Final verdict
Zenfolio vs Square Online: Both platforms offer unique strengths tailored to different user needs, but Square Online edges out with a higher overall score of 7.2 compared to Zenfolio’s 6.4.
-
Zenfolio (Overall Grade: 6.4/10)
is a specialized platform designed for photographers and visual artists. It offers elegant, customizable templates and integrated e-commerce capabilities for selling prints and digital downloads. While it excels in providing tools for marketing, client proofing, and secure photo storage, it falls short in design flexibility and extensive customization options. Zenfolio is ideal for photographers looking to showcase and sell their work online with a professional web presence. -
Square Online (Overall Grade: 7.2/10)
provides a comprehensive website builder tailored for businesses, particularly retailers, restaurants, and service providers. It offers a user-friendly interface, a range of customizable templates, and seamless integration with Square’s payment processing and business management tools. Square Online stands out with its superior ease of use, extensive e-commerce features, and robust customer support, making it a versatile choice for businesses looking to manage their online presence and operations efficiently.
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
Design functionalities & templates |
6.8 |
7.4 |
|
Ease of use |
6.3 |
8.4 |
|
Ecommerce |
6.3 |
7.3 |
|
Website Editors |
7.6 |
6.6 |
|
Product testing options |
8.4 |
7.8 |
|
Price |
8.2 |
7.5 |
|
Hosting quality |
5.7 |
7.8 |
|
Website speed optimization |
5.2 |
6.2 |
|
Plugins and integrations |
6.5 |
7.6 |
|
Marketing features |
6.1 |
7.4 |
|
Customer support |
6.7 |
6.7 |
|
Security |
8.0 |
8.5 |
|
AI capabilities |
2.4 |
7.4 |
|
User Management |
2.8 |
5.2 |
Best for ecommerce
6.3
7.3
Verdict
: Zenfolio is ideal for photographers and visual artists, while Square Online is better suited for a broader range of businesses, including retailers and restaurants.
-
Zenfolio
: Zenfolio is designed specifically for professional photographers and visual artists. It offers integrated ecommerce capabilities for selling prints, digital downloads, and other products. The platform includes features like multiple currency support, discount coupons, and order management. However, when comparing Zenfolio vs Square Online, Zenfolio may fall short in terms of scalability and advanced ecommerce features. -
Square Online
: Square Online is a comprehensive website builder designed for businesses looking to manage their online presence and sales efficiently. It offers robust ecommerce features, including product listing and inventory management, payment processing, and POS capabilities. Square Online is particularly strong in payment processing and POS features, making it a more versatile option for a wide range of businesses.
Best for informational & business websites
6.9
7.4
Verdict
: Square Online is the better choice for creating informational and business websites due to its user-friendly interface, extensive design options, and comprehensive support. Zenfolio, while excellent for photographers, may not offer the same level of versatility for general business needs.
-
Zenfolio
: Zenfolio is tailored specifically for photographers and visual artists, offering elegant, mobile-friendly templates and integrated e-commerce capabilities. However, its design flexibility and customization options are somewhat limited outside of photography-specific needs. With a score of 6.9, it is a solid choice for those in the photography industry but may not fully cater to broader business requirements. -
Square Online
: Square Online provides a flexible website builder with a focus on e-commerce, making it suitable for a variety of business types, including retailers, restaurants, and service businesses. It offers a range of customizable templates and easy drag-and-drop tools, along with direct integration with Square’s suite of payment processing and business management tools. Scoring 7.4, Square Online is ideal for businesses looking to manage their online presence efficiently within a single ecosystem. When comparing Zenfolio vs Square Online, Square Online stands out for its versatility and ease of use.
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.
6.8
7.4
🏆
Winner: Square Online.
If you’re looking for a platform that offers more creative control and a wide array of design features, Square Online is the preferred choice.
Zenfolio offers a variety of customizable templates and features specifically tailored for photographers, with a focus on showcasing and selling their work. While it provides several customization options, including blocks for different layouts and styles, it may not offer as much versatility outside of photography-specific needs.
Compared to Zenfolio, 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.
