If you're looking to build a website, you may be wondering whether WordPress or Wix is the right platform for you. Both platforms have their pros and cons, and in the end the decision comes down to what works best for your individual needs. In this blog post, we will compare WordPress and Wix and help you decide which platform is best for you.
What are WordPress and Wix?
Wix vs. WordPress: both are website builders. But which website software is right for you?
About WordPress
WordPress is a content management system (CMS) that enables you to create a website or blog from scratch, or to improve an existing website. WordPress is free and open source software released under the GPL. WordPress software has existed since the mid-2000s, and was one of the first accessible website builders on the market.
WordPress sites are everywhere. They power small personal blogs, as well as some of the largest news sites on the internet, like The Guardian and Forbes. WordPress is a popular choice for businesses of all sizes because it’s easy to use and has a lot of features.
If you know how to make and run a WordPress site, you are vastly more employable for any small to medium sized business concerned about their online presence. Many small businesses like mine use WordPress for an online store – and WordPress plugins can do just about anything you can imagine.
About Wix
Wix is a commercial platform that allows you to create a website without having to code or use any other software. When considering Wix vs. WordPress, you really have to ask: how comfortable are you with a computer? The beauty of a Wix site is that you literally cannot code anything.
Everything runs off of Wix templates or the Wix app market, which of course, can nickel and dime you quick. Nevertheless, a Wix site is a popular choice for people who are wary of building and maintaining their own WordPress site.
Wix offers many of the same features that a WordPress blog will, including:
- Free themes AND and premium theme(s)
- A custom domain (extra cost)
- eCommerce plugin
- A WYSIWYG editor to show changes in just a few clicks
- The ability to upload or link to images, videos, and PDFs
- Both Wix and WordPress SEO capabilities are appropriate
Ultimately, to decide the battle of Wix vs. WordPress, you'll need to weigh what's important to you. If you want to get to market a little bit faster, and don't mind paying a premium, then Wix templates and website builder may be for you.
On the other hand, if you're willing to work a little harder, you can likely customize your WordPress website exactly how you want it. You can rely on free WordPress themes or modify premium WordPress themes to fit your aesthetic and brand.
If you think you'll need a lot of support, go to Wix. WordPress support is only offered through the forums unless you're a WordPress.com customer. WordPress pricing IS more affordable, generally, but it's also more piecemeal. Here are some more details about the benefits of either website builder.
The benefits of WordPress
WordPress is a versatile platform that can be used for everything from simple websites to complex enterprise solutions. WordPress is easy to use and has a wide variety of features, making it an ideal choice for beginners and experts alike.
In addition, WordPress is constantly being updated with new features and improvements, making it a platform that will continue to grow and evolve over time. Whether you're looking to create a simple website or a complex enterprise solution, WordPress is a great platform to consider.
The benefits of Wix
Wix is a popular website builder that allows users to create custom websites without the need for coding. While some people may be put off by the thought of using a website builder, Wix actually has a lot of benefits.
For starters, it’s extremely user-friendly, even for those with no prior experience in web design. The drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to add text, images, and other elements to your website.
Plus, there are hundreds of templates to choose from, so you can create a website that looks professional and is inline with your brand identity. And if you do ever run into any problems, Wix has an excellent customer support team that can help you resolve any issues. Overall, Wix is an excellent option for those looking to create a custom website without breaking the bank.
How to choose the best website builder for you
A WordPress website, in my opinion, is the best investment you can make. Many WordPress plugins are perfect, and the themes aren't half bad either. I use Oxygen for all of my WordPress themes and designs nowadays, but there are many WordPress users and many free products available.
But you have to be a little willing to get your hands dirty. On WordPress, SEO does require some consideration: how will you optimize, will you use Google Analytics, etc. Some of these choices are more settled on a Wix site.
But the help docs for WordPress are amazing. Ten years or more into working with WordPress sites and I still find myself using their help docs when I'm transferring a custom domain or doing something else funky, like editing my WordPress themes. Even though it's open source, WordPress will be around for many years to come.
On the other hand, if you need an easier, ready made solution, a Wix site may be for you. Their website builder is easy to use, and they do have an ecommerce plugin to help get your products to market faster. The Wix editor is intuitive, and Wix sites go up quickly.
Final thoughts
Ultimately, search engines don't care which website builder you use. So if you find a WordPress theme or WordPress plugin that you love, then use WordPress. If you can't find a good replacement for something you spot on the Wix app market, then go with Wix sites. You literally can't make a wrong choice here.
And remember – if you're looking for graphic design software, we've got some reviews that you can check out!
