WordPress vs. Website Builders: A Deep Dive into Choosing the Right Platform

I Get Asked This All the Time...

One of the most common questions I hear is: “What website platorm should we use?” Should you go with an easy-to-use website builder like Wix, Squarespace, or Shopify, or invest in a custom WordPress site? The answer depends on your business goals, budget, technical knowledge, and long-term plans.

Website builders offer speed and simplicity, while WordPress (not to be confused with the self-hosted WordPress.org) provides flexibility and control. Both have their place, but making the right choice can save you time, money, and headaches down the road. So let’s break it down a little.

Website Builders: The Simplified Approach

Website builders like Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify have made leeps and bounds from whenthey started. These platforms are designed to be user-friendly, requiring little to no technical expertise. They provide pre-designed templates, drag-and-drop editing, and built-in hosting, making them ideal for those who want to get online quickly without dealing with complex development processes. So if you're looking for a quick, affordable solution, a website builder may be your best bet. However, if you want long-term scalability and flexibility, WordPress often delivers better value over time.

How Website Builders Work

These platforms operate on a closed ecosystem, meaning they handle everything from hosting to security, themes, and customer support. You subscribe to a plan, pick a template, and start customizing your site with built-in tools.

Pros of Website Builders

Ease of Use – No coding or backend management required. Quick Setup – Get a website live in hours or days. All-in-One Hosting & Maintenance – No need to manage servers or security updates. Predictable Costs – Subscription-based pricing with clear monthly fees.

Cons of Website Builders

Limited Customization – Functionality is restricted to what the platform allows. Scalability Issues – If your business outgrows the platform, migrating can be difficult. SEO Limitations – Website builders have basic SEO tools but lack the advanced customizations needed for serious ranking improvements. Ownership & Control – You don’t fully own the site’s backend, meaning if the platform changes its policies or was to shuts down, you could lose your site.

Best for:

• Small businesses or personal brands that need a simple, well-designed website without custom functionality.

• Entrepreneurs who prefer a hands-off approach with minimal maintenance.

• E-commerce startups that need a quick Shopify store without technical complexity.

WordPress: The Powerhouse of Customisation

WordPress (the self-hosted WordPress.org not WordPress.com) is an open-source content management system (CMS) that powers over 43% of the web. It’s highly customizable, scalable, and offers full control over your website’s design, performance, and functionality.

How WordPress Works

Unlike website builders, WordPress is self-hosted, meaning you’ll need to purchase web hosting (such as Netregistry, VentraIP, Crazy Domains, SiteGround, WP Engine to name a few) and install WordPress yourself. This gives you the freedom to choose themes, plugins, and even modify the code to create a truly custom experience. Also WordPress has an execptional and dedicated community that is always ready to offer support and share resources, ensuring you never have to navigate your website journey alone.

Pros of WordPress

Unlimited Customisation – You can design anything from a basic blog to a complex e-commerce platform with custom plugins and themes. Scalability – WordPress grows with your business. Whether you’re adding an online store, membership site, or a multilingual platform, it can handle it. SEO Control – Advanced SEO capabilities, including custom meta tags, schema markup, and performance optimizations. Full Ownership – You own your site, files, and data, making migration and backups easier.

Cons of WordPress

Requires Technical Knowledge – While there are beginner-friendly page builders like Elementor, running a WordPress site involves learning how to manage hosting, updates, and troubleshooting issues. Maintenance Required – You’ll need to regularly update plugins, themes, and security patches to keep your site running smoothly. Variable Costs – While WordPress itself is free, premium plugins, hosting, and custom development can add to the cost.

Best for:

• Businesses looking for long-term scalability and custom features.

• Companies that prioritise SEO, performance, and security.

• Entrepreneurs who want complete ownership and control of their website.

Website Builders vs. WordPress: Key Differences

Feature	Website Builders (Wix, Squarespace, Shopify)	WordPress (Self-Hosted)
Ease of Use	Beginner-friendly, no coding required	Requires technical setup and management
Customization	Limited to platform restrictions	Full customisation with themes and plugins
Scalability	Can be limiting as the business grows	Easily scalable for advanced features
SEO & Performance	Basic SEO tools	Advanced SEO capabilities
Ownership	Hosted by the platform	Full control over hosting and site data
Cost	Monthly subscription	Hosting + optional paid plugins/themes
Best for	Small businesses, personal portfolios	Growing businesses, advanced e-commerce

What About Cost?

One of the biggest factors in choosing between website builders and WordPress is cost.

• Website builders operate on a fixed monthly or yearly subscription, which makes budgeting easy. However, costs can add up quickly if you need premium features, additional storage, or third-party integrations which most times are not transferable.

• WordPress itself is free, but you’ll need to pay for hosting, themes, plugins, and potentially a developer if you need advanced customizations. While this can make WordPress appear more expensive, it offers better value in the long run, as you’re investing in a platform that grows with your business. It's recommended hiring a web developer to manage (be that external or internal) to maintain your site.
  

For those who just need a basic website with minimal upkeep, a website builder might be the more cost-effective option. But if you're looking at long-term flexibility and scalability, investing in a WordPress site could save you from expensive migrations or rebuilding your site down the track.

Other Website Platforms Worth Mentioning

hile WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify are some of the most popular options, several other platforms have emerged, making significant strides in catering to specific needs.

• Webflow – Ideal for designers who want more control without coding.

• Magento (Adobe Commerce) – Built for enterprise-level eCommerce businesses.

• Drupal – A powerful CMS for complex websites with high customization needs.

• Ghost – A modern alternative to WordPress for content-heavy sites.

• Framer – A no-code platform focused on interactive web design.

• BigCommerce – An eCommerce competitor to Shopify with more built-in features.

Each of these platforms has its place, but for most businesses, the decision comes down to WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, or Shopify based on needs, budget, and growth potential.

Which One Should You Choose?

If you need a simple website quickly, without the hassle of managing hosting or code, a website builder is a great choice. But if you want full control, scalability, and customisation, investing in WordPress is the smarter long-term decision.

Still unsure? If your business is growing and you see yourself needing custom features, better SEO, and scalability, WordPress is worth the investment. But if you're just getting started and want a straightforward online presence, a website builder might be the best route—just be aware of its limitations.

Want to discuss which platform is best for your business? Book a call today or drop a line in the comments and let's discuss!