Final verdict
Square Online and SITE123 both offer valuable tools for building and managing websites, but they cater to different needs and preferences.
-
Square Online (Overall Grade: 7.2/10)
is a comprehensive website builder tailored for businesses looking to integrate their online and offline operations seamlessly. It excels in ecommerce capabilities, offering robust payment processing, POS features, and a variety of customizable templates. Square Online is ideal for retailers, restaurants, and service businesses aiming to expand their online presence efficiently. -
SITE123 (Overall Grade: 6.5/10)
is a user-friendly platform designed for individuals and businesses seeking to create professional-looking websites without coding skills. It offers a wide range of customizable templates, SEO tools, and mobile optimization. While it may lack some advanced features and deep customization options, SITE123 is perfect for users who prioritize ease of use and quick setup.
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
Design functionalities & templates |
7.4 |
7.2 |
|
Ease of use |
8.4 |
8.1 |
|
Ecommerce |
7.3 |
7.0 |
|
Website Editors |
6.6 |
7.0 |
|
Product testing options |
7.8 |
6.4 |
|
Price |
7.5 |
6.2 |
|
Hosting quality |
7.8 |
7.0 |
|
Website speed optimization |
6.2 |
5.8 |
|
Plugins and integrations |
7.6 |
7.1 |
|
Marketing features |
7.4 |
6.0 |
|
Customer support |
6.7 |
7.3 |
|
Security |
8.5 |
7.5 |
|
AI capabilities |
7.4 |
2.8 |
|
User Management |
5.2 |
6.3 |
Best for ecommerce
7.3
7.0
Verdict
: Square Online is better suited for businesses looking for a seamless transition from physical to online sales, while SITE123 is ideal for those seeking a versatile and user-friendly website builder with ecommerce capabilities.
-
Square Online
: Tailored for retailers, restaurants, and service businesses, Square Online excels in providing a comprehensive ecommerce solution. It integrates seamlessly with Square’s payment processing and business management tools, making it a robust choice for businesses aiming to manage their online presence and operations efficiently. When comparing Square Online vs SITE123, Square Online stands out for its advanced POS capabilities and extensive payment processing options. -
SITE123
: Known for its user-friendly interface and versatile templates, SITE123 is perfect for individuals and small businesses looking to create professional websites with ecommerce functionalities. While it offers a range of features like SEO tools and social media integration, it may not match the depth of ecommerce-specific tools provided by Square Online.
Best for informational & business websites
7.4
7.4
Verdict
: Both Square Online and SITE123 score equally well for informational and business websites, each with a score of 7.4. However, their strengths cater to different user needs.
-
Square Online
: Square Online is a robust platform for businesses that need a seamless transition from physical to online operations. It offers a range of customizable templates and direct integration with Square’s suite of payment processing and business management tools. This makes it particularly attractive for retailers, restaurants, and service businesses looking to manage their online presence efficiently. -
SITE123
: SITE123 is ideal for users who prioritize ease of use and quick setup. It offers a wide range of customizable templates and drag-and-drop functionality, making it easy for individuals and businesses to create professional-looking websites without any coding skills. SITE123 also provides various features such as ecommerce capabilities, SEO tools, and mobile optimization, making it a versatile platform for creating stunning websites.
Detailed comparison
Design functionalities & templates
Design FunctionalitiesRepresents how well each platform allows for creative design and customization of websites.Score Components:
- Template Variety (30%): Range and quality of design templates.
- Customization (30%): Flexibility and options for design alterations.
- User Interface (20%): Ease and intuitiveness of the design process.
- Responsiveness (10%): Adaptability to different devices and screen sizes.
- Innovation (10%): Unique design features and tools.
7.4
7.2
🏆
Winner: Square Online.
Although both platforms offer a range of design functionalities and templates, Square Online slightly edges out SITE123 in terms of score.
