What is Showit? A Complete Guide to Features, SEO, and Customization

What is Showit, and why are so many creatives raving about it? Whether you’re a photographer, designer, blogger, or small business owner, Showit is a website builder that offers complete design freedom—no coding required. In this article, we’ll cover everything from Showit’s key features and SEO capabilities to how it stacks up against platforms like Squarespace, Wix, and WordPress. Plus, we’ll show you how to customize templates, integrate with WordPress for blogging, and decide if Showit is the right fit for your brand.

What is Showit?

If you’ve ever found yourself tangled in the web of website builders (pun absolutely intended), you’ve probably heard names like Squarespace, Wix, and WordPress tossed around. Well, let us introduce you to their artsy, free-spirited cousin: Showit.

Showit is a website builder designed with creatives in mind. Think photographers, designers, bloggers, and small business owners who want to build beautiful, custom websites without needing to learn a single line of code. It’s like having Photoshop-level design freedom, but for your website—minus the tech headaches.

Just like Squarespace or Wix, Showit is an all-in-one platform that takes care of the technical nitty-gritty for you. That means you don’t need to worry about finding separate hosting, dealing with security updates, or managing complicated back-end stuff. It’s all bundled neatly into a monthly subscription. You pay, you design, you launch. Simple.

But here’s where Showit stands out: creative freedom. While other platforms can feel like painting by numbers, Showit hands you a blank canvas and says, “Go wild!” With its drag-and-drop interface, you can place elements exactly where you want them—no rigid grids or restrictive templates. And if you’re a blogger? Even better. Showit integrates seamlessly with WordPress, giving you the best of both worlds: stunning design flexibility and powerful blogging capabilities.

In short, Showit is the website builder for people who don’t want to settle for cookie-cutter designs. Whether you’re showcasing your portfolio, building a brand, or starting a blog, Showit gives you the tools to make your site look as unique as your work.

A Brief History of Showit

Showit’s story starts back in 2006, when co-founder and CEO Todd Watson set out to create a tool that gave photographers the power to build beautiful, personalized websites without relying on rigid templates or complicated coding. At the time, most website builders were, well… meh when it came to creative flexibility. Photographers wanted something that could showcase their work their way—and Todd saw an opportunity to fill that gap.

The original version of Showit was Flash-based (yep, that Flash—the one that eventually got booted from pretty much every browser). Despite its technical limitations, Showit quickly gained a loyal following among creatives, especially photographers, who loved the freedom it offered compared to other platforms.

But as technology evolved and Flash became a relic of the past, the team at Showit realized it was time for a serious upgrade. Enter Showit 5—a complete redesign from the ground up. This new version ditched Flash in favor of modern web technologies, offering users even more creative freedom with a sleek, drag-and-drop interface. It wasn’t just for photographers anymore—designers, bloggers, and small business owners started hopping on board, drawn to Showit’s flexibility and ease of use.

One of the smartest moves in Showit’s history was its decision to integrate with WordPress. This gave users the best of both worlds: the design freedom of Showit with the powerful blogging and SEO capabilities of WordPress. It turned out to be a game-changer, especially for bloggers and businesses that wanted a beautiful website and strong content management tools.

Under Todd Watson’s leadership, Showit has continued to grow, evolving from a niche tool for photographers into a versatile platform for all kinds of creatives. Today, it’s known as the website builder for people who want to break free from cookie-cutter templates and create something truly unique. And the best part? You don’t need to write a single line of code to make it happen.

Who Uses Showit?

If you’re a creative soul who’s ever screamed at a website template for being too restrictive, Showit might just be your new best friend. Showit isn’t trying to be everything to everyone—it’s designed specifically for creatives who want their websites to feel as unique as their work. Here’s a look at the people who are thriving with Showit:

1. Photographers

Showit has long been the go-to platform for photographers, and it’s easy to see why. High-quality image galleries? Check. Full control over layout and design? Double check. Photographers love how Showit lets them build stunning portfolios that showcase their work without compromise. Whether it’s wedding, portrait, or landscape photography, Showit makes sure every image pops—exactly how you envisioned it.