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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.
6.3
8.4
🏆 Winner: Square Online
. Scoring 8.4, Square Online offers an intuitive and user-friendly website building experience, making it accessible for users without coding skills. Zenfolio, with a score of 6.3, offers a specialized platform for photographers but has limitations in design flexibility and might not fully cater to those seeking extensive customization.
Learning Resources
🏆 Winner: Square Online
. Square Online offers high-quality resources including comprehensive guides, video tutorials, active community forums, and accessible customer service. Zenfolio’s learning resources are somewhat limited and users have expressed a desire for more comprehensive learning resources.
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.
6.3
7.3
Zenfolio and Square Online both offer ecommerce capabilities, but they cater to different audiences. Zenfolio is designed specifically for professional photographers and visual artists, offering integrated ecommerce capabilities for selling prints, digital downloads, and other products. Square Online, on the other hand, is designed for businesses, offering a suite of ecommerce features suitable for both online and physical stores.
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
Ecommerce themes and templates |
7.0 |
6.8 |
|
Product page customization |
7.2 |
7.6 |
|
Payment processing and commissions |
6.5 |
7.9 |
|
POS capabilities |
3.0 |
9.0 |
|
Payment gateways |
6.8 |
7.5 |
|
Product numbers |
5.0 |
7.0 |
|
Additional ecommerce features |
6.5 |
7.2 |
Zenfolio ecommerce features:
- Multiple Currency Support
- Discount Coupons
- Order management
- Gift Certificates
- Tax management
Square Online ecommerce features:
- Product Listing and Inventory management
- Payment Processing and POS features
- Shipping and Fulfillment
- Marketing features
Ecommerce themes & templates
Zenfolio provides customizable website templates with integrated e-commerce features for photographers, designed to showcase and sell their work across various genres. These templates include essential online selling tools such as secure payment options, product management, and marketing integrations. 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.
Product page customization
Zenfolio allows users to detail their product pages with descriptions, images, and options such as size or color. This allows for each product page to be adjusted to clearly display its unique attributes. Placing products in specific galleries or categories helps organize the site and improve navigation. The platform also supports customization in pricing and shipping settings. Square Online, on the other hand, allows you to add up to 250 variations per item, like different sizes or versions, through “Selectable Options” in the item details section of your online store. Additionally, “Item Modifiers” allow for further customization by letting customers choose options or input custom text, such as engraving names on jewelry, without affecting inventory levels.
Payment processing
Zenfolio supports Stripe and PayPal for payment processing, integrating them seamlessly into its platform. The platform charges a commerce fee of 7% per order (excluding tax and shipping) and a payment processing fee for transactions through Stripe or PayPal. Square’s website builder supports a variety of payment options including Square Pay, Apple Pay, Cash App Pay, Google Pay, and Afterpay. 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. Additionally, Square offers comprehensive POS capabilities, with a range of hardware solutions that seamlessly integrate with its online store and point of sale systems.
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.
7.6
6.6
🏆
Winner: Zenfolio
. Zenfolio, with a score of 7.6, offers an intuitive, no-coding-required website builder tailored for photographers, featuring drag-and-drop customization, a wide array of templates, and a powerful Custom Layout block for personalized designs. Its integrated eCommerce capabilities enable selling both digital and physical photography products, supported by comprehensive security features for protecting photographers’ work. Additionally, Zenfolio provides tools for SEO, marketing, photo and video hosting, client booking, and management, backed by award-winning customer support.
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
8.5
5.5
🏆
Winner: Zenfolio
. Zenfolio offers a dedicated mobile editor app that allows users to manage their websites and galleries directly from their mobile devices. It includes features for receiving notifications, managing galleries, handling sales-related tasks, and showcasing photos through a client presentation mode. Additionally, the app supports uploading and editing photos, as well as accessing various tools for reports, CRM, bookings, and blog management, although some features may still necessitate desktop use for full functionality.
Square Online, on the other hand, does not have a dedicated mobile editor app. Users can manage and edit a website built with Square Online using the mobile browser version, but it comes with certain limitations.