Square Online offers a flexible website builder with a focus on e-commerce, providing a variety of design options through integration with platforms like Weebly. Users can customize their sites extensively, choosing from themes and preset styles to best represent their brand.
On the other hand, SITE123 offers a wide variety of templates and designs for their website builder, with over 180 options to choose from. Their templates are organized by industry and category, making it easy to find the perfect design for your website. SITE123 also allows for customization of templates, giving users the ability to make their website unique and tailored to their brand.
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Ease of use
Ease of useReflects the platform’s overall user-friendliness.Score
Components:
- Learning curve (40%): Quickness and ease of getting started.
- Interface design (30%): Simplicity and intuitiveness of layout.
- User guidance (20%): Quality of tutorials and support.
- Flexibility (10%): Adaptability to various user skills.
8.4
8.1
🏆 Winner: Square Online
. With a score of 8.4, Square Online slightly edges out SITE123, which scored 8.1. Square Online’s user-friendly interface and comprehensive set of ecommerce tools make it a great choice for businesses looking to expand online. SITE123, while also user-friendly, may be somewhat limiting for those seeking deep customization.
Learning Resources
🏆 Winner: SITE123
. Both platforms offer solid learning resources, but SITE123’s well-structured support center and live chat make it a more user-friendly choice for beginners.
For ecommerce
EcommerceMeasures the platform’s effectiveness in supporting online business activities.Score Components:
- Ecommerce themes and templates (20%): Variety and design of templates.
- Product management (25%): Ease of managing and organizing products.
- Payment options (25%): Variety and convenience of payment methods.
- Ecommerce features (20%): Features for managing an ecommerce store.
- Integration (10%): Compatibility with external e-commerce tools and services.
7.3
7.0
Square Online and SITE123 both offer robust ecommerce capabilities, but they cater to different business needs. Square Online is particularly tailored for retailers, restaurants, and service businesses, aiming to provide a seamless transition from brick-and-mortar operations to online sales. SITE123, on the other hand, is a versatile platform for creating stunning websites with ecommerce capabilities.
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
Ecommerce themes and templates |
6.8 |
6.5 |
|
Product page customization |
7.6 |
6.8 |
|
Payment processing and commissions |
7.9 |
6.0 |
|
POS capabilities |
9.0 |
5.0 |
|
Payment gateways |
7.5 |
7.0 |
|
Product numbers |
7.0 |
6.0 |
|
Additional ecommerce features |
7.2 |
6.5 |
Square Online ecommerce features:
- Product Listing and Inventory management
- Payment Processing and POS features
- Shipping and Fulfillment
- Marketing features
SITE123 ecommerce features:
- Product Management
- Payment Gateways
- Shipping and Tax Configuration
- SEO tools
- Analytics
- Social Media Integration
Ecommerce themes & templates
Square Online offers a range of ecommerce templates designed to meet various business needs, enabling users to customize their sites to match their brand identity. It includes dynamic styling tools, personalized user experiences, and integrated payment solutions, including Square’s own payment gateway. SITE123 offers a variety of ecommerce templates suitable for various types of businesses. These templates are designed to be professional and user-friendly, ensuring that your products stand out and that customers have a seamless shopping experience.
Product page customization
In Square Online, you can add up to 250 variations per item, like different sizes or versions, through “Selectable Options” in the item details section of your online store. SITE123 offers extensive customization options for ecommerce product pages, suitable for both physical and digital goods. Adding products is streamlined through the Website Editor, under the ecommerce (Store) page within the Pages section.
Payment processing
Square’s website builder supports a variety of payment options including Square Pay, Apple Pay, Cash App Pay, Google Pay, and Afterpay, catering to diverse customer payment preferences. The platform charges a transaction fee of 2.9% + 30¢ per online transaction for its free plan, with a discounted fee available on the Premium plan. SITE123 supports various payment gateways like Stripe, PayPal, and Amazon Pay, enabling seamless online transactions without charging sales commissions. Users can expect payment processing fees around 3%, which are standard across ecommerce platforms.