2. Designers and Creatives

Graphic designers, illustrators, and artists of all kinds flock to Showit because it offers the kind of design freedom most platforms can only dream of. The drag-and-drop interface means you’re not confined to cookie-cutter templates, and the customization options are basically limitless. For creatives who want their online presence to be an extension of their artistry, Showit is a dream come true.

3. Small Business Owners

You don’t have to be a designer to create a beautiful website on Showit. Small business owners—think coaches, consultants, florists, boutique shop owners—love the platform for its user-friendly interface and flexibility. It’s perfect for building a brand that stands out, even if you have zero tech skills. Plus, the ability to integrate with WordPress means you can manage your content like a pro.

4. Bloggers

Bloggers, rejoice! Showit integrates seamlessly with WordPress, giving you the best of both worlds: Showit’s gorgeous, customizable design tools and WordPress’s powerful blogging capabilities. Whether you’re sharing recipes, travel stories, or business tips, Showit helps your blog look as good as your content reads.

5. Wedding Industry Pros

Showit is a favorite in the wedding industry, from planners and florists to videographers and calligraphers. It offers the perfect platform to showcase visual portfolios, share testimonials, and build a brand that feels personal and polished. Plus, with Showit’s mobile-responsive design, your site will look flawless on any device—hello, wedding bookings on the go!

6. Non-Techies with Big Ideas

You don’t need to know a single line of code to create a stunning website on Showit. It’s perfect for people who want to focus on their craft, not the technical stuff. If you can drag, drop, and click, you can build a website on Showit. And if you hit a snag? Their customer support is top-notch and ready to help.

Who Isn’t Showit For?

While Showit is a powerhouse for creatives looking to build beautiful, custom websites, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Just like you wouldn’t use a paintbrush to hammer a nail, Showit isn’t the right tool for every kind of website. Here’s who might want to consider other options:

1. Large E-Commerce Stores

If you’re planning to launch the next Amazon or even a mid-sized online shop with hundreds of products, Showit might not be your best bet. While you can add simple online stores using integrations like Shopify Lite or WooCommerce (via WordPress), it’s not built for managing large-scale e-commerce operations.

For features like advanced inventory management, multiple payment gateways, and seamless checkout processes, platforms like Shopify or BigCommerce are much better suited. They’re designed from the ground up for selling products online and will save you a lot of headaches if e-commerce is your main focus.

2. Businesses Needing Complex Functionality

If your website needs complex custom features like booking systems, user dashboards, membership portals, or intricate databases, Showit might feel limiting. While you can integrate some plugins via WordPress, platforms like Webflow or even custom-developed sites might offer more flexibility for advanced functionality.

3. Corporate or Enterprise-Level Websites

For large corporations that need enterprise-grade solutions—think multi-language support, complex site structures, and advanced security protocols—Showit might not have all the bells and whistles you need. Platforms like WordPress VIP or custom CMS solutions would be a better fit for managing high-traffic, high-complexity sites.

4. DIYers Who Want Quick, Out-of-the-Box Sites

Showit offers incredible creative freedom, but with great power comes… well, a bit more work. If you’re looking for a super-quick, plug-and-play website where you pick a template, swap out a few images, and call it a day, Squarespace or Wix might be more your speed. Showit’s flexibility means you’ll spend more time designing, which is great for creatives but maybe not ideal if you want something fast and easy without much customization.

5. Budget-Conscious Users Looking for Free Options

While Showit offers a ton of value, it’s a premium service with a monthly subscription fee. If you’re on a tight budget or looking for free website options, platforms like WordPress.com (the free version) or Wix’s free tier might be better starting points. However, you’ll trade off some creative freedom and features.

Why people love Showit – Key Features

Showit isn’t just another website builder—it’s like the Swiss Army knife of creative web design. Whether you’re a photographer, designer, or small business owner, Showit gives you all the tools you need to craft a website that’s as unique as you are. Here’s what makes it stand out:

1. Drag-and-Drop Design Capabilities

Designing in Showit is so easy, it feels like drawing on a piece of paper. Want to move an image an inch to the left? Just drag it. Want your text hovering over an image or perfectly aligned in the corner? Go for it. You can put anything, anywhere—no grids, no coding, no constraints. It’s perfect for creatives who want full control over their layout without wrestling with complicated tools.

