Deciding where to host your podcast can be complicated and frustrating. Squarespace is really popular among podcasters, however there are cheaper and better solutions you should really consider if you’re looking for a Squarespace alternative. If you need a podcast website to go along your actual podcast, not all hosts can offer a seamless and easy integration. Your media host might not have workable website functionality, while your website platform could lack media hosting options. The question you may often ask yourself is: How can I get the best of both worlds?

In our opinion, the answer is WordPress. It is the best Squarespace alternative for podcasters, and in this article we’ll show you why. As an open-source Content Management System (CMS), WordPress can help you bridge the gap between your podcast host and your website. There are many existing integration options between WordPress and popular podcast hosts. While there are other options available – and Squarespace is likely on that list with their “Podcasting” service – WordPress offers a lot more flexibility in podcast themes and plugins for podcasters.

In this article, we’ll cover the benefits of using WordPress for your podcast website. Additionally, we’ll compare the prices, functionality, and limitations of WordPress and Squarespace. If you’re ready, let’s get started!

The Pros and Cons of Squarespace for Podcasters

Squarespace is a website builder platform, with drag-and-drop visual design functionality. This makes it a fine option if you’re just getting started with creating a website, but might be limited if you need more freedom editing your site. Squarespace also comes packaged with fully-managed cloud hosting and several lower-cost pricing tiers. While this sounds appetizing, there are some limitations to keep in mind. That’s why many podcasters are looking for a Squarespace alternative to host their podcast and their website in other methods.

As a podcaster, you’ll want to assess multiple needs in order to get up and running. For example, Squarespace puts a limit on the number of episodes your feed can display, the audio file size and also adheres to Apple Podcasts’ rules. Additionally, Squarespace does not support video blog posts.

Falling somewhere between a CMS and media hosting, Squarespace does offer a design capability. However, it’s limited on customizations, functionality, flexibility and integrations when compared to the options found within WordPress.

5 Reasons Why WordPress Is the Best Squarespace Alternative for Podcasters

There are a many aspects to consider when you’re searching for the ideal platform for your podcast’s website. One thing to keep in mind is that WordPress is a CMS, while Squarespace is essentially a site builder. From costs to monetization options, we’ll look at four reasons why WordPress is the best alternative to Squarespace for your podcast.

1. WordPress Is a Low-Cost Option

The WordPress platform is free, and you can download WordPress at any time from the official website. However, there are costs associated with the enhanced features and hosting you’ll need to run the CMS. Here’s a non-exhaustive rundown:

• A domain name. Both WordPress and Squarespace let you use custom domains. However, while a domain can be yours for cheap, you’ll want to look at Squarespace’s fine print before choosing one for use on the platform.
• Suitable hosting. Hosting for WordPress can be yours for under $5 per month, but ranges upward based on the services you’re looking for (and the quality you’ll receive). In contrast, Squarespace’s pricing runs from $16–46 a month.

As we’ll discuss, there are further costs you’ll want to consider, such as podcast specific themes and premium plugins. On the other hand, Squarespace doesn’t have the depth of extendability, although you can add extra functionality through code snippets (some of which have a cost.)

2. There Are Many Podcast-Friendly Themes to Choose From

Another big benefit of using WordPress for your website is the number of podcast-friendly themes you can select (whereas Squarespace has a finite number of more generic ‘templates’.) In fact, there are themes to cover all manner of niches found within the WordPress Theme Directory.

However, you’ll get better quality and support by purchasing a premium theme dedicated to podcasting. For example, all of our themes are individually reasonably priced, although paying a yearly subscription nets you lengthy support and regular updates, along with a pedigree you can rely on:

Overall, given the right theme, your website can look exactly as you want it to, without compromise, and matching your overall brand and requirements.

3. Extend Beyond the Squarespace Limits With Plugins

Plugins are an essential (and fun) part of the WordPress ecosystem to help you bolt on additional site functionality. Much like themes, you can find thousands of free solutions covering practically any element of running a site in the WordPress Plugin Directory:

Through WordPress’s many podcast-specific plugins you can create exactly the kind of podcast experience you want for your listeners. However, you can also tailor your administrative workflow on the back end of your site to your exact requirements.

Squarespace’s method of incorporating your podcast involves embedding media via that platform’s block editor. While there are settings you can adjust for your podcast’s information, there are more limitations on the number of episodes you can display. Additionally, Squarespace does not support video podcasts.

4. You Can Monetize Your Podcast With Powerful E-Commerce Capabilities

When it comes to monetizing your podcast website, WordPress offers vastly more e-commerce options compared with Squarespace. WooCommerce is the most prominent e-commerce platform available.

It provides almost complete customization of your online store, and is compatible with myriad payment options such as Stripe and PayPal out of the box. Much like WordPress itself, you can also extend the capability of WooCommerce through free and premium extensions. This makes the platform arguably the most flexible and accessible solution available for selling online.

However, Squarespace only offers e-commerce functionality with certain higher-tier plans and your payment types are limited only to PayPal and Stripe. If using e-commerce functionality is an important part of your podcast strategy online, WordPress is likely to pack a more beneficial punch.

5. Get Full Control of Your Podcast – Excelling where Squarespace fail

If you’re choosing WordPress, you’ll have full control over your podcast website. This means that it doesn’t matter where you choose to host you podcast. You could always use WordPress as your web platform no matter where your podcast is hosted. If you’re starting off with Squarespace, well, you may want to think outside of the square (or box, you see what we did there…). This means that if you ever want to change your podcast host to a dedicated host, or move your podcast website to another platform, you will have to move the other one too.

Also, Squarespace limits you in several ways that WordPress does not, so that’s the true power of using WordPress instead of Squarespace for podcasting.

Conclusion

At some point in the lifetime of your podcast, you’ll probably need a hosting platform and a website. If you choose Squarespace, you may find yourself looking for a Squarespace alternative in no time, so that’s where WordPress comes into the picture. With WordPress, you’ll get the best of both a site builder and a CMS. The platform offers immense flexibility for absolutely zero dollars, and provides a level of comfort suitable for practically everyone using it.

This post has looked at why WordPress outshines site builders such as Squarespace. Obviously, there are other alternatives to Squarespace, not just WordPress. Wix, Weebly, and Podcastpage.io are all legitimate competitors, but we still believe WordPress is the right way to go for most users. Let’s quickly recap the four key areas where the former beats the latter:

1. Cost. The cost of a podcast host and website can run into the thousands of dollars. However, with WordPress, there’s an option to fit any budget, scale, or growth strategy.
2. Themes. WordPress offers hundreds of themes and nearly limitless design options. Podcast friendly themes can also take your show to the next level.
3. Plugins. Not all website platforms are media hosts. WordPress offers the best range of integration options for podcasts and videos with the ability to handle larger episode counts.
4. E-commerce.  WordPress is where it’s at with regard to monetizing your podcast. There is a wide array of plugins covering elements such as online shopping carts and entire storefronts. (Bonus: All of our WordPress podcast themes are fully compatible with WooCommerce)

Choosing WordPress opens up many opportunities for your podcast. At SecondLine Themes, we offer podcast friendly themes for WordPress. Our hand-crafted themes are packed with unique features for podcasters and are primed to display your content in a stunning design with optimal functionality!