In summary, Zenfolio is the clear winner in this category due to its comprehensive mobile editing capabilities.
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.
8.4
7.8
Overall Result
:
Zenfolio wins
. Zenfolio scores 8.4, slightly higher than Square Online’s 7.8. Zenfolio offers a 14-day free trial with the possibility to test premium features. Additionally, it provides a 30-day money-back guarantee. Square Online, on the other hand, offers a free version and a longer 30-day free trial. However, it requires users to enter their billing information to access the trial and does not offer a money-back guarantee.
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
Free Plan |
No |
Yes |
|
Trial Duration |
14 days |
30 days |
|
Testing Premium Features |
During the free trial |
During the 30-day free trial |
|
Money-Back Guarantee |
30-day money back guarantee |
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.
8.2
7.5
Zenfolio offers a range of plans with prices ranging from $9 to $40 per month, with discounts for annual billing. Square Online offers a free plan and a Plus plan for $29 per month, with a custom-priced Premium plan for larger businesses.
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
Free |
No offering at this amount. |
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. |
|
$0-$10 |
Portfolio ($9.00/month): Basic entry-level with 15 GB photo storage, HD video, single-page website. Value for price: 6.0 |
No offering at this amount. |
|
$20-$30 |
PortfolioPlus ($23.00/month): Balanced features with 150 GB photo storage, HD video, single-page website. Value for price: 7.5 |
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 |
|
$40+ |
ProSuite ($40.00/month): Extensive features for photo and video, multi-page websites, blog, templates, and more. Value for price: 9.0 |
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.
5.7
7.8
🏆
Winner: Square Online
Square Online offers unlimited bandwidth and a 99.96% uptime, although it does not provide an uptime guarantee. Zenfolio, on the other hand, offers storage ranging from 15GB to unlimited, but does not disclose any information about its uptime or the locations of its data centers. Due to the lack of transparency from Zenfolio and the higher uptime from Square Online, Square Online is the winner in this category.
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
Do they offer hosting? |
Yes, with from 15GB to unlimited storage, with possibility to backup website’s content manually. |
Yes, with unlimited bandwidth |
|
Data Centers: |
Zenfolio does not disclose the locations of its data centers |
Square Online does not disclose the locations of its data centers |
|
Type of hosting: |
Cloud Hosting |
The platform does not specify the type of hosting it provides |
|
Uptime: |
Zenfolio website builder does disclose any information about its uptime statistics |
99.96% |
|
Uptime Guarantee: |
Zenfolio website builder does not have uptime guarantee |
No |
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.
5.2
6.2
🏆 Winner: Square Online
Both Zenfolio and Square Online prioritize website performance and page speed, but Square Online has a more comprehensive approach to speed optimization, giving it the edge in this category.
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
Focus |
Mobile responsive design |
Lazy Loading, Code Minification, Caching, Image optimization |
|
Performance Tools |
Not specified |
Not specified |
|
Key Strategies |
Mobile responsive design |
Lazy Loading, Code Minification, Caching, Image optimization |
|
Load Times |
Varies depending on optimization and website complexity |
Varies depending on optimization and website complexity |
|
Page Speed Scores Range |
Not specified |
Not specified |
|
Core Web Vitals Improvement |
Not specified |
Not specified |
Square Online’s approach to enhancing site speed includes lazy loading, code minification, caching, and image optimization. These strategies help to reduce the amount of data that needs to be processed and loaded, thereby improving page load times and overall website performance. However, specific load times and PageSpeed scores are not provided, and no information is given on improvements to Core Web Vitals.
Zenfolio, on the other hand, focuses on mobile responsive design as its main strategy for speed optimization. This approach ensures that websites look good and perform well on all devices, but it may not be as effective as Square Online’s more comprehensive approach in improving page load times and overall website performance. Like Square Online, Zenfolio does not provide specific load times, PageSpeed scores, or information on Core Web Vitals improvements.
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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.
6.5
7.6
🏆 Winner: Square Online.