2. Fully Customizable Templates

Not sure where to start? Showit’s got your back with a library of beautifully designed templates. Whether you’re into minimalist vibes or bold, artistic layouts, there’s something for everyone. Plus, some templates are free, giving you a solid foundation to build from. But don’t worry—you’re not locked into any design. Every template is fully customizable, so you can tweak colors, fonts, and layouts until it’s just right.

3. Mobile Responsiveness Made Easy

Unlike other website builders that just squish your desktop design into a smaller screen, Showit lets you create a separate mobile design. Yep, that’s right—you design your desktop version and your mobile version, ensuring everything looks flawless on any device. In a mobile-first world, this feature is a game-changer, helping your site shine whether it’s viewed on a phone, tablet, or desktop.

4. Seamless Integration with WordPress for Blogging

Love the flexibility of Showit but need powerful blogging tools? You get the best of both worlds here. Showit integrates seamlessly with WordPress, the king of content management. This means you can design your site in Showit and manage your blog in WordPress, making it super easy to publish, organize, and optimize your content. Bloggers, rejoice!

5. Built-in SEO Tools and Customization Options

Showit isn’t just a pretty face—it’s got the brains too. With built-in SEO tools, you can easily optimize your site for search engines. Customize your page titles, meta descriptions, and image alt tags to help your site rank on Google. And with WordPress powering your blog, you get all the SEO benefits of both platforms. Beautiful and optimized? Yes, please.

6. Add Videos and Gorgeous Galleries

Showit makes it easy to showcase your work with stunning image galleries and video integration. Whether you’re a photographer highlighting your latest shoot or a creative adding motion to your portfolio, your visuals will take center stage. The galleries are easy to set up, and videos can be embedded seamlessly for that extra “wow” factor.

7. Easy DNS Settings Setup

Launching your website shouldn’t require an IT degree. Showit makes setting up your DNS settings (the techy stuff that connects your domain to your site) super simple. Even if you’ve never touched domain settings before, their easy-to-follow guides and responsive support team will have your site live in no time.

8. Stellar Customer Support

Speaking of support—Showit’s customer service is top-notch. Whether you hit a technical snag or just need a little guidance, their team is responsive, friendly, and ready to help. They even offer a robust help center and community forums where you can find answers, share ideas, and connect with other Showit users.

9. User-Friendly for Non-Designers

You don’t need a graphic design degree (or even basic tech skills) to create a stunning website with Showit. The drag-and-drop interface is super intuitive—if you can click, drag, and drop, you’re good to go. Everything is laid out in a way that makes sense, so you can focus on bringing your vision to life without getting bogged down in complicated tools or jargon.

10. No Coding Required

Forget about learning HTML or CSS. With Showit, there’s zero coding involved. You can create a professional, custom website without touching a single line of code. But if you do want to get fancy and add custom code, Showit gives you that flexibility too. It’s the best of both worlds—perfect for beginners and pros alike.

Showit Pricing: Which Plan is Right for You?

Showit offers flexible pricing plans to fit your needs. From simple portfolios to advanced blogging setups, there’s a plan for every creative. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you choose the best option:

1. Showit Plan – $19/month (USD)

Billed annually at $228 | $24/month if billed monthly

This is the perfect plan if you don’t need a blog and just want a beautifully designed, fully customizable website. Ideal for photographers, designers, or small business owners who want a sleek online presence without the blogging bells and whistles.

Best choice if:

• You need a simple, non-blogging website.
• You want full creative control with Showit’s drag-and-drop design.

2. Showit & Basic Starter Blog – $24/month (USD)

Billed annually at $288 | $29/month if billed monthly

Thinking of starting a blog? This plan is great for new bloggers or businesses that want to add blogging to their website. It comes with pre-installed WordPress plugins that are perfect for basic blogging needs.

Best choice if:

• You’re launching a new blog.
• The included pre-installed plugins are enough for your blogging needs.

3. Showit & Advanced Blog – $34/month (USD)

Billed annually at $408 | $39/month if billed monthly

This is the plan for serious bloggers or businesses that want full control over their blogging tools. If you’re looking to migrate an existing blog from WordPress or Squarespace, or if you want to install custom WordPress plugins for more advanced functionality, this is the plan for you.

