Why Squarespace Should Go All In on AI and Backend Extensibility
Squarespace has long been loved for its beautiful templates and easy editing, but it’s time to take things up a notch. In a world where platforms like Shopify and WordPress thrive by empowering developers and harnessing AI, Squarespace business owners are starting to wonder: what if Squarespace opened the backend and went all-in on AI too?
This article makes the case, in a casual tone, for why Squarespace should supercharge its developer features (like membership, user accounts, advanced e-commerce) and integrate AI-powered tools — because that combo worked wonders for Shopify and WordPress.
Who’s speaking? Marian from abZ Global — a developer with 10+ years of experience building advanced, custom-coded Squarespace websites while keeping things user-friendly for clients.
What Shopify and WordPress Got Right
WordPress powers 43%+ of all websites thanks to its plugin ecosystem and open backend. Developers can build anything with it.
Shopify wins at e-commerce by offering powerful APIs, webhooks, and an app store with 8,000+ integrations.
Both platforms support user accounts, memberships, and deep backend flexibility.
Developers can create whatever clients need — from custom checkouts to integrations and automation.
Where Squarespace Falls Short
No backend access: Developers can’t run custom server code or create APIs.
Limited APIs: Mostly read-only, with rate limits. No webhooks.
Template lock-in: Can’t modify structure beyond what Squarespace gives.
Memberships are basic: No drip content, limited control, and no manual member management.
E-commerce is constrained: No custom checkout logic, limited product options, and weak bulk tools.
Marian often hits a wall with what’s possible — and clients sometimes leave Squarespace when their business needs outgrow the platform.
AI: The Next Leap Forward
AI could change the game — not just for users, but for developers too.
Text-to-UI tools: Imagine generating sections like pricing tables, contact forms, or galleries with a simple chat prompt.
Smarter content creation: Blog drafts, SEO help, alt-text — already in progress, but could go further.
Design suggestions: Brand-aware layout tweaks and color palettes auto-generated.
Built-in AI chatbots: For site visitors, trained on site content.
WordPress, Shopify, Wix, and even Elementor are already rolling out AI builders. Squarespace shouldn’t fall behind.
Give Developers More Backend Control
This is what made Shopify and WordPress explode in popularity.
Squarespace should:
Release better APIs (read/write, webhook support)
Launch a plugin marketplace
Expand membership features (groups, drip content, user roles)
Create a sandbox for custom server code
Allow performance & SEO fine-tuning (script loading order, etc.)
That way, developers like Marian can say “yes” to more client requests — without migrating away from Squarespace.
The Best of Both Worlds
Business owners love Squarespace for its ease of use. Developers love flexibility. Why not offer both?
A future where:
Lisa the small biz owner launches with Squarespace AI.
She grows into memberships and custom logic, with help from her developer.
Squarespace supports it all — no migration needed.
WordPress got there by being open. Shopify by offering power tools. Squarespace can find its own middle ground.
Final Word: Squarespace, Don’t Miss This Wave
Squarespace, if you’re listening: now’s the time.
Open up your platform just enough to unleash creativity. Go deeper on AI. Empower professionals like Marian who already love your editor — but want to build more.
The future of websites is smart, personalized, and powered by a mix of design, AI, and developer creativity.
Let’s make Squarespace the best of all worlds.
Let me know if you’d like this in downloadable format or styled for the blog editor.