With a score of 7.6, Square Online offers a wide array of app integrations that 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. Zenfolio, scoring 6.5, offers a focused set of plugins and integrations specifically designed for photographers. While it does a good job catering to its niche, Square Online’s broader range of integrations gives it the edge.
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.
6.1
7.4
🏆
Overall Winner: Square Online
. Square Online stands out for its comprehensive SEO features, email marketing, and analytics and reporting tools. Zenfolio, while offering similar features, is slightly limited in its SEO capabilities and analytics tools.
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
SEO Tools |
Yes, but limited |
Yes |
|
Email Marketing |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Blogging |
Yes, on higher plans |
Yes |
|
Social Media Integration |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Analytics and Reporting |
Yes, basic built-in analytics tools |
Yes |
|
Ads and Promotions |
Yes |
Yes |
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
6.7
🏆 Winner: Tie
. When comparing Zenfolio vs Square Online, both platforms offer robust customer support, each with its unique strengths. Zenfolio provides email support 365 days a year, LiveChat from Monday to Thursday, and phone support for Advanced plan subscribers. Their rich Support Center includes articles and video tutorials, ensuring users have access to a wealth of self-help resources.
Square Online, on the other hand, offers phone, live chat, and email support, with availability from 6 AM to 6 PM Pacific Time on weekdays for general inquiries. Premium plan users benefit from 24/7 phone support in English, alongside weekend support hours. Both platforms ensure users have access to the necessary support, making it a close call in this category.
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.
8.0
8.5
🏆
Winner: Square Online
. Square Online takes the lead in security with a score of 8.5, compared to Zenfolio’s 8.0. Square Online prioritizes user privacy and data security through encryption, adherence to industry standards, and constant security monitoring. It also provides free SSL security for every site, ensuring that personal and financial information remains confidential and protected.
Zenfolio, while also emphasizing security through SSL encryption and additional measures like watermarking and password-protected galleries, falls slightly short in comparison. However, it’s worth noting that Zenfolio’s security measures are tailored specifically to photographers and visual artists, making it a secure platform for these specific users.
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.
2.4
7.4
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
AI Builder |
Zenfolio does not have an AI website builder |
Square Online does not have an AI website builder |
|
AI Ecommerce Features |
AI tool PhotoRefine.ai for efficient photo management |
Personalized product recommendations based on customer behavior |
|
AI Content Generation |
Zenfolio does not have AI content generation features |
AI-generated photo environments, personalized email copy, website content, and menu generation |
|
Additional AI Features |
Zenfolio does not have any other AI features |
Team Announcements, Auto-imported Services, Kitchen Categories |
🏆 Winner: Square Online
. Square Online, with a score of 7.4, utilizes AI to offer personalized product recommendations, streamline operations, and enhance workflow efficiency. Its AI capabilities are more comprehensive and business-oriented compared to Zenfolio’s limited AI capabilities, which are primarily focused on enhancing the online selling experience for photographers.
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.
2.8
5.2
🏆 Winner: Square Online
. Zenfolio and Square Online have different approaches to user management.
- Zenfolio only allows one user to edit and manage a website.
- Square Online allows multiple staff accounts, however the platform does not specify how many accounts are supported.
Unfortunately, neither platform provided information about user roles and access levels.
Zenfolio User Management Score:
2.8
Square Online User Management Score:
5.2
Additional Features
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
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 Zenfolio for its elegant and affordable site/portfolio designs, highlighting the platform’s suitability for photographers looking to showcase and sell their work online. The Starter plan is praised for its value, though some users express a desire to upgrade to the Pro plan for its enhanced client interaction features and customizable marketing tools. Criticisms include dissatisfaction with the platform’s handling of photo albums and a desire for more privacy and faster loading times. Overall, Zenfolio is valued for its ability to organize and share professional photographs and files, despite some navigational and performance issues.
Square Online Store is appreciated 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.
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 photographers, Zenfolio or Square Online?
Can I sell products other than photography on Zenfolio and Square Online?
Which platform offers better e-commerce features, Zenfolio or Square Online?
How do Zenfolio and Square Online compare in terms of ease of use?
Which platform is more affordable, Zenfolio or Square Online?
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