Best choice if:

• You’re migrating blog posts from WordPress or Squarespace.
• You want to install custom plugins for advanced features.
• You’ve worked with an SEO expert and want to maximize your site’s search potential.

Start Your Free Trial

Still not sure which plan is right for you? The good news is Showit offers a free trial, so you can explore the platform and find the plan that fits your needs before committing.

👉 Start your free trial here!

With flexible pricing and powerful features, Showit makes it easy to create a website that’s both stunning and functional—no matter your budget or skill level!

Showit vs. Other Website Platforms

When it comes to building a website, the options are endless—Squarespace, WordPress, Wix, and Webflow are all popular choices. But how does Showit stack up against the competition? Whether you’re a creative looking for design freedom or a small business owner focused on SEO, here’s how Showit compares to other website builders.

1. Showit vs. Squarespace

Design Freedom:
Squarespace is known for its sleek, polished templates, but customization can feel like coloring inside the lines. You can tweak elements, but there are limits. Showit, on the other hand, is like handing you a blank canvas—you can put anything, anywhere without restrictions. It’s perfect for creatives who want full control over their design.

SEO Capabilities:
Both platforms offer solid SEO tools, but Showit’s integration with WordPress gives it an edge. You get WordPress’s powerful SEO plugins (like Yoast), making it easier to optimize your blog and pages for search engines.

Blogging Tools:
Squarespace has built-in blogging tools that are decent, but Showit’s WordPress integration blows it out of the water. WordPress is the gold standard for blogging, and Showit lets you tap into that power while keeping your website design flexible and beautiful.

2. Showit vs. WordPress (Self-Hosted)

Design Freedom:
WordPress is incredibly powerful, but it can be tricky if you’re not tech-savvy. Customizing a WordPress site often requires coding or hiring a developer. Showit eliminates that hurdle with its drag-and-drop interface, giving you design freedom without coding. But here’s the best part—you can still use WordPress for blogging, so you’re not missing out on its strengths.

SEO Capabilities:
Since Showit integrates with WordPress, you get all of WordPress’s robust SEO capabilities. So, if you’re worried about losing SEO power, don’t be—you get the best of both worlds.

Blogging Tools:
Showit doesn’t have its own blogging platform—it relies entirely on WordPress for that. But that’s a good thing. You get WordPress’s trusted blogging infrastructure, which means powerful content management tools and easy SEO optimization.

3. Showit vs. Wix

Design Freedom:
Wix offers decent drag-and-drop functionality, but there are still limitations with how flexible you can get. Plus, Wix can sometimes feel clunky when you’re trying to make precise adjustments. Showit’s drag-and-drop is much more intuitive, letting you create completely custom layouts with pixel-perfect precision.

SEO Capabilities:
Wix has improved its SEO tools over the years, but it still doesn’t match the power of Showit’s WordPress-backed SEO. If ranking on Google is a top priority, Showit’s integration with WordPress gives you access to industry-leading SEO plugins and tools.

Blogging Tools:
Wix’s blogging capabilities are pretty basic. If you’re serious about blogging, Showit + WordPress is the clear winner. You’ll have access to the world’s most popular blogging platform, paired with Showit’s stunning design flexibility.

4. Showit vs. Webflow

Design Freedom:
Webflow is often compared to Showit because it also offers advanced design flexibility. However, Webflow comes with a much steeper learning curve—it’s geared more toward designers and developers who have experience with coding concepts. Showit offers similar creative freedom but with a much more user-friendly interface, making it accessible to non-designers.

SEO Capabilities:
Webflow has solid SEO tools, but Showit’s WordPress integration gives it an extra boost. If you want advanced SEO features, you’ll benefit from the combination of Showit’s design flexibility and WordPress’s SEO power.

Blogging Tools:
Webflow has blogging features, but they’re not as intuitive or powerful as WordPress. With Showit, you get the best blogging tools in the game through WordPress integration, making it a superior choice for content creators.

So, Which Platform is Right for You?