Website Editors
Website EditorsEvaluates the platforms’ website building and editing capabilities.Score Components:
- Customization tools (40%): Range and power of editing features.
- Editor usability (30%): User experience within the editor.
- Design flexibility (20%): Freedom in layout and design changes.
- Update and maintenance ease (10%): Simplicity of updating and maintaining the site.
6.6
7.0
🏆
Winner: SITE123
. SITE123, with a score of 7.0, is a straightforward and user-friendly website builder designed for individuals without coding or design expertise. It offers a selection of ready-made templates, mobile responsiveness, free hosting, and SEO tools, alongside ecommerce capabilities for users willing to subscribe to higher plans. However, customization is somewhat limited due to the inability to access template source codes or integrate external templates, and advanced features may incur additional costs.
Square Online’s website builder, scoring 6.6, is designed for businesses looking to establish an online presence with ease, focusing on e-commerce functionality. It offers limited customization options, aiming to simplify the design process, yet includes essential e-commerce and marketing tools suitable for a variety of business needs. The platform supports an unlimited number of products and integrates with Square’s payment processing, albeit with limited external payment options. While Square Online is user-friendly and efficient for quickly setting up a website, it may not cater to those seeking extensive design flexibility or advanced e-commerce features.
Mobile editor/app
5.5
5.5
🏆
Draw: Square Online and SITE123
. Both Square Online and SITE123 do not have a dedicated mobile editor app. Users can manage and edit a website built with either of these platforms using the mobile browser version. However, this comes with certain limitations and may not provide the same level of convenience and functionality as a dedicated mobile app.
Therefore, if mobile editing is a priority for you, you may want to consider other website builders that offer a dedicated mobile editor app.
Product testing options
Product Testing OptionsAssesses the options for trying out platform features before commitment.Score Components:
- Trial quality (40%): Extent and usefulness of the trial or free version.
- Feature accessibility (30%): How many features are available to test.
- Trial duration (20%): Length of the trial period.
- Ease of transition (10%): Smoothness of moving from trial to paid plans.
7.8
6.4
Overall Result
:
Square Online wins
. Square Online scores 7.8, while SITE123 scores 6.4 in product testing options. Square Online offers a free version and a 30-day free trial, during which users can test premium features. However, users are required to enter their billing information for the free trial. SITE123 also offers a free version and allows testing of premium features during a 14-day refundable period, but it does not offer a trial version.
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
Free Plan |
Yes | Yes |
|
Trial Duration |
30 days | No trial version |
|
Testing Premium Features |
Yes, during 30-day free trial | Yes, during 14-day refundable period |
|
Money Back Guarantee |
No | No |
Price
PriceLooks at the cost-effectiveness and value for money of each platform.Score Components:
- Plan value (40%): What each pricing tier offers.
- Transparency and clarity (30%): Clearness of pricing structures.
- Flexibility of plans (20%): Range of options to suit different budgets.
- Hidden costs (10%): Additional expenses not included in the plan.
7.5
6.2
Square Online and SITE123 both offer affordable options, but Square Online provides more advanced features for larger businesses.
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
Free |
Free ($0/month): For businesses who want to start selling online fast. Online payments with 2.9% + 30¢, basic-site layouts and design controls, tax calculation, unlimited items, SEO tools, blog feature, Facebook ads. |
Free ($0/month): 250 MB storage, 250MB bandwidth, SITE123 branding, basic SEO for homepage. This plan allows to manage 1 website and there is no limitation on number of pages. It offers hosting with 250MB storage and bandwidth. However, it does not offer ecommerce features, has limited templates and does not have AI website builder. |
|
$0-$10 |
No offering at this amount. |
Premium ($7.8/month): 3 GB storage, 3 GB bandwidth, connect your domain, remove SITE123 floating tag. This plan allows to manage 1 website and there is no limitation on number of pages. It offers hosting with 3GB storage and bandwidth. However, it does not offer ecommerce features, has limited templates and does not have AI website builder. Value for price: 6.5 |
|
$20+ |
Plus ($29/month): For businesses looking to drive online growth and streamline operations. Includes all the features of the free plan, plus, free custom domain for a year, professional branding, custom embed code, manage multiple sites, pre-orders, abandoned cart recovery, free shipping and delivery progress bar, product reviews, discounts, website statistics. Value for price: 7.5 |
No offering at this amount. |
location. As a result in rare cases the prices displayed here can differ from the ones you see on their
websites.
