When it comes to building a website, the options are vast. Showit and Weebly are two popular website builders that cater to different audiences, offering unique features and experiences. This article delves into their key differences, comparing them based on design flexibility, ease of use, pricing, integrations, SEO capabilities, and more.
Overview of Showit and Weebly
Showit is primarily targeted at creative professionals like photographers, designers, and bloggers who want complete creative control over their website’s design. Known for its drag-and-drop editor, Showit offers high customization and design flexibility.
Weebly, on the other hand, caters to small businesses, beginners, and users looking for a straightforward platform to create websites and e-commerce stores. It combines ease of use with practical features for growing businesses.
| Feature | Showit | Weebly |
|---|---|---|
| Target Audience | Creative professionals (photographers, designers, bloggers) | Small businesses, e-commerce, beginners |
| Editor Type | Full drag-and-drop | Structured drag-and-drop |
| Ease of Use | Moderate (requires some learning curve) | Beginner-friendly |
| E-Commerce Support | Limited (through Shopify integration) | Strong, built-in e-commerce tools |
| SEO Features | Strong customization | Basic SEO tools |
| Pricing | Starts at $19/month | Starts at $10/month |
| Templates | Highly customizable | Limited customization options |
1. Design Flexibility
Showit:
- Offers complete creative freedom.
- Users can position elements anywhere on the canvas without grid restrictions.
- Templates are highly customizable, allowing users to modify colors, fonts, and layouts entirely.
- Ideal for users with design experience or a vision for a highly personalized website.
Weebly:
- Uses a more structured editor, with pre-set grid layouts.
- Templates are beginner-friendly but offer less customization.
- Best suited for users looking for quick and professional-looking designs without needing much effort.
Verdict:
If you value creative control and customization, Showit is the better choice. However, if simplicity and speed are your priorities, Weebly works well.
2. Ease of Use
Showit:
- The interface is robust but has a steeper learning curve.
- Best for users who have time to explore the platform and create intricate designs.
- Requires some familiarity with design principles.
Weebly:
- Extremely easy to use, with a beginner-friendly drag-and-drop interface.
- Minimal setup time; perfect for non-technical users.
- Includes guided tutorials for beginners.
Verdict:
Weebly is significantly easier to use, making it a great choice for those new to website building.
3. E-Commerce Capabilities
Showit:
- Does not have native e-commerce features but integrates with Shopify Lite for basic e-commerce functionality.
- Suitable for users who sell a limited number of products.
Weebly:
- Offers built-in e-commerce tools, including inventory management, shipping options, and a secure checkout system.
- Ideal for small businesses looking to grow their online store.
Verdict:
Weebly outperforms Showit when it comes to e-commerce due to its robust, built-in features.
4. SEO Features
Showit:
- Provides advanced SEO tools, allowing users to customize meta tags, alt texts, and site speed optimization.
- SEO settings are flexible, making it a favorite among bloggers and content creators.
Weebly:
- Includes basic SEO capabilities, such as editing titles and meta descriptions.
- Suitable for small businesses but lacks the advanced options that Showit provides.
Verdict:
Showit is better suited for users who need in-depth SEO control, while Weebly is adequate for basic SEO needs.
5. Integrations and Features
Showit:
- Offers integrations with WordPress for blogging.
- Limited app marketplace compared to Weebly.
- Focuses more on design than third-party features.
Weebly:
- Has a wide range of integrations through its App Center, including marketing, analytics, and e-commerce tools.
- Provides more flexibility for business-related functionalities.
Verdict:
Weebly has better integration capabilities, making it ideal for businesses requiring additional tools.
6. Pricing
| Plan | Showit Pricing (Monthly) | Weebly Pricing (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Plan | $19 (no blog included) | $10 (Personal Plan) |
| Mid-Tier Plan | $24 (with blog) | $12 (Professional Plan) |
| Top-Tier Plan | $34 (advanced blogging tools) | $26 (Performance Plan for e-commerce) |
- Showit is more expensive but caters to users seeking advanced design and blogging capabilities.
- Weebly is more affordable, especially for small businesses and beginners.
Verdict:
Weebly offers more cost-effective plans, whereas Showit targets users willing to invest in high-end design tools.
7. Support and Resources
Showit:
- Provides excellent customer support via live chat and email.
- Offers a rich library of resources, including tutorials and webinars.
Weebly:
- Offers 24/7 customer support through email and live chat.
- Provides a comprehensive knowledge base for self-help.
Verdict:
Both platforms provide solid support, but Showit’s design-oriented resources may appeal more to creative professionals.
8. Blogging
Showit:
- Integrates seamlessly with WordPress, the industry leader in blogging.
- Offers extensive customization for blog layouts.
Weebly:
- Includes a basic blogging feature suitable for casual bloggers.
- Limited customization compared to Showit.
Verdict:
For serious bloggers, Showit’s integration with WordPress makes it the superior choice.
Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Showit if:
- You are a creative professional who values complete design freedom.
- Blogging and advanced SEO are top priorities.
- You want a WordPress-powered blog alongside a stunning website.
Choose Weebly if:
- You are a beginner or small business owner looking for an affordable and straightforward website builder.
- E-commerce and integrations are essential to your needs.
- You prioritize ease of use and quick setup.
By understanding your specific needs, you can decide which platform—Showit or Weebly—aligns best with your goals. Both have unique strengths, but the ultimate choice depends on your priorities and skill level.
