I'm Eric, the founder of City Print. Spark is one of these three options, so you should read this knowing that — and I've written it so you can confidently pick a competitor if that's the better fit for where your business is. The wrong choice wastes money; the right one depends on three things: your time, your budget, and how much you want to do yourself.
The honest one-line summary of each
- Wix / Squarespace — Cheapest in dollars. You are the designer, writer, and tech support. Best for hands-on owners with time.
- Freelancer — Custom and professional. You manage the relationship and own the upkeep afterward. Best for a clear vision and some technical comfort.
- Spark — Everything handled for one monthly fee, plus print and local advertising — not just a website. Best for owners who'd rather run their business than build their marketing.
Side-by-side: what you actually get
| Wix / Squarespace | Freelancer | City Print Spark | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | $0 | $1,500-$8,000 | $298 |
| Ongoing cost | ~$16-$49/mo | Hosting + updates on you | $99/mo (first month free) |
| Who builds it | You | A contractor | We do |
| Website | Yes (you build) | Yes (custom) | Yes (built for you) |
| Domain + professional email | Extra, you set up | Usually extra | Included |
| Google Business Profile setup | You do it | Sometimes | Included |
| Local advertising to drive traffic | No | No | $300 included |
| Printed business cards & postcards | No | No | Included |
| Professional phone line | No | No | Included |
| Ongoing help / monthly check-in | No | Hourly | Included |
| Best for | Time-rich, hands-on owners | Custom needs, contractor-comfortable | Owners who want it handled |
When Wix or Squarespace is the right call
If you enjoy the hands-on work, you're comfortable with technology, and you have a few weekends to spend, a builder is the smart, economical choice. You'll spend the least money, you'll control every detail, and the tools are genuinely good in 2026.
Be honest with yourself about the time, though. The platform is cheap; the hours are not. The most common way this goes wrong is a half-built site that never quite launches because running the business comes first. If that sounds like you, one of the other two options will serve you better.
Choose a builder if: you have time, you like doing it yourself, and a website is mostly what you need.
When a freelancer is the right call
A freelancer gives you a custom, professional result and a real person doing the work — for $1,500 to $8,000 depending on complexity. For a distinctive design or specific functionality, this is often the sweet spot.
Two things to plan for. First, freelancers vary; check their portfolio and references. Second, the relationship usually ends at launch — updates, hosting, security, and fixes are then yours to manage or pay hourly for. Budget for the life of the site, not just the build.
Choose a freelancer if: you want something custom, you have a clear vision, and you're comfortable managing a contractor and the upkeep.
When Spark is the right call
Spark exists for a specific owner: someone who doesn't want to build a site, doesn't want to manage a contractor, and doesn't want six separate bills for domain, email, hosting, ads, and print. For $298 to set up and $99 a month, we handle the website, domain, professional email, Google Business Profile, a local directory listing, $300 in local advertising to actually bring people in, a professional phone line, and printed cards and postcards shipped to you. First month is free, and there's no contract.
The honest distinction: Spark is not the cheapest way to get a website. A builder is. Spark is the simplest way to get everything a small business needs to be open, findable, and reachable — handled, for one predictable number.
Choose Spark if: you'd rather spend your time running your business than building and managing your marketing, and you want your online and neighborhood presence covered together.
Still not sure?
Run it through three questions:
- Do you have time to build and maintain it yourself? If yes → a builder.
- Do you need something custom and can you manage a contractor? If yes → a freelancer.
- Do you want it handled — website, local visibility, and print — for a flat fee? If yes → Spark.
There's no wrong door here, just the right one for your business today.