How to choose a website platform
YOU JUST SAT DOWN WITH YOUR LAPTOP, A CUP OF COFFEE AND AND YOUR NOTEBOOK.
You’re feeling inspired… but then, the overwhelm; what website platform to use?
Your website is more than a digital shopfront—it’s your brand’s home, handshake, and hype machine. So when it comes to choosing where to build it, the decision isn’t just technical. It’s strategic.
There’s no shortage of platforms out there—each promising the world, each designed to lure you in with shiny templates and vague promises of “ease.” But here’s the truth: the best platform is the one that aligns with your brand’s goals, not just your budget. So let’s cut through the noise.
1. Know what your website needs to do
Start with function, not features. Ask yourself:
Is your website primarily for showcasing work or selling products?
Will you need blog functionality, client portals, booking systems?
Who’s managing the site day-to-day—yourself, your team, or your tech-savvy cousin?
Understanding your requirements now saves you a lot of regret later.
Studio note: Form should always follow function. Don’t choose a platform based on how pretty the templates are. We can make anything look good—what matters is how it works.
2. Choose your platform based on scalability, not trends
It’s easy to get swept up in trends or tools with flashy interfaces. But the right platform is the one that meets your needs now—and can flex with you as your brand evolves.
Here’s our take on the big names:
Squarespace — This is our go-to at Some Shape. Why? Because it strikes the right balance between beauty and usability. It’s ideal for service-based brands, creative businesses, and anyone who wants a clean, professional site without wading through code. Easy to update, flexible enough to grow with you, and a solid option for most brand-driven websites.
Shopify — Built for eCommerce. If your business is all about products, this platform is purpose-made. It handles inventory, payments, and shipping out of the box, but can feel restrictive if your site is more content, or design-heavy.
Wix — A good starter option. It’s accessible, affordable, and comes with lots of templates. But if your brand has long-term plans or you want more design control, you might hit a ceiling faster than you’d like.
Webflow — Great for brands that need something more bespoke. Webflow gives you full creative control and powerful functionality—but it comes with a steeper learning curve. Better suited for teams who are comfortable with tech or have support on hand.
Studio note: We champion Squarespace because it keeps things intentional. Clean design, simple management, and no need to overcomplicate what should feel seamless.
3. Think about who’s maintaining it
This bit gets overlooked a lot. A slick site is great, but not if you dread logging into the backend or need a developer every time you want to change a headline.
Be honest:
Do you want to DIY?
Are you comfortable learning a new system?
Will someone else handle updates and content?
Match the platform to the people behind the screen. Because your website should feel empowering—not intimidating.
4. Don’t just build for now—build for what’s next
Your platform should support your next chapter, not just your current one. That means thinking about:
Integrations (CRM, email, scheduling, payments)
Flexibility in design as your brand matures
Analytics and SEO tools to help you track growth
Studio note: A well-chosen platform sets you up for strategic wins, not just visual ones. We’re here for both.
Final thoughts
Choosing a website platform isn’t about picking the flashiest tool. It’s about choosing the right foundation for your brand’s next move. Thoughtful. Intentional. Scalable.
At Some Shape Studio, we don’t just ask what you want to build—we ask why, how, and what’s next. Because your website should work as beautifully as it looks.
Want to chat about the best platform for your brand? Get in touch and let’s make it make sense.
