Comparing Wix and WordPress for Your Website Needs

When it comes to creating a website for your business, there are many options available. Two of the most popular are Wix and WordPress. Both platforms have their own strengths and weaknesses, and it’s important to understand the differences to choose the one that’s right for your business.

Wix–Simple and Fast

Wix is a website builder that’s known for its ease of use and intuitive drag-and-drop interface. It’s a good option for businesses that want to get a website up and running quickly, without having to worry about technical details. Wix also offers a range of templates and design options, so you can create a professional-looking site without the need for a designer.

Wix is great for: small businesses, startups, or freelancers who want to create a website quickly and inexpensively. Wix can be great for businesses or individuals who plan to build and manage their own websites and are looking for an easy-to-use platform with simple drag-and-drop functionality.

While Wix is easier to use, it does have some limitations when it comes to customization. For example, you can’t switch templates without having to redo your website, and there are limits to the number of plugins you can use. Additionally, while Wix is known for its user-friendly interface, it can be more difficult to customize certain aspects of your site without the knowledge of HTML or CSS.

WordPress–More Customization and Potential for Growth

Before I dive into WordPress, it’s helpful to distinguish between WordPress.com and WordPress.org. WordPress.com is a hosted platform where you can create a website without having to worry about technical details such as hosting, security, and updates; however, you are limited in terms of customization. In this way, WordPress.com is more similar to Wix.

On the other hand, WordPress.org is a self-hosted platform where you have complete control over your website, including the ability to install custom themes and plugins. WordPress.org is a content management system (CMS) that’s known for its flexibility and customization options. While it can take more time to set up and requires some technical knowledge, WordPress allows for greater control over your website’s design and functionality. There are thousands of plugins and themes available, so you can add any feature you need, from e-commerce functionality to event calendars.

WordPress is great for: businesses looking to grow their online presence and that have plans to expand.

Benefits of Using WordPress

There is a reason some of the world’s largest brands use WordPress for their websites and over 40% of all websites on the internet use it–there are many benefits.

One of the main benefits of using WordPress is its open-source software. This means that it’s constantly being developed and improved by a community of developers around the world. There are also many resources available online for troubleshooting and customization, making it a good option for businesses that want a website they can truly make their own.

Additionally, if you decide to start with WordPress and eventually decide you’d like to switch platforms, it is easier to do so. Eventually, if you start writing some of your own custom code to work with WordPress, you could then likely leverage that to work with other sites. With Wix, if you decide to change platforms, it can mean you have to start more or less from scratch on the new platform.

Hiring a Qualified Developer to Help You

WordPress is older and based on more open technologies, so typically, it is easier to find a developer to help you with your site. Wix is proprietary and also because it is less open, fewer developers flock to it.

Qualified WordPress developers are professionals who possess the necessary technical skills and experience to develop, design and manage websites using the WordPress platform. They are well-versed in various programming languages as well as WordPress-specific development tools and frameworks. These developers can handle complex customizations, security enhancements, and optimization techniques that help websites perform better. They can also provide support for website maintenance, updates, and troubleshooting.

At 14 Oranges, WordPress has been our ‘go-to’ choice since day one. We prefer it as it is open and we can always find a way to do whatever is needed. We are new to Wix and it is a good tool but it is more limited.

For businesses that rely on their online presence, working with a qualified WordPress developer can ensure that their website is not only functional and aesthetically pleasing but also secure and optimized for search engines.

Ultimately, the decision to use Wix or WordPress will depend on your business’s specific needs and goals. If you’re looking for a simple solution that allows you to quickly create a website without any technical knowledge and you don’t have plans to expand the website’s functionality in major ways, Wix may be the best choice.

However, if you’re looking for a platform that offers greater customization options and control over your website, WordPress is the way to go. Whichever platform you choose, both Wix and WordPress are viable options for creating a professional-looking website that can help your business succeed.

If you’re thinking of building a new website or rebuilding an existing website and aren’t sure which platform is the best option for your business, 14 Oranges can help. Book a call and somebody from our team will hear what your vision and objectives for the website are and give you the best options to help you succeed.

Sylvain Marcotte is CEO and President of 14 Oranges.