Hosting quality
Hosting
qualityExamines the reliability and performance of the hosting solutions.Score Components:
- Uptime (40%): Consistency and reliability of website availability.
- Speed (30%): Loading times and performance.
- Bandwidth and storage (20%): Sufficiency of resources provided.
- Data centers (10%): Quality and distribution of hosting infrastructure.
7.8
7.0
🏆
Winner: Square Online
Square Online and SITE123 both offer hosting services, but Square Online provides unlimited bandwidth, which is a significant advantage for businesses with high traffic. Although SITE123 offers a 99.9% uptime guarantee, Square Online has a slightly higher uptime of 99.96%. Neither platform discloses the locations of their data centers, and the type of hosting provided by Square Online is unspecified, while SITE123 offers managed hosting. Despite these similarities, Square Online’s unlimited bandwidth gives it the edge in this comparison.
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
Do they offer hosting? |
Yes, with unlimited bandwidth |
Yes, 250MB storage and bandwidth on free plan, 3GB on premium plan |
|
Data Centers: |
Not disclosed |
Not disclosed |
|
Type of hosting: |
Not specified |
Managed Hosting |
|
Uptime: |
99.96% |
99.9% |
|
Uptime Guarantee: |
No |
Yes, 99.9% |
Website Speed Optimization
Website Speed OptimizationEvaluates optimization of website loading timesScore Components:
- PageSpeed Score (30%): Google’s score indicating performance optimization.
- Loading Time (30%): The average time until a website is fully interactive.
- Mobile Optimization (15%): Optimization effectiveness for mobile devices.
- Resource Optimization (15%): Optimizing images, scripts, and other heavy resources.
- CDN Usage (10%): Use of CDN to enhance speed across geolocations.
6.2
5.8
🏆 Winner: Square Online
Both Square Online and SITE123 have strategies in place for website speed optimization, but Square Online edges out SITE123 with a slightly higher score.
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
Focus |
Lazy Loading, Code Minification, Caching, Image optimization |
CDN, Image Optimization, Caching, Minification of CSS, JavaScript, and HTML, Use of Asynchronous Loading, Database Optimization |
|
Performance Tools |
Not specified |
Not specified |
|
Key Strategies |
Lazy Loading, Code Minification, Caching, Image optimization |
CDN, Image Optimization, Caching, Minification of CSS, JavaScript, and HTML, Use of Asynchronous Loading, Database Optimization |
|
Load Times |
Varies depending on optimization and website complexity |
Varies widely, depending on the optimization and user’s location |
|
Page Speed Scores Range |
Not specified |
Not specified |
|
Core Web Vitals Improvement |
No information provided |
No information provided |
Square Online focuses on lazy loading, code minification, caching, and image optimization to improve website speed. However, they do not provide specific information on load times, PageSpeed score ranges, or Core Web Vital improvements.
On the other hand, SITE123 uses a variety of strategies for speed optimization, including CDN, image optimization, caching, minification of CSS, JavaScript, and HTML, use of asynchronous loading, and database optimization. Like Square Online, SITE123 does not provide specific information on load times, PageSpeed score ranges, or Core Web Vital improvements.
While both platforms have strategies in place for website speed optimization, Square Online edges out SITE123 with a slightly higher score. However, the lack of specific information on load times, PageSpeed score ranges, and Core Web Vital improvements from both platforms makes it difficult to make a definitive comparison.
