If you’re new to web design, choosing the right platform can feel overwhelming. Over the years, I’ve worked with WordPress, Squarespace, Webflow, and page builders like Elementor, along with various hosting providers. In this post, I’ll share my real-world experience so you can confidently decide which platform is right for you.
My Web Design Journey
Starting With WordPress (2013)
I first started learning web design around 2013 and chose WordPress as my primary platform. I was amazed by the variety of hosting options, plugins, and themes available. I explored ThemeForest and realized I could build a professional-looking website without much coding.
I hosted my first site with HostGator, which at the time was highly recommended along with Bluehost. I used a ThemeForest theme that looked modern and beautiful.
Hosting Challenges
Unfortunately, my website stopped working and appeared to be deleted. HostGator’s customer service told me they couldn’t recover my site, even after I asked multiple times. Because of this experience, I no longer recommend HostGator.
I tried other hosting providers:
- Bluehost – worked well but slow and unhelpful support
- SiteGround – excellent support, reliable, slightly more expensive
Exploring WordPress Themes
I discovered the Divi theme, which allowed drag-and-drop design without coding. It seemed perfect at first, but many users reported it was bloated and slowed down websites. Influenced by these comments, I eventually stopped using Divi.
Discovering Squarespace
That’s when I found Squarespace. For me, Squarespace was a dream platform:
- Drag-and-drop design
- All-in-one solution (domain, hosting, builder)
- Minimal tutorials needed
I even started freelancing with Squarespace and used it for over 10 years. Many clients came from WordPress and were frustrated by plugin issues or outdated designs. I updated their websites and often moved them to Squarespace for easier management.
While some people worry about SEO on Squarespace, none of my clients experienced ranking or speed problems. Squarespace is not the absolute fastest, but it is easy to use and can get your website live in a day.
Learning Web Design and Webflow
After years on Squarespace, I wanted to improve my HTML and CSS skills and discovered Webflow. It offered a mix of coding and drag-and-drop design, but it had a steep learning curve — it took about 6 months to get comfortable.
Webflow allows advanced animations and professional design, but I often felt frustrated when results didn’t come quickly. For those willing to learn, Webflow is an excellent tool, but it wasn’t ideal for my workflow.
Returning to WordPress With Elementor
Eventually, I returned to WordPress because I wanted flexibility while keeping things visual. I tried Elementor, a WordPress page builder:
- Drag-and-drop design
- Easy to customize without coding
- Less steep learning curve than Webflow
I also switched hosting to Hostinger, which was user-friendly, easy to set up, and had helpful tutorial videos. This setup gave me confidence and efficiency.
My Recommendations
For Absolute Beginners
Squarespace – Fast setup, all-in-one solution, beginner-friendly, great support.
For Flexibility & Long-Term Growth
WordPress + Elementor + Hostinger – Ideal for scalability, control, and customization without heavy coding.
For Advanced Designers/Developers
Webflow – Powerful platform with advanced design capabilities for those willing to invest time in learning.
Recommended Tools & Platforms
Here are the platforms and tools mentioned in this post that can help you get started building your website:
- Squarespace – Beginner-friendly, all-in-one website builder with hosting and domain integration.
- WordPress – Flexible CMS that powers millions of websites worldwide.
- Elementor – Drag-and-drop page builder for WordPress that makes design intuitive.
- Hostinger – User-friendly and affordable WordPress hosting provider.
- Webflow – Advanced design platform for more creative control.
💡 Tip: You can combine these tools — for example, WordPress + Elementor + Hostinger is a powerful setup for beginners and advanced users alike.
FAQs
What is the best website platform for beginners?
Squarespace is the easiest for absolute beginners. WordPress with Elementor is ideal if you want flexibility and long-term growth.
Is WordPress worth it for beginners?
Yes. With the right hosting and page builder like Elementor, WordPress is both flexible and beginner-friendly.
Is Webflow suitable for beginners?
Not really. Webflow is powerful but requires a significant learning curve. Best for designers or developers.
Which hosting should I choose?
Hostinger is affordable, beginner-friendly, and easy to manage for WordPress websites.
Source
This blog post is based on the YouTube video: Best Website Platform for Beginners (WordPress vs Squarespace vs Webflow).