Shopify vs. Squarespace: Which should I use to sell my books and merch?
As an indie author, there will likely come a time when you’re ready to sell your books from your own author website.
Not only does selling from your own website put more money in your pocket, it does wonders for growing your author platform. Check out the posts, 5 Ways Your Indie Author Website Does the Marketing for You and Easy Indie Author Website Tweaks to Boost Book Sales to learn more.
In addition to selling your books, you may also wish to sell your own swag and even your own merch!
But, can Squarespace handle this broader scope of ecommerce, or is it best left to platforms like Shopify that were designed for such ventures?
This post explores the capabilities of both Squarespace and Shopify, so you can decide which platform works best for you and your bookish business.
Which is best for selling my books: Squarespace or Shopify?
Squarepace
First, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of using Squarespace when incorporating an online shop with your author website.
PROS
Its ease of use extends to its ecommerce ability. After your website is created, it’s easy to add products and launch your shop!
Ease of designing and customization, including more advanced shop functionality.
All-in-one platform makes it easy. Plus, there are fewer security risks.
No need for plug-ins
Rarely needs the addition of a third party software
CONS
Limited advanced shop capability, especially when compared to Shopify.
Fewer navigation options
Would need to add code to include such capabilities and options
Shopify
Next, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of using Shopify when incorporating an online shop with your author website. After all, Shopify is the undisputed leader when it comes to ecommerce.
PROS
The gold standard of build-your-own ecommerce, Shopify is the undisputed leader.
Has all of the bells and whistles that you could possibly desire when it comes to designing your online store.
Handles hundreds of products with various navigation options with ease.
CONS
Much more complicated to use
Likely overkill for what is needed for an indie author’s online store.
Squarespace vs. Shopify: Who’s the winner?
Your indie author website is more than a place where readers go to buy your books and merch: it’s your author platform.
It’s a place where your readers come to build a relationship with YOU and with EACH OTHER ❤️
Your website is the heart of YOUR COMMUNITY. To learn more about how your website creates these bonds, check out Building Your Author Platform and Community: 6 Actions to Take.
While Shopify is an ecommerce dream, unless you have a physical location, you make in-person sales, you dropship your books, or you need lots of navigation options due to having 200+ products, the extra complexity is not worth the hassle.
Therefore, using Squarespace to sell your books and merch is the undisputed winner 🎉
Regardless of where you are in your journey, having your own indie romance author website is imperative. It is your single most important marketing tool! AND you can use it as your one-stop shop—Where YOU get to keep ALL of the royalties 🤑
Although there is much to think about and to do when it comes to crafting and then maintaining your website and online store, please know you do not have to do it alone!
Mint Copy Services offers affordable options.
From never having a website before, to having a full-blown multi-page site and store, and everything in between, Mint Copy Services has got you covered.
Not sure what you need? Let’s chat and plot next steps together!
Your supportive side character,
Lisa