Squarespace vs Etsy: Which Platform is Better for Small Creators? (+ Discount Code)
If you’re a small creator — an artist, jewelry designer, or handmade goods seller — you’ve probably wondered whether Squarespace or Etsy is the better platform for selling online. Both platforms empower creators, but they cater to slightly different needs.
In this in-depth comparison, we’ll break down the pros, cons, and ideal use cases for both, so you can choose the platform that fits your creative business. Plus, we’ll share how you can save with a Squarespace discount code when launching your website.
1. The Basics: Squarespace and Etsy at a Glance
Etsy is a popular online marketplace that connects millions of buyers and sellers worldwide. It’s best known for handmade, vintage, and craft-based goods. You don’t need to build your own website — your shop exists within Etsy’s marketplace, giving you instant exposure.
Squarespace, on the other hand, is an all-in-one website builder that lets you create a fully customized store under your own brand. Instead of listing products in a marketplace, you design your own digital storefront, control the branding, and keep more of your profits.
2. Branding and Control
If your long-term goal is to grow a recognizable brand, Squarespace wins hands-down.
With its elegant templates, customizable layouts, and built-in eCommerce tools, Squarespace lets you craft a professional site that reflects your unique identity. You own your domain, manage your marketing, and decide exactly how your products are presented.
Etsy offers limited customization. Every shop looks relatively similar, and buyers often view products as part of the larger Etsy marketplace — not as a standalone brand. While this setup is great for beginners, it can make it harder to stand out.
👉 Verdict: For strong branding and creative control, Squarespace is the winner.
3. Audience and Visibility
Etsy has a massive built-in audience of over 90 million active buyers. If you’re just starting out and don’t have an audience yet, this can be a huge advantage. You can start making sales almost immediately, as long as your listings are optimized for Etsy search.
Squarespace doesn’t come with built-in traffic — you’ll need to drive visitors through social media, SEO, or advertising. However, once you attract visitors, you’re not competing with other sellers on the same platform. All attention goes to your brand alone.
👉 Verdict: Etsy wins for instant visibility, but Squarespace gives you long-term ownership of your audience.
4. Fees and Pricing
Etsy charges multiple fees:
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Listing fee: $0.20 per item
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Transaction fee: 6.5% per sale
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Payment processing fee: 3–4% (depending on location)
These can add up quickly, especially as your store grows.
Squarespace, by contrast, charges a flat monthly fee that includes hosting, design tools, and store management. Plans start around $23/month for Business or $36/month for Commerce. There are no per-listing or transaction fees (except payment processor charges like Stripe or PayPal).
And with a Squarespace discount code, you can save significantly on your first plan — making it an affordable long-term solution for small creators who want independence and profit control.
👉 Verdict: Squarespace is more cost-effective over time, especially as sales increase.
5. Features and Selling Tools
Squarespace eCommerce tools include:
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Custom product pages
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Integrated payment gateways
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Inventory tracking
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Discount codes and gift cards
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Email marketing and analytics
You can also sell both physical and digital products, subscriptions, or services.
Etsy, while easy to set up, has limited control over payment methods and relies heavily on Etsy’s built-in systems. You can’t create subscription models or upsells, and marketing tools are fairly basic.
👉 Verdict: Squarespace offers more versatility for growing creative businesses.
6. SEO and Marketing
Etsy provides internal SEO tools — your listings appear in Etsy search results based on keywords and sales performance. However, you have little control over external SEO visibility.
Squarespace is built for search engine optimization. You can optimize URLs, meta descriptions, and page titles, and integrate tools like Google Analytics and Mailchimp. This means your site can rank on Google, helping you reach customers beyond a marketplace.
👉 Verdict: Squarespace is the better long-term marketing tool.
7. Customer Relationship and Branding Growth
Etsy handles most of the customer interaction process, which can limit your ability to build direct relationships with buyers.
On Squarespace, you collect customer emails, integrate newsletters, and run campaigns — helping you grow a loyal community and repeat buyers. You own the data, not Etsy.
👉 Verdict: Squarespace empowers you to build long-term customer relationships.
8. Which One Should You Choose?
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Choose Etsy if you’re a new seller testing the market, want instant visibility, and prefer minimal setup.
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Choose Squarespace if you’re building a long-term brand, want more control, and plan to scale your online business.
For many creators, a hybrid approach works best — start on Etsy to gain initial exposure, then transition to Squarespace to build a brand-centered, professional store.
And when you do, don’t forget to use a Squarespace discount code at checkout. It’s the easiest way to save money while creating your dream store.
Final Thoughts
Etsy is perfect for short-term sales and discovery. Squarespace is built for long-term growth, brand independence, and professional credibility. For small creators ready to level up their business, Squarespace offers everything needed to create a digital home that truly represents your craft — beautifully and profitably.