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Plugins and integrations
Plugins and integrationsMeasures the range and effectiveness of additional plugins and integrations.Score Components:
- Variety of options (40%): Range of available add-ons.
- Integration smoothness (30%): Ease of integrating plugins into the site.
- Quality of plugins (20%): Functionality and reliability of the options.
- Custom integration capabilities (10%): Support for custom or third-party integrations.
7.6
7.1
🏆 Winner: Square Online.
With a score of 7.6, Square Online edges out SITE123, which scores 7.1. Square Online supports a wide array of app integrations to facilitate various aspects of business operations, including eCommerce, accounting, marketing, and employee management. These integrations span from free options to premium services, allowing businesses to tailor their Square setup to their specific needs.
SITE123, on the other hand, offers a wide range of plugins and extensions to enhance the functionality of your website, including over 250 apps for features such as social media integration, ecommerce capabilities, and SEO optimization. However, the breadth and depth of Square Online’s integrations give it the upper hand.
Marketing Features
Design FunctionalitiesRepresents how well each platform allows for creative design and customization of websites.Score Components:
- Template Variety (30%): Range and quality of design templates.
- Customization (30%): Flexibility and options for design alterations.
- User Interface (20%): Ease and intuitiveness of the design process.
- Responsiveness (10%): Adaptability to different devices and screen sizes.
- Innovation (10%): Unique design features and tools.
7.4
6.0
🏆
Overall Winner: Square Online
. Square Online offers a more comprehensive set of marketing tools, including advanced email marketing, social media integrations, and analytics and reporting. SITE123, while offering a range of marketing features, falls short in email marketing and direct promotional tools.
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
SEO Tools |
|
|
|
Email Marketing |
Advanced email marketing with personalized emails and promotions |
Basic email marketing with limited customization |
|
Blogging |
Basic blogging features |
Advanced blogging features with comment system and scheduling |
|
Social Media Integration |
Advanced integration with product tagging and direct selling on platforms |
Basic linking with social media accounts |
|
Analytics and Reporting |
Comprehensive analytics and reporting tools |
Basic analytics with more detailed insights on higher plans |
|
Ads and Promotions |
Comprehensive suite of tools for ads and promotions |
Limited direct marketing tools, promotional features on premium plans |
Customer Support
Customer supportEvaluates the quality and availability of support options.Score Components:
- Response time (40%): Speed of support responses.
- Support quality (30%): Effectiveness and helpfulness of the support.
- Availability (20%): Range of support channels (phone, chat, email).
- Resource richness (10%): Quality of self-help and educational materials.
6.7
7.3
🏆 Winner: SITE123
. When comparing Square Online vs SITE123, SITE123 takes the lead in customer support with its 24/7 availability in English and support in 16 additional languages during business hours. This extensive language support ensures that users from various regions can receive assistance in their preferred language, making it a versatile option for a global audience.
Square Online offers customer support through phone, live chat, and email, with availability from 6 AM to 6 PM Pacific Time on weekdays for general inquiries. While it provides 24/7 phone support for premium plan users, the overall support hours are more limited compared to SITE123. However, Square Online’s customer success team is accessible for account issues Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 9 PM EST, providing a decent level of support for its users.
Security
SecurityLooks at the platforms’ security measures and data protection.Score Components:
- Data protection (40%): Safeguards for user and customer data.
- SSL and encryption (30%): Implementation of secure connections.
- Compliance (20%): Adherence to industry security standards.
- Regular updates (10%): Frequency of security updates and patches.
8.5
7.5
🏆
Winner: Square Online
. Square Online takes security seriously, providing free SSL security for every site created on their platform. This SSL certificate is crucial for encrypting data transferred between web servers and browsers, ensuring that personal and financial information remains confidential and protected. This level of security is essential for building trust with customers, as it secures online transactions and sensitive data.
