Whether you’re launching an eCommerce website, a portfolio, or a business service, the platform you choose can significantly impact your business’s online success. Alongside Shopify and WordPress, another popular option is website builder Wix. But, which is better suited to your needs: Wix or WordPress? Whilst both platforms have their merits, this article will explore the strengths and weaknesses of Wix and WordPress.
Related Read: Shopify vs WordPress
For business owners with little technical experience, Wix offers an intuitive drag-and-drop interface. It allows you to build a website quickly without needing to write a single line of code. This user-friendly approach may appeal to small businesses looking for a quick solution to get online.
WordPress, on the other hand, has an arguably steeper learning curve. However, it’s worth noting that WordPress has become significantly more accessible over the years. With thousands of themes and plugins, many of which feature drag-and-drop page builders like Elementor, even beginners can create professional-looking websites. The time you invest in understanding WordPress pays off in the long run with greater control and customisation.
Related Read: How to Use the Elementor Page Builder
If speed and ease are your priorities, Wix wins here. However, for those willing to invest a bit of time, WordPress provides greater long-term benefits in terms of flexibility and customisation.
Wix boasts a library of over 800 designer-made templates, making it easy to get started. However, these templates are not as flexible as they appear. Once your website is live, you’re locked into the chosen template—a significant limitation for growing businesses that may need to rebrand or expand functionality.
WordPress offers unmatched customisation. Its library of themes is far broader, ranging from free options to premium, feature-rich designs. Moreover, WordPress’s open-source nature allows you to tweak every aspect of your website. If your marketing strategy evolves, WordPress scales with you, offering unparalleled flexibility to adapt and grow.
Wix is a good choice for straightforward and visually appealing designs. However, if customisation and adaptability are important to you, WordPress is undoubtedly the better option.
Wix comes with a suite of built-in tools, including SEO features, contact forms, and eCommerce capabilities. Whilst convenient, these tools can be limiting. Businesses often find themselves needing features that Wix simply can’t accommodate without switching to a more advanced platform.
WordPress shines in this area. Its vast plugin ecosystem (over 60,000 options) means you can extend your website’s functionality as needed. From SEO tools like Yoast to advanced eCommerce solutions like WooCommerce, WordPress provides tools that rival enterprise-level platforms. This scalability makes WordPress particularly attractive for growing businesses.
Related Read: A Quick Guide to Yoast
Wix is great for beginners needing pre-built functionality. For growing and established businesses, or those requiring advanced features, WordPress takes the lead.
SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is critical for businesses aiming to rank well on Google and attract organic traffic. Wix provides decent SEO tools, such as meta tag editing and automatic sitemap generation, but it falls short when compared to WordPress.
With WordPress, you gain access to industry-leading SEO plugins like the previously mentioned Yoast. These tools offer advanced features such as keyword optimisation, content analysis, and schema markup. WordPress also allows you to customise your website’s structure, further improving your chances of ranking highly in search engines.
Related Read: KIJO’s Guide to Onsite SEO
Wix’s SEO features are good for first-time website builders, but WordPress is definitely superior for businesses looking to dominate search engine rankings.
Wix offers a straightforward pricing model with tiered plans. While affordable initially, (prices start at £9 a month for a basic plan) costs can escalate quickly if you require premium features or additional storage. Plus, Wix sites are hosted on their proprietary servers, which means you’re tied to their platform for the lifetime of your site.
WordPress is often seen as the more cost-effective solution. While there are hosting and domain costs, these can be tailored to your budget. Additionally, with the sheer variety of free plugins and themes available, WordPress often provides more value over time. WordPress is free to use, but you’ll need to budget for hosting (starting at just £3 per month), as well as potential costs for premium themes, plugins, and any extra WooCommerce extensions you may require.
Wix has predictable costs upfront, but WordPress offers better value in the long term, particularly for businesses that plan to scale.
Wix includes built-in customer support, offering help through live chat and ticketing systems. While efficient, the proprietary nature of Wix limits troubleshooting options outside their support team.
WordPress, being open-source, boasts a global community of developers, designers, and users. Whether you need to troubleshoot a bug or seek advice on improving your site, countless resources are available — from forums and tutorials to professional developers ready to assist.
Wix’s dedicated support is great for quick fixes. However, the vast WordPress community ensures a broader and deeper pool of resources and expertise.
Wix is an excellent choice for small businesses or solopreneurs who need a simple, visually appealing site without much fuss. If you’re looking to create a personal portfolio, a blog with modest traffic, or a basic e-commerce shop, Wix’s all-in-one platform could be a good fit.
For marketing managers and business owners focused on scalability, branding, and functionality, WordPress is the clear winner. Its ability to grow with your business, coupled with advanced customisation and superior SEO capabilities, make it the ideal platform for long-term success.
WordPress may take more effort to set up initially, but this investment is rewarded with a professional-grade website tailored to your needs. It’s the go-to choice for businesses serious about their online presence.
The choice between Wix and WordPress depends on your business’s unique needs. If you’re looking for simplicity and speed, Wix is a good option. However, for businesses prioritising flexibility, scalability, and control, WordPress stands head and shoulders above the competition.
Ready to take your website to the next level? Work with WordPress web design experts – like us here at KIJO – to robustly elevate your online offering and presence.
Need expert guidance on your website design, working with WordPress? Book a complimentary, 30-minute consultation with our Head of Partnerships & Co-Founder, Kirk Thompson. During your call, we’ll review your website’s current performance, discuss your goals, analyse competitor insights, and explore the potential of a WordPress-powered website. Let’s bring your vision to life—book your free consultation via the link below:
