If you’re thinking about building or redesigning your website, you’re probably wondering: Should I use WordPress, Wix, Squarespace or something else entirely?
It’s a fair question. As a website designer, I’ve worked with all the major platforms over the years, and I can confidently say this. When it comes to creating a professional, flexible and future-proof website for your business, WordPress websites are still the best choice.
In this post, I’ll break down exactly why I recommend WordPress website design to small business owners and how it compares to other platforms like Wix and Squarespace.
In this article
What is WordPress, and how does it work?
I’d love to clarify that I’m referring to WordPress.org, the fantastic open-source version you can host yourself. Unlike WordPress.com, which has some limitations and operates on a subscription basis, WordPress.org offers you complete control over your site. You can install it on your hosting account and customise every detail to your heart’s content! It’s no wonder that over 40% of all websites, including some of the biggest names in the industry, are built on this dynamic platform. With WordPress.org, making changes to your website after launch is a breeze, opening up endless possibilities for creativity and growth! It’s a breeze, opening up endless possibilities for creativity and growth!
Related: What is a content management system
Why choose WordPress for your business website?
1. You have complete control over your site
When you build a WordPress website, you own everything. Unlike Wix or Squarespace, where your site lives inside their system, WordPress lets you:
You have the freedom to host your site anywhere, switch providers whenever you like, and effortlessly access and back up all your valuable data!. For business owners, this means no long-term lock-in, no surprise restrictions and no panic if the platform changes its pricing.
2. WordPress website design is incredibly flexible
One of the most exciting benefits of using WordPress for your website design is the incredible freedom it offers! You can easily begin with a straightforward brochure site, then expand by adding a blog, portfolio, or online store whenever you’re ready. Plus, you have the flexibility to integrate valuable tools like booking systems, email marketing, calendars, and contact forms. With WordPress, you can create a custom layout that truly reflects your brand.
With WordPress, you can:
- Start with a simple brochure site
- Add a blog, portfolio or online store later
- Integrate tools like booking systems, email marketing, calendars or contact forms
- Build a custom layout that fits your brand
In contrast, Wix and Squarespace limit what you can do. You’re confined to their built-in features, and even though they look slick, you’ll often hit a ceiling sooner than you expect.
3. WordPress websites are better for SEO
Search engine optimisation (SEO) is essential for ensuring your business shines brightly on Google, and WordPress provides fantastic tools to make this happen.
With WordPress, you can:
- Optimise meta titles and descriptions for every page
- Use headings properly for search readability
- Create clean URLs that are easy for Google to crawl
- Install SEO plugins like Rank Math or Yoast
- Improve your page speed and mobile performance
Wix and Squarespace offer basic SEO tools; WordPress empowers you to build a fully search-ready website right from the start. Let’s unlock your site’s potential together!
4. You’re not stuck with one provider
Both Wix and Squarespace utilise a closed system, which means that if you decide to move your website, the design, layout, and structure won’t transfer. On the other hand, WordPress offers fantastic flexibility! You can easily switch hosting companies, collaborate with different designers or developers, and export your site files and content whenever you want.
With WordPress, you can:
- Change your hosting company
- Work with a different designer or developer
- Export your site files and content any time
This means your investment is protected, and you have the freedom to change direction without rebuilding everything from scratch.
5. You can design exactly what you want
Many website builders offer templates that may look sleek, but they can limit your unique vision by forcing your business into a standard layout. With a custom WordPress design, you get a website that truly represents your brand, rather than a generic theme shared by many. I create WordPress sites that are meticulously tailored to your needs, ensuring brand consistency, effective calls to action, and layouts that align perfectly with your specific objectives. Let’s bring your unique vision to life!
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6. WordPress scales as your business grows
While you may need a few pages right now, imagine the exciting possibilities ahead! Whether you want to start a blog, add an online store, launch a course, create a membership area, or even include booking options, WordPress makes it incredibly easy to grow. You won’t have to start from scratch or invest in a new platform. Instead, you can seamlessly expand on your existing foundation.
- Start a blog
- Add an online shop
- Launch a course
- Introduce a membership area
- Add booking functionality
With WordPress, you can add new features as your business evolves. You don’t need to start over or pay for a new platform – you build on what you already have.
That flexibility is a big reason why so many successful small businesses choose WordPress.
What about usability?
Many people think WordPress is too technical or challenging to handle, but that perception often comes down to the way the site is configured.
When I create WordPress websites for small businesses, I focus on removing the clutter and simplifying the dashboard, so you get the essentials you genuinely need. You’ll effortlessly edit content, update photos, write blog posts, and manage pages without relying on a developer.
If you prefer a hands-off approach, I offer support and maintenance plans to ensure everything runs seamlessly. Let’s make your online presence thrive!
WordPress vs Wix vs Squarespace – a quick comparison
| Feature | WordPress | Wix | Squarespace |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Full ownership | Platform-owned | Platform-owned |
| SEO flexibility | Excellent | Limited | Moderate |
| Design customisation | Unlimited | Template-based | Template-based |
| Scalability | High | Low–Medium | Low–Medium |
| Plugin/app ecosystem | Huge | Limited | Limited |
| Cost over time | Long-term value | Subscription | Subscription |
| Data portability | Full export | Limited | Very limited |
WordPress wins on flexibility, scalability, SEO, and long-term control.
Related: WordPress website
When is WordPress not the best fit for you?
There are times when WordPress might not be ideal:
- You need a one-page temporary site today
- You don’t want any responsibility for updates
- Your business will never grow beyond a few static pages
In these cases, a platform like Squarespace might serve you for now. But if you’re building a serious business and want a website that supports growth, WordPress is your best bet.
Why WordPress still leads the way
WordPress is more than just a platform for bloggers or tech experts; it’s a powerful, professional-grade tool that provides you with complete control and room for growth.
If you’re looking for a fast, secure, and SEO-friendly website tailored to your business, one that won’t require a complete overhaul in just two years, then WordPress is the ideal choice.
If you’re ready for a custom-designed site that is easy to manage and stress-free, I’d be happy to help you!
Explore my WordPress website design services →
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