The Platform Doesn’t Matter (Your Web Design Business Does)

One of the first questions almost every aspiring web designer asks is:

“What platform should I use?”

Squarespace?
WordPress?
Webflow?
Showit?
Shopify?

It feels like a big decision — and it can feel paralyzing.

But here’s the truth most people won’t say clearly:

A successful web design business is not built on a platform.
It’s built on you.

Why Platform Obsession Is a Distraction

Spending months debating platforms often feels productive — but it usually isn’t.

Because platforms don’t create:

• A strong portfolio

• A recognizable design style

• A clear process

• Confident pricing

• Client trust

Designers don’t struggle because they chose the “wrong” platform.
They struggle because they were never shown how to build the business side of web design.

What Actually Determines Your Success as a Web Designer

Every consistently booked web designer I know has clarity in these areas:

1. A Portfolio That Speaks for Them

Not dozens of projects — just a few well-positioned ones that show:

• Who they design for

• What problems they solve

• What their style feels like

A strong portfolio works on any platform.

2. A Clear Design Style

Clients aren’t looking for “can you use WordPress?”
They’re asking:

• “Do I like this?”

• “Does this feel like my business?”

• “Can I trust this person?”

Style builds trust faster than tech ever will.

3. A Simple, Repeatable Process

A calm process:

• Reduces your workload

• Makes clients feel safe

• Prevents scope creep

Your process matters far more than the CMS behind the scenes.

4. Pricing That Reflects Value (Not Hours)

Successful designers price for:

• Outcomes

• Strategy

• Experience

Not templates.
Not page counts.
Not platforms.

Why Every Platform Can Work (When Used Intentionally)

Here’s something reassuring:

You can build a profitable, sustainable web design business on:

• Squarespace

• WordPress

• Webflow

• Showit

• Shopify

Clients rarely care how the site was built.
They care that it:

• Looks good

• Works well

• Supports their business

So the best platform is simply the one that:

• Makes sense for you

• Fits your workflow

• Supports the clients you want to serve

That’s it.

For me, that’s Squarespace - bar, none. Maybe you feel that way about Wordpress. Find the one you love and can be very skilled at creating with - for me, that’s Squarespace. If you’re here, you probably already know exactly which one is yours.

The Real Question to Ask Instead

Instead of asking:

“Which platform should I use?”

Ask:

“What kind of designer do I want to be?”

Because your:

• Portfolio

• Offers

• Process

• Boundaries

Will shape your business far more than your tech stack.

Why This Matters for Work-Life Balance

This is especially important if you’re building your business around real life — kids, energy levels, health, or limited hours.

When you stop chasing “the right platform” and start building:

• Systems

• Clarity

• Structure

Your business becomes calmer.
More predictable.
More sustainable.

That’s how designers end up working less, not more.

If You Want a Clear Starting Point

If you’re feeling stuck — not because of lack of skill, but because everything feels scattered — I created a free email course that walks you through the foundational pieces of a sustainable web design business.

It helps you clarify:

• Your direction

• Your portfolio focus

• Your website structure

• Your next steps

No pressure. No platform wars. Just clarity.