Although it may not offer the same level of comprehensive security measures as Square Online, SITE123 also prioritizes website security and functionality through SSL/HTTPS encryption and modern firewalls, ensuring data privacy and protection against cyber threats.
AI Capabilities
AI capabilitiesMeasures the effectiveness of AI-driven features and tools.Score Components:
- Automation efficiency (40%): Impact of AI on streamlining processes.
- Personalization (30%): AI-driven customization for users or customers.
- AI-Assisted design (20%): Role of AI in website design and functionality.
- Data analysis (10%): Use of AI in interpreting user data and analytics.
7.4
2.8
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
AI Builder |
|
|
|
AI Ecommerce features |
Personalized product recommendations |
|
|
AI Content Generation |
AI-generated photo environments, email copy, website content |
AI-powered content generation |
|
Additional AI Features |
Team announcements, auto-imported services, kitchen categories |
Limited |
🏆 Winner: Square Online
. With a score of 7.4, Square Online offers a range of AI features designed to enhance the ecommerce experience and streamline operations for businesses. These include personalized product recommendations, AI-generated content, and additional features like team announcements and auto-imported services.
On the other hand, SITE123, with a score of 2.8, has limited AI capabilities. Its main AI feature is the AI-powered content generation tool, which simplifies the process of creating website content. However, it lacks AI ecommerce features and additional AI capabilities.
User Management
User ManagementAssesses the platforms’ capabilities in managing user roles, permissions, and accessibility.Score Components:
- Role Customization (40%): Flexibility in creating and defining user roles and
permissions. - Ease of Management (30%): User interface and tools for managing users.
- Access Control (20%): Effectiveness of access control measures for different user
levels. - Scalability (10%): Ability to manage a growing number of users efficiently.
5.2
6.3
🏆 Winner: SITE123
. Both Square Online and SITE123 allow multiple users to manage the website, but SITE123 provides more clarity on user roles.
- Square Online allows multiple staff accounts, however the platform does not specify how many accounts are supported.
- SITE123 allows multiple users to have two different roles: Admin and Contributor, each with its own set of permissions. However, there is no mention of limitations on the number of users who can edit the website on SITE123.
Additional Features
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|---|---|---|
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SSL Certificate |
|
|
|
Custom Domain |
|
|
|
Free Custom Domain Included |
|
|
|
International Domains |
|
|
|
Mobile Responsive |
|
|
|
Page Speed |
|
|
|
Website Builder Mobile App |
|
|
|
Convert a Website To An App |
|
|
|
Website Analytics |
|
|
|
Multilingual Sites |
|
|
|
Multiple Users |
|
|
User Feedback
Users appreciate Square Online Store for its ease of setup, no initial payment requirement for registration, and dependable payment processing. The platform is lauded for its simple user interface, which allows for quick product sales and efficient inventory management. However, some users express dissatisfaction with the limited design customization options and the simplicity of the store layouts, noting that they do not match the design quality of competitors like Wix, Squarespace, or Shopify. Additionally, limitations in scheduled order processing and a desire for more advanced features and better support for custom HTML and SEO were highlighted.
SITE123 seems to offer a user-friendly platform with drag-and-drop features, making website building quick and easy. Users appreciate its wide library of free images and templates, mobile responsiveness, and excellent customer support. However, some users find its customization options limited, especially in the free version, and wish for more robust features like additional plugins and payment methods tailored to different regions. Overall, SITE123 appears beneficial for those seeking to create professional-looking websites without extensive coding knowledge, though it may lack certain advanced functionalities for more specialized needs.
The making of this blog
We followed a clear, step-by-step process to write and research this article.
FAQ
Which platform is better for ecommerce, Square Online or SITE123?
Can I create a professional website without coding skills on both platforms?
How do Square Online and SITE123 compare in terms of customer support?
Which platform offers better website speed optimization?
Are there any AI capabilities on Square Online and SITE123?
Which platform is more suitable for creating multilingual sites?
What are the main differences in hosting quality between Square Online and SITE123?
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