose from, it’s easy to build something that looks great right out of the gate.

Pros:

  • No coding needed

  • Tons of templates

  • Built-in tools for blogs, bookings, and e-commerce

Cons:

  • Less flexible if you outgrow it

  • Templates can’t be switched once published

2. Squarespace – Sleek and Stylish

Best for: Design-forward businesses, artists, photographers, and lifestyle brands.

Squarespace is known for its clean, minimal templates that look good on any device. It’s a great option for anyone who wants their site to feel modern and elevated without hiring a designer.

Pros:

  • Beautiful templates

  • Built-in SEO and analytics tools

  • Great for portfolio-style or product-based sites

Cons:

  • Slight learning curve compared to Wix

  • Limited third-party app integrations

3. Shopify – The E-Commerce Powerhouse

Best for: Product-based businesses, online boutiques, and anyone selling physical or digital goods.

If your primary goal is to sell products, Shopify is tough to beat. It’s built specifically for e-commerce, offering everything from inventory management to secure checkout and marketing tools.

Pros:

  • Scalable for growing businesses

  • Tons of e-commerce features

  • App marketplace for extended functionality

Cons:

  • Monthly fees can add up with add-ons

  • Not ideal for content-heavy or service-based websites

4. WordPress.org – The OG Power Platform

Best for: Bloggers, content-heavy sites, and businesses needing total flexibility.

WordPress.org (not to be confused with WordPress.com) is open-source and incredibly powerful. It requires more setup and maintenance but gives you full control over every detail of your site.

Pros:

  • Unlimited customization options

  • Huge library of themes and plugins

  • Great for SEO and blogging

Cons:

  • Steeper learning curve

  • Requires separate hosting and more maintenance

5. Webflow – Design Flexibility Meets Developer Power

Best for: Designers, developers, and people who want full creative control.

Webflow bridges the gap between visual design and code. You get pixel-perfect control over every element and the ability to build completely custom websites—without writing code (unless you want to).

Pros:

  • Customizable down to the pixel

  • Built-in CMS (great for blogs or portfolios)

  • Designer-friendly tools and animations

Cons:

  • More complex than other builders

  • Not ideal for beginners

6. GoDaddy Website Builder – Fast and Functional

Best for: Service providers or entrepreneurs who need a simple, quick online presence.

If you’re already using GoDaddy for domain hosting, their website builder is a logical next step. It’s not flashy, but it’s efficient for getting online fast.

Pros:

  • Very beginner-friendly

  • Fast setup

  • Integrated with GoDaddy’s other services

Cons:

  • Limited design flexibility

  • Basic functionality

So, Which One Should You Choose?

It really depends on your needs and goals. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

  • Want something fast and easy? → Go with Wix or GoDaddy

  • Love modern design and clean lines? → Try Squarespace

  • Selling online? → Shopify is your friend

  • Need full control or blogging power? → Check out WordPress.org

  • Comfortable with design tools and want next-level customization? → Dive into Webflow

Your website is your digital front door. No matter which platform you choose, the key is to make sure it reflects your brand, serves your audience, and supports your goals. Don't be afraid to start simple—you can always grow and evolve over time.

Need help picking a platform or designing a site that fits your brand? Drop your questions in the comments or reach out—we’d love to help!

Brittany Brown
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Knowing Your Worth: If You Build It, They Will Come