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Which website builder is right for you? Comparing WordPress, Squarespace, Wix & Shopify.

Which Website Builder Is Right for You?
January 15, 2025 ・ Websites by KHAN

When you’re building a website, one of the first things you’ll need to decide is which platform to use. With so many website builders out there—each promising speed, ease, and functionality—it can be tricky to figure out which one is the best fit for your needs.

As a front-end WordPress developer, I get asked a lot about how WordPress compares to other platforms like Squarespace, Wix, and Shopify. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of each so you can make an informed decision.

1. WordPress (self-hosted)

Why I recommend WordPress: If you’re serious about having full control over your website, flexibility in design, and the ability to scale as your business grows, WordPress is by far the best option. It gives you complete freedom to customise and add advanced features. Plus, with over 59,000 plugins, there’s virtually nothing you can’t do with WordPress.

Pros:

  • Full control and customisation: Ideal for custom themes, features, and advanced functionality.
  • Scalable and extendable: Works for anything from a simple blog to an enterprise-level site.
  • Massive plugin ecosystem: Access to over 59,000 plugins to add nearly any feature you can imagine.
  • SEO-friendly: Optimise your site with plugins like Yoast SEO and full access to your site’s code for deeper customisation.

Cons:

  • Steeper learning curve: It’s not as beginner-friendly without the help of a developer.
  • Maintenance required: You’re responsible for updates, backups, and security—though I can help with that if needed!

Best for: Custom-built sites, complex requirements, and total design control. If you’re working with a front-end developer (like me!), WordPress is the way to go.

2. Squarespace

Squarespace is great if you need a simple, visually appealing site quickly, but it does come with some limitations.

Pros:

  • Beautiful templates: Clean, professional designs right out of the box.
  • All-in-one solution: Hosting, CMS, and support in one package.
  • Easy to use: Ideal for non-tech users and creatives.

Cons:

  • Limited extensibility: You’re pretty much locked into their system.
  • Less flexibility in SEO: The SEO tools are basic compared to WordPress.
  • Less control over backend: Not the best option for highly customised builds.

Best for: Portfolios, simple business websites, and users who prefer design simplicity over custom features.

3. Wix

Wix offers an easy drag-and-drop interface, but you sacrifice flexibility for simplicity.

Pros:

  • Drag-and-drop builder: No coding skills required to build your site.
  • All-in-one hosting: You don’t need to worry about managing updates or security.
  • Quick setup: Perfect for getting a simple site online quickly.

Cons:

  • Limited flexibility: You can only customise within what the builder allows.
  • Limited control over SEO: Performance and rankings can suffer as a result.
  • Hard to migrate: Moving away from Wix can be tricky if you outgrow it.

Best for: Small businesses or personal sites that need to get online quickly and with minimal effort.

4. Shopify

Shopify is fantastic if you’re building an e-commerce site, but it’s not as flexible for non-ecommerce needs.

Pros:

  • Built for e-commerce: Perfect for managing online stores, with great features for product management, shopping carts, and checkouts.
  • Fast and secure: Hosting and security are taken care of for you.
  • Large app marketplace: Add powerful features to your store with apps.

Cons:

  • Monthly fees and transaction costs: Fees can add up, especially with add-ons.
  • Limited design flexibility: Themes can be hard to fully customise.
  • Not ideal for non-ecommerce sites: You’re paying for features you may not use.

Best for: E-commerce businesses, particularly if you’re selling physical products.

So which one should you choose?

If you’re after complete control, flexibility, and long-term scalability, WordPress is hands down the best choice (especially when working with a front-end developer like me!). If you’re looking for a simple DIY site with minimal effort, platforms like Wix or Squarespace may be more suitable. For online stores, Shopify is a solid choice—just be prepared for those monthly fees.

Need help picking the right website platform for your business?

Let’s chat about your goals! I’ll help you choose the best platform that fits your needs now and grows with you later. Contact me today.