• Choose Showit if you’re a creative who wants complete design freedom without coding, plus the power of WordPress blogging and SEO tools. It’s perfect for photographers, designers, bloggers, and small business owners who want a unique online presence.
• Choose Squarespace or Wix if you prefer pre-made templates and a quick, easy setup without much customization. These platforms are great for simple websites that don’t require a lot of design flexibility.
• Choose Webflow if you’re a design pro who wants advanced control over your site’s functionality and don’t mind a steep learning curve.
• Choose WordPress (self-hosted) if you’re comfortable with coding or hiring a developer and want the ultimate in flexibility and scalability.

Showit Templates and Design Options

One of the best things about Showit? Whether you’re starting from scratch or giving a pre-made design your personal touch, there’s a template (or a fully custom site) that can bring your vision to life. Showit is all about flexibility, letting you choose how hands-on—or hands-off—you want to be with your website’s design.

1. Use a Free Showit Template

If you’re new to Showit or just testing the waters, you’ll be happy to know that Showit offers free templates to help you get started. These templates are beautifully designed and provide a solid foundation for your website. You can easily tweak the colors, fonts, images, and content to match your brand vibe—all without spending a dime.

Perfect for:

• Beginners who want to explore Showit’s features.
• Creatives on a budget looking for a quick, professional site.
• Anyone who wants to test-drive Showit’s customization tools before committing to a paid template.

2. Buy a Pre-Made Showit Template

When you’re ready to level up, you can choose from a wide range of pre-made Showit templates. These templates are professionally designed with various styles, industries, and aesthetics in mind. Whether you’re into minimalist elegance, bold modern vibes, or whimsical creativity, there’s a template that fits your style.

Where to find them:

• Showit Design Marketplace: The official marketplace features a curated collection of templates designed by talented Showit pros.
• Showit Designers’ Websites: Many Showit designers sell their own exclusive templates on their personal sites, often with unique features and styles you won’t find in the marketplace.

Once you purchase a template, customizing it is a breeze. You can change the layout, swap images, adjust fonts and colors, and make it entirely your own. It’s the perfect blend of professional design and personal flair.

3. Go for a Fully Custom Showit Website

Want something truly one-of-a-kind? A custom Showit website is the way to go. This option is perfect if you have a specific vision or brand aesthetic that you want brought to life. A custom site is built from the ground up to match your exact needs, whether that’s unique layouts, specialized functionality, or a cohesive design that screams you.

Why choose a custom site?

• You get a website that’s tailored specifically to your brand.
• It offers complete creative freedom with no design limitations.
• Perfect for businesses that need advanced features or a more polished, high-end look.

If designing from scratch sounds overwhelming, don’t worry—you don’t have to do it alone! There are tons of talented Showit designers who specialize in creating custom websites. They’ll take your ideas and turn them into a beautifully crafted, fully functional site that captures your brand’s personality.

🔎 Ready to find the perfect designer? Check out our directory to connect with Showit pros who can bring your custom site to life: Find a designer here!

Customizing Showit Templates to Fit Your Brand

Whether you’re working with a free template, a pre-made design, or a custom website, Showit’s flexibility makes it easy to create a site that feels 100% you. Here’s how you can make any template your own:

• Change the Colors: Adjust the palette to match your brand’s aesthetic.
• Update Fonts: Pick fonts that align with your vibe—whether that’s sleek and modern or fun and quirky.
• Swap Out Images: Replace placeholder images with your own high-quality photos or graphics.
• Adjust Layouts: Move elements around, resize sections, or add new pages for complete control over the site’s flow.

If you need help customizing your template, you can always reach out to a professional for assistance. Find a Showit designer to help customize your template here!

Why Hire a Designer for Your Showit Site?

Even though Showit makes customization easy, there’s something to be said for having a professional touch. A designer can take your site from great to gorgeous, ensuring it’s polished, cohesive, and aligned with your brand’s identity.

Benefits of hiring a Showit designer:

• Save Time: Let a pro handle the design while you focus on your business.
• Professional Quality: Designers know how to create visually stunning, user-friendly websites that stand out.
• Advanced Customization: If you have a specific vision or need unique functionality, a designer can bring it to life.

Bottom Line?
Whether you’re launching with a free template, buying a pre-made design, or investing in a custom site, Showit offers endless design possibilities. And if you need a little extra help? There’s a whole community of talented designers ready to make your website dreams a reality.

Is Showit Good for SEO?

