WordPress vs Squarespace vs Showit for Life Coaches: Which One Is Right for You?
One of the first decisions a life coach has to make when creating a website is which platform to build it on—and trust me, this decision can feel way more overwhelming than it needs to.
If you’ve done even a little Googling, you’ve probably heard of the big three:
WordPress, Squarespace, and Showit.
They each have their strengths. They each have their quirks. And as someone who designs websites for life coaches all day long, I can tell you with confidence:
The “right” platform is the one that matches your personality, your goals, and your comfort with tech.
Let’s break them down together so you can make a clear, confident decision—and get one step closer to showing up online like the expert you are.
WordPress: The Powerhouse (for Coaches Who Want Maximum Flexibility)
Quick overview:
WordPress is the world’s most popular website platform. It’s open-source, endlessly customizable, and can grow with your business over time.
✅ Pros:
- Total control & flexibility
You can build literally anything on WordPress. From a simple blog to a course platform, membership site, podcast hub—you name it. - Thousands of plugins
Want to add a booking calendar, SEO booster, or pop-up form? There’s a plugin for that. - Own your site completely
Unlike some all-in-one builders, you’re not renting space—you own your files and can move hosts anytime.
❌ Cons:
- Steeper learning curve
WordPress isn’t as “plug and play” as Squarespace or Showit. You’ll need to learn a bit about hosting, themes, plugins, and updates—or hire someone who knows what they’re doing. - Can break if not maintained
It’s a powerful platform, but it needs care. If plugins clash or you skip updates, things can get wonky.
Best for you if…
You want long-term flexibility, are okay learning a bit of tech (or hiring someone to manage it), and plan to grow your business beyond 1:1 coaching.
Squarespace: The Minimalist (for Coaches Who Want Simplicity & Speed)
Quick overview:
Squarespace is an all-in-one website builder that’s clean, modern, and easy to use. No tech background required.
✅ Pros:
- Beginner-friendly drag-and-drop interface
No coding needed. Just click, type, and upload your content. - Beautiful templates out of the box
Even if you’re not a designer, you can get something polished live within a weekend. - All-in-one hosting + security + support
No need to manage separate hosting or worry about updates.
❌ Cons:
- Limited customization
What you see is mostly what you get. If you want lots of visual freedom or advanced features, it can feel restrictive. - Less SEO flexibility
You can still optimize for search, but it’s not as robust as WordPress. - No built-in blog post design freedom
Your blog layout is tied to the template, which can be frustrating if you want to get creative with long-form content.
Best for you if…
You want a clean, professional online presence with minimal fuss, and you’re not trying to reinvent the wheel. Perfect for new coaches, or those craving simplicity.
Showit: The Creative’s Dream (for Coaches Who Want Beauty + Ease)
Quick overview:
Showit is a newer player that combines the visual freedom of graphic design with the power of WordPress blogging. It’s especially popular with creatives, photographers—and increasingly, coaches who want a “Wow!” factor.
✅ Pros:
- Complete design freedom
You can move text boxes, images, and layouts anywhere on the page—no grid restrictions. It feels like designing in Canva. - No coding or tech headaches
Showit takes care of hosting, security, and support. You just drag, drop, and create. - Best of both worlds: Showit + WordPress
Your main site is built in Showit, but your blog runs on WordPress. So you get design freedom and great blog functionality. - Mobile design control
You can design your desktop and mobile site separately, which means it’ll always look intentional on every screen.
❌ Cons:
- Higher price point
Showit is more expensive than Squarespace, especially if you want advanced blog functionality. - Takes time to design well
Because you have so much control, it’s easy to go down a rabbit hole trying to make everything perfect. A designer (hi!) can help you streamline and stay on-brand. - Still growing
Because Showit is newer, some features (like built-in eCommerce or memberships) aren’t native yet—you’d need third-party tools.
Best for you if…
You want a gorgeous custom website that doesn’t look like anyone else’s. You care about design, want blogging power, and don’t want to touch code.
So… Which Platform Is Actually Right for You?
Let’s break it down even more simply:
| You want… | Go with… |
|---|---|
| A site that grows with your business long-term | WordPress |
| A fast, no-fuss way to get online | Squarespace |
| A unique, designer-quality site without code | Showit |
And if you’re still unsure? Ask yourself:
- How comfortable am I with tech?
- Do I want total freedom or clear guardrails?
- How much time (and energy) do I want to spend maintaining this site?
- Does my dream brand feel clean and minimal, or bold and creative?
A Quick Word on Cost
Here’s a rough pricing comparison:
| Platform | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| WordPress | $10–$30 (hosting) + optional plugin costs | Most customizable, but also the most involved |
| Squarespace | $23–$33/month | Includes hosting, templates, and basic tools |
| Showit | $24–$39/month | Includes hosting + WordPress blog integration |
Keep in mind—these are platform fees. If you’re hiring a designer, the design fee is separate (and one-time, not monthly).
My Personal Recommendation?
As a designer who works with female life coaches every day, here’s my take:
- If you’re just getting started, need something simple, and want to launch fast: Squarespace is a solid, stress-free option.
- If you have a strong brand vision and want something that feels truly “you,” but still easy to update: Showit is my favorite.
- If you’re building a larger coaching business with courses, blogs, and advanced tools—or you want maximum control: WordPress is the most scalable choice.
Still not sure?
That’s what I’m here for.
I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all websites. I believe in intentional online spaces that match who you are, what you offer, and how you want people to feel when they land on your site.
If you’re stuck on platforms, I can help you weigh the options, based on your business stage, your personality, and your goals.
👉 Ready to chat? www.bookwithbecky.me
No pressure, no jargon—just clear, strategic guidance from someone who truly gets life coaches.