When deciding on the best platform to build your website, many small and medium sized companies are attracted by the promises made by Wix. Wix is known for its ease of use and beginner-friendly approach, but it has several drawbacks when compared to a platform like WordPress, particularly when built and managed by a professional web design company. A professionally designed WordPress website outshines Wix as it offers far greater benefits in terms of flexibility, scalability, and functionality.

Customisation and flexibility

Wix provides a drag-and-drop interface with pre-built templates that are easy to use but limited in customisation. For businesses looking to grow and stand out, this one-size-fits-all approach can be a hindrance.

On the other hand, WordPress is an open-source platform, meaning it offers virtually limitless customisation options. When a web design company builds your WordPress site, they can create custom themes, plugins, and functionalities tailored to your specific needs. Whether it’s integrating advanced e-commerce solutions, creating unique user interfaces, or adding complex features like membership areas or booking systems, WordPress can do it all.

Ownership and control

Wix operates on a proprietary platform, which means your website is hosted on their servers, and you’re subject to their rules and limitations. With Wix, you are truly 'locked-in' to their ecosystem and if you decide to switch platforms in the future, migrating your Wix website is a complicated, often impossible process.

With WordPress, especially when developed by a web design company, you own every aspect of your website. Your content, design, and functionalities are portable, giving you full control. Additionally, WordPress allows you to choose your own hosting provider, ensuring that you aren’t locked into any one system.

Superior search engine optimisation (SEO)

While Wix has improved its SEO capabilities in recent years, it still lacks the depth and precision of WordPress. Professional web design companies can leverage WordPress’s robust SEO tools, including customisable metadata, advanced XML sitemaps, and compatibility with powerful plugins like Yoast SEO or Rank Math. These tools allow your site to rank higher in search engine results, driving more traffic to your business. WordPress-built websites often feature cleaner code and faster load times when optimised by professionals—two factors that significantly impact SEO rankings.

Scalability for growth

A Wix website might serve a small business adequately at the start, but it can quickly become restrictive as your needs grow. Wix’s templates and limited integrations often make scaling your website an uphill battle. On the other hand, WordPress, with its vast ecosystem of plugins and developer resources, is designed to scale with your business. Professional web design companies can future-proof your WordPress site, building in room for growth so you can add new features or expand your online presence without rebuilding from scratch.

Enhanced security and support

While Wix offers basic security features, it’s not as robust as a professionally managed WordPress site. Web design companies implement advanced security measures, including firewalls, malware scans, and regular updates, to ensure your site is safe from hackers and data breaches. A web design company can provide ongoing technical support, troubleshooting, and maintenance to keep your WordPress site running smoothly. In contrast, Wix offers limited customer service, and users often have to rely on generic help articles for problem-solving.

Unique design and branding

Wix websites, though easy to set up, often look similar due to the reliance on pre-designed templates. If you want to break out of the pre-defined look and feel there is a fairly steep learning curve in order to use the Wix design features. Often companies stick with the templates as further customisation is so complex. A WordPress website built by a web design company, however, ensures a completely unique and polished look tailored to your brand. From custom graphics to intuitive user experiences, a professionally designed WordPress site positions your business as a credible and professional entity.

Cost-effectiveness in the long term

While Wix might seem more affordable upfront, its limitations can lead to costly overhauls or migrations later. WordPress, when professionally developed, offers a better return on investment by providing a scalable, customisable, and enduring solution. Web design companies can also optimise performance and minimise downtime, saving you money on potential repairs or redesigns.

A better alternative to Wix

Although Wix is a viable option for beginners or hobbyists, in our opinion it falls short for small and medium sized businesses aiming for long-term growth and professional-grade functionality. A WordPress website built by a web design company offers unparalleled customisation, scalability, and control while ensuring your website is optimised for performance and SEO.

By investing in a professionally designed WordPress website, you’re not just building a website—you’re establishing a foundation for your business’s online success.