Ah, SEO—the three little letters that can make or break your website’s visibility on Google. If you’re considering Showit for your website, you might be wondering: Can it hold its own when it comes to search engine optimization? The short answer? Absolutely. But let’s dive into the details.

The Truth About SEO and Website Builders

Let’s clear up a common misconception right off the bat. Some people believe that only certain website builders (ahem, WordPress) can deliver top-notch SEO results. But that’s not the whole story. As Caitlin Christensen, Creative SEO Coach, puts it:

“Contrary to popular belief, any website builder can achieve impressive SEO results—yes, really! So, take a deep breath and relax. The truth is, I’ve seen Wix websites secure that coveted number one spot on search engines, and I’ve also seen WordPress sites fail miserably in the rankings. It all comes down to how you use the tools available to you.”

So, while the platform you choose does matter, it’s not the be-all and end-all. The key is knowing how to use the tools your platform offers—and Showit has plenty of them.

Why Showit is Great for SEO

1. Mobile-First Design:
   Google loves mobile-friendly websites, and so do your visitors. With Showit, you don’t just get a site that adapts to mobile—you can design a separate mobile version that looks and functions perfectly on any device. This focus on mobile responsiveness is a big win for SEO in today’s mobile-first world.
2. Seamless WordPress Integration for Blogging:
   Here’s where Showit really shines. While your website design lives in Showit, your blog is powered by WordPress—the gold standard for content management and SEO. This means you can use powerful SEO plugins like Yoast to optimize your blog posts, giving you all the tools you need to climb the search rankings.
3. Built-in SEO Customization Options:
   Showit makes it easy to handle SEO basics right from the platform. You can customize page titles, meta descriptions, alt text for images, and even control your URL structure. These features help ensure your site is properly optimized for search engines.
4. Fast Loading Speeds:
   Speed is a big factor in SEO, and Showit sites are optimized for quick loading times. Fast sites not only rank better on Google but also provide a better user experience for visitors (which keeps them on your site longer).
5. Secure Hosting:
   Google favors secure websites, and Showit provides SSL certificates for all its sites, ensuring your website is safe and trustworthy in the eyes of search engines.

But It’s Not Just About SEO…

While Showit has all the SEO features you need, Caitlin Christensen reminds us of an important point:

“When deciding which website builder to use, consider other factors as well—like ease of use, design capabilities, and your specific business needs. The best platform for you is the one that aligns with your overall goals, not just SEO alone.”

In other words, SEO is important, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Showit offers a powerful combination of design flexibility, ease of use, and SEO tools, making it a great choice for creatives and small business owners who want a beautiful site and strong search engine performance.

Final Verdict: Is Showit Good for SEO?

Yes! Showit offers everything you need to optimize your site for search engines, from mobile-first design to WordPress-powered blogging. But like any platform, it’s not just about the tools—it’s about how you use them. With the right strategy, Showit can absolutely help you climb the search rankings while giving you the creative freedom to design a site that stands out.

So, if you’re ready to create a site that’s as beautiful as it is search-engine-friendly, Showit is a fantastic choice. And if you need help optimizing your Showit site for SEO? Well, you know where to find the experts.

Conclusion: Is Showit Right for You?

When it comes to building a website that’s both visually stunning and SEO-friendly, Showit delivers on all fronts. It offers the perfect mix of creative freedom, easy-to-use tools, and powerful features that make it an excellent choice for photographers, designers, bloggers, and small business owners who want a site that stands out and performs well in search engines.

With its drag-and-drop design capabilities, fully customizable templates, mobile-first responsiveness, and seamless WordPress integration for blogging and SEO, Showit isn’t just another website builder—it’s a platform that lets your creativity shine while giving you everything you need to grow your online presence.

Of course, SEO is important, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. The best website platform is the one that fits your design goals, business needs, and long-term vision. Showit offers the flexibility to create something truly unique without needing to touch a single line of code—and the SEO tools to make sure people find it.

If you’re ready to create a website that’s as beautiful as it is effective, Showit might just be the perfect fit. And if you need a little extra help with design or customization, there’s a whole community of talented professionals ready to assist.

Ready to get started?

• Find a designer for a custom Showit website.
• Need help tweaking a template? Find Showit template customization experts here.

With Showit, the tools are in your hands—what you create is entirely up to you. 🎨✨