How we compare
The honest version — where we fit, and where we don’t
Wix, Squarespace, Webflow, Shopify and “just code it” aren’t really the same product. Here’s who each is for — and when The Sites is (and isn’t) the right pick.
Different tools for different jobs
Total freedom — you build everything yourself. It's what many custom sites are made with (we can even clone one into The Sites).
Pixel-perfect visual design, with a real learning curve. Overkill for a local business that just wants leads.
A full store — cart, checkout, inventory, shipping. The right call if selling products online is the whole point.
Broad, template-driven builders for any kind of site. Global and English-first, priced in USD.
AI builds you a lead-gen site in minutes, in your language, and emails you every enquiry with a reply you can send on WhatsApp in one tap.
Side by side
| The Sites ◆ | Wix | Squarespace | Webflow | Shopify | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Local service SMBs after leads | General DIY sites | Design-led brochure sites | Designers & agencies | Online product stores |
| How you build it | Describe it → AI builds it | Templates + drag-drop | Templates + drag-drop | Design visually from scratch | Themes + store setup |
| Live site in minutes | ✓ Minutes | ~ Hours | ~ Hours | — Days | ~ Hours–days |
| Build in Malay / 中文, priced in Ringgit | ✓ Native · from RM5/mo | — English-first · USD | — English-first · USD | — English-first · USD | — English-first · USD |
| Instant lead alerts + AI replies you send on WhatsApp in one tap | ✓ Built in · email now, WhatsApp alerts soon | ~ Email; WhatsApp via add-on | ~ Email only | ~ Email only | ~ Email; WhatsApp via apps |
| You keep 100% of what customers pay | ✓ We never touch the money | ~ Payment/txn fees | ~ Txn fees on lower plans | ~ E-comm txn fees | ~ Processing fee per sale |
| Move your existing site in (any builder) | ✓ Cloned into an editable site | — | — | — | — |
| Pixel-level design freedom | ~ Guided blocks (simple by design) | ✓ Flexible | ~ Polished, template-led | ✓ Full control (best) | ~ Theme-based |
| Full online store (cart / checkout / inventory) | — Lead-gen, not a store | ✓ Add-on | ✓ | ~ Limited | ✓ Best in class |
| Usable with zero tech skills | ✓ Built for non-techies | ✓ | ✓ | ~ Needs design skill | ~ Store setup effort |
Directional, based on each product’s typical plans. Features and pricing change — check each vendor for the latest. ✓ yes · ~ partial/add-on · — no.
✅ Where we’re the best choice
- Fastest path from an idea to a live site — describe your business, AI builds it.
- Instant lead alerts: every enquiry lands in your email with an AI-drafted reply you send on WhatsApp in one tap.
- Built in Malay / Chinese / English and priced in Ringgit (from RM5/mo).
- You keep 100% of sales — customers pay you directly (DuitNow, Touch ’n Go, bank, cash).
- One-click migration: clone your current website into an editable one.
- A real designer can set it all up for you (Designer plan).
🙅 Where we’re honestly not
- Pixel-perfect custom design → use Webflow.
- A full online store with cart & checkout → use Shopify.
- A bespoke web app or custom code → build it in Next.js.
- A giant plugin/app marketplace → Wix and Squarespace are broader.
We’d rather point you to the right tool than sell you the wrong one.
So — is it for you?
Yes, if you’re a Malaysian (or SEA) service business — a clinic, salon, tuition centre, tradesperson, café or agency — who lives on WhatsApp and wants more enquiries, fast, without touching code.
Probably not, if you’re running product e-commerce, you’re a design agency chasing pixel perfection, or you need a custom web app.
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