Shopify, WordPress, or Squarespace? The Market Harborough Business Guide to Choosing the Right Platform
You have decided 2026 is the year you upgrade your digital presence. You know you need a professional website. But after a quick Google search, you are suddenly drowning in names: Shopify. WordPress. Squarespace. Wix. Webflow.
It’s enough to make you want to close the laptop and stick to a Facebook page.
As a web designer in Market Harborough, one of the most common questions I get asked over a coffee is: "Which platform is actually the best?"
The honest answer? There isn't one.
There is only the best platform for your specific business.
At Brand Canyon, I don't force every client into the same box. I use an "Amazon-style" approach called Working Backwards: we look at where you want your business to be in three years, and then we pick the technology that gets you there.
Here is a no-jargon guide to the big three players, and which one is right for your Leicestershire business.
1. Shopify: The Retail Powerhouse
If you are a retailer on the High Street, a maker in Great Bowden, or a brand looking to sell products globally, Shopify is the undisputed king.
Why choose it?
It is built for sales: It’s not a website builder with a "shop" added on; it is a commerce engine first.
Security & Speed: You don't need to worry about hosting, updates, or security patches. It just works.
Scalability: This is the platform I used to grow my own brand, Golden Buoy, and it handles everything from your first sale to your millionth.
Who is it for? The boutique shop in Market Harborough that wants to sync their in-store inventory with their online shop, or the startup brand ready to ship worldwide.
2. WordPress: The Flexible Giant
WordPress powers over 40% of the entire internet. It is the gold standard for flexibility and SEO (Search Engine Optimisation).
Why choose it?
Total Ownership: Unlike hosted platforms, you own your site and your data completely.
Limitless Customisation: With the right developer, WordPress can do anything. Booking systems, membership areas, complex directories - it’s all possible.
SEO Friendly: Google loves WordPress structure. If your main goal is ranking high for terms like "Accountant in Leicestershire" or "Plumber in Market Harborough", WordPress gives you the granular control to make that happen.
Who is it for? Service businesses, consultants, tradespeople, and charities who need a robust, content-rich site that drives leads rather than direct product sales.
3. Squarespace: The "Brochure" Option
You’ve probably heard the podcast ads. Squarespace is famous for its stunning, drag-and-drop templates.
Why choose it?
Visuals First: It is incredibly hard to make a Squarespace site look "bad." It’s great for portfolios.
All-in-One: Like Shopify, hosting is included.
The Downside: It can be rigid. If you want to add a specific custom feature or move a button exactly there, Squarespace can sometimes say "no." It is often a great starting point for DIY, but businesses often outgrow it within 18 months.
The Brand Canyon Verdict
Many web design agencies in Leicestershire are "WordPress shops" or "Shopify partners", meaning they will try to shoehorn your business into the only tool they know.
I take a different approach.
When you book a project with Brand Canyon, we start with the Strategy:
Do you need to manage stock? -> Shopify.
Do you need a complex booking system for clients? -> WordPress.
Do you need a simple portfolio for your photography? -> Squarespace (or a lightweight WordPress build).
Your website is an investment, not an expense. Don't build your house on the wrong foundations.
Unsure which platform is right for your Market Harborough business? Let’s grab a coffee and look at your roadmap.