4.8 min readPublished On: October 28th, 2024Categories: Advice, Website

When it comes to building a website for your business, choosing the right platform is crucial. There are many website builders available, such as Wix and Squarespace, which are often marketed as easy and affordable options for new business owners. However, while these platforms have their benefits, they come with limitations that could hold your business back in the long run. That’s why, at Chell Web & Design, we use WordPress for all of our new website builds. Here’s why WordPress stands out as the better choice.

The Power and Popularity of WordPress

WordPress is by far the most popular Content Management System (CMS) out there, powering over 40% of all websites on the internet. It offers an unparalleled level of flexibility and scalability that other platforms simply can’t match. Whether you’re looking for a clean, minimal site or a high-end, bespoke website tailored to your brand, WordPress has the capabilities to make it happen.

The beauty of WordPress lies in its adaptability. From e-commerce stores to blogs and corporate sites, there’s virtually no limit to what you can create. Its open-source nature allows designers and developers to craft custom websites that reflect the unique identity of each business. Unlike the more templated options on platforms like Wix and Squarespace, WordPress empowers designers to build truly distinctive sites that align perfectly with your brand vision.

Ease of Use for Business Owners

One common concern among business owners is the ability to manage their website once it’s built. WordPress strikes a great balance between professional design flexibility and user-friendly content management. After the initial build, many business owners find that managing their site in WordPress is intuitive and straightforward. With a bit of training, they can easily update their content, add new pages, or make basic adjustments without needing ongoing help from a designer.

This level of control is something that Wix and Squarespace struggle to offer in the same capacity. While their drag-and-drop interfaces make initial setup easy, they often lack the depth and customisation options that WordPress provides. Furthermore, if you ever decide to work with a different designer or agency, WordPress’s open-source environment means that other professionals can easily step in and understand the structure and tools used in your site’s design.

The Hidden Costs and Limitations of Wix and Squarespace

There’s no denying that Wix and Squarespace offer an easy and affordable way to set up a website quickly. However, these platforms can come with hidden costs and limitations that are worth considering.

For starters, while Wix and Squarespace may seem cheaper initially, these platforms lock you into long-term contracts with ongoing fees for features like e-commerce, analytics, and expanded storage. Additionally, you’re essentially renting space on their servers, so they have control over pricing changes or feature limitations down the line.

Moreover, if you ever decide to switch platforms, moving your content away from Wix or Squarespace can be a major headache. Exporting blog posts, images, and other media to a more flexible CMS like WordPress is often a complex, time-consuming process. This lack of portability can tie your business down, limiting your growth options in the future.

Templated Designs vs. Bespoke Websites

Another key difference between these platforms is the approach to design. While Wix and Squarespace offer a variety of templates, these can only be customised to a certain extent. This means that even with modifications, your website may end up looking quite similar to other sites that use the same template.

On the other hand, WordPress allows for complete design flexibility. Skilled designers can build your website from the ground up, creating a unique, branded experience for your visitors. From custom animations to advanced integrations and personalised design elements, WordPress enables you to have a website that truly stands out from the competition.

When Wix and Squarespace Might Be Right for You

While WordPress is clearly the more robust and flexible option, that doesn’t mean there’s no place for Wix or Squarespace. For new businesses with limited budgets and a lack of technical knowledge, these platforms can be a great starting point. They allow you to get a basic website up and running quickly, giving you time to build your brand and your budget before investing in a more advanced platform.

If you’re just getting started and need an immediate online presence, Wix or Squarespace can offer a simple solution. But as your business grows, you may find that their limitations hold you back. When you’re ready to take your website to the next level, it’s worth considering the switch to WordPress.

Why WordPress Is the Best Long-Term Choice

At the end of the day, your website is a vital part of your business’s online presence. While Wix and Squarespace offer quick and easy solutions, their limitations in design flexibility, control, and scalability can hinder your business’s growth in the long run. On the other hand, WordPress offers the best of both worlds—allowing for complete customisation while remaining user-friendly for business owners.

If you’re ready to build a distinctive, high-quality website that truly represents your business, WordPress is the platform to choose. It’s no coincidence that the majority of websites today are built using WordPress. Its versatility, robust features, and wide range of customisation options make it the go-to choice for businesses that want to grow their digital presence.

Interested in switching to WordPress or need a new website built?

At Chell Web & Design, we specialise in creating beautiful, custom WordPress sites tailored to your business’s needs. Get in touch with us today to find out how we can help you build a site that grows with your business.