DIY website builder with a polished editor.
Squarespace is good at what it does — let a non-technical owner stand up a decent-looking website in a weekend. We build websites for owners who'd rather not spend that weekend, and who want results they can't get from a template-driven editor.
When Squarespace is right
When Stratus is right
Side by side
| Feature | Squarespace | Stratus |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | $0 | $1,495 flat (Starter) |
| Monthly cost | $23–$65/mo | $0 (own it) or $49–$99/mo managed |
| Design | Templates with light customization | Custom design from scratch |
| Performance (mobile) | Variable, often heavy JS | Sub-1s LCP, statically generated |
| Local SEO | Built-in basics | Built-in basics + Google Business Profile setup + reviews integration |
| Setup time | Weekend DIY, or hire a Squarespace expert | 5–7 business days, fully done-for-you |
| Code ownership | Locked to Squarespace platform | You own the code; portable to any host |
| Workflows / automation | Limited (built-in scheduling, email) | Custom-quoted, including AI agents |
| When you outgrow it | Migration to another platform = rebuild | It scales with you (it's already custom) |
Pricing math
Squarespace at the Business tier ($23/mo) over 5 years = $1,380. The Stratus Starter ($1,495 one-time) plus Vercel hobby hosting (free) = $1,495 over 5 years. Roughly the same total, but you own the result instead of renting it.
Want a Loom audit of your current site instead? It's free.
Bottom line
Squarespace is right when you want to build it yourself. We're right when you'd rather not — and when you want what you ship to be genuinely yours.