Best Accounting Software for Your Squarespace Store: QuickBooks, FreshBooks, or Xero?

Question: I run an e-commerce store on Squarespace and need to manage my accounting more efficiently. Should I use QuickBooks, FreshBooks, or Xero, and how do I integrate it with my store?

When you’re managing an online store, keeping track of your finances can quickly become overwhelming. You may be using spreadsheets or manually tracking invoices, but that only works for so long. Automating this process can save you time, reduce errors, and give you a clearer picture of your business health. With plugins like QuickBooks, FreshBooks, and Xero available on Squarespace, how do you decide which is right for your store? Let’s break it down.

The Problem: Manual Accounting for an Online Store

Manually tracking your sales, expenses, and taxes can be tedious and error-prone. As your business grows, you need real-time financial data to make informed decisions, but without the right tools, gathering this data can be difficult. You’ve probably already tried using spreadsheets or hiring outside help, but managing this in-house with the right software can streamline your operations. Thankfully, Squarespace offers integrations with powerful accounting tools like QuickBooks, FreshBooks, and Xero.

QuickBooks Plugin for Squarespace

QuickBooks is one of the most recognized names in accounting software. It offers comprehensive features for businesses of all sizes, including invoicing, expense tracking, and real-time financial reporting.

• Pros: Robust functionality with detailed financial insights. It’s a great option if you’re looking to scale your store or need detailed reports.
• Cons: QuickBooks can be overwhelming if you’re new to accounting software. The learning curve is steeper compared to other platforms.

This plugin syncs your Squarespace sales directly with QuickBooks, saving you time on manual entries and reducing the chance of errors.

FreshBooks Plugin for Squarespace

FreshBooks is known for its simple, user-friendly interface and is ideal for small businesses or solo entrepreneurs who need basic accounting features.

• Pros: Extremely easy to use and perfect if you’re just starting with accounting. It’s focused on invoicing and managing expenses, which can simplify your finances.
• Cons: It lacks the advanced features that a growing business might need, such as detailed financial forecasting or inventory tracking.

If your store is small and you want a straightforward tool without a steep learning curve, FreshBooks is a strong contender.

Xero by Amaka Plugin for Squarespace

Xero, integrated through Amaka, provides a balance between ease of use and advanced functionality. It’s perfect for e-commerce businesses that need an all-in-one solution without the complexity of QuickBooks.

• Pros: Xero is cloud-based, offers automated bank feeds, and integrates well with other platforms. It’s more intuitive than QuickBooks but offers more advanced features than FreshBooks, such as multi-currency support and inventory management.
• Cons: Slightly more advanced than FreshBooks but less feature-heavy than QuickBooks, Xero sits comfortably in the middle.

If you’re running a medium-sized store or plan to grow, Xero provides a great blend of user-friendliness and advanced features.

Recommendation: Xero by Amaka for Balanced Growth

After considering all three options, I recommend Xero by Amaka if you’re looking for an easy-to-use yet powerful accounting solution. It strikes a good balance between offering essential features without being overly complicated. It also grows with your business, making it a more future-proof choice compared to FreshBooks, while being easier to navigate than QuickBooks.

How to Install Xero by Amaka on Squarespace

1. Go to Squarespace Extensions: Navigate to Xero by Amaka in the Squarespace Extensions store.
2. Click ‘Install’: Follow the prompts to install the plugin into your store.
3. Create or Log in to Your Xero Account: If you don’t have a Xero account, you’ll need to create one. If you already do, simply log in.
4. Connect Your Store: Follow the instructions to sync your Squarespace store with Xero. This will automate the flow of sales data between your store and your Xero account.
5. Configure Your Settings: Once integrated, customize how your financial data is categorized and reported.

With this setup, you’ll have your Squarespace sales flowing directly into Xero, allowing you to manage your accounting effortlessly. This will help streamline your financial tracking, save you time, and give you better insights into your business performance.