WordPress vs Wix — Which is Better for Small Business?

If you’re comparing WordPress vs Wix for your small business website, you’ve come to the right place. Both are popular platforms, both claim to be easy to use, and both have their place. But they’re very different tools built for very different purposes. In this guide we break down the key differences between WordPress and Wix so you can choose the right platform for your business.

 

What is WordPress?

WordPress is the world’s most popular website platform, powering over 40% of all websites on the internet. It’s an open-source content management system that gives you complete control over your website, from design and functionality to SEO and eCommerce. WordPress is self-hosted, meaning you need to purchase your own hosting and domain, and it requires a bit more setup than a drag-and-drop builder. You can learn more about WordPress at WordPress.org.

 

What is Wix?

Wix is a cloud-based website builder that lets you create a website using a simple drag-and-drop interface. It’s designed to be easy to use with no technical knowledge required. Everything is hosted on Wix’s servers and managed through their platform, which makes it quick to set up but limits how much control you have over your website long term.

 

WordPress vs Wix — Key Differences

Ease of Use

Wix wins on ease of use. The drag-and-drop editor is intuitive and beginner-friendly. You can have a basic website up in a few hours with no technical knowledge. WordPress has a steeper learning curve, especially if you’re not familiar with web hosting and content management systems. However once set up, WordPress is also straightforward to manage for everyday tasks like adding blog posts or updating content.

Design Flexibility

WordPress wins on design flexibility. With thousands of themes and page builders like Elementor Pro, you can build virtually any design you can imagine. Wix templates are attractive but limited. You’re confined to working within their system and can’t fully customise every element of your design.

SEO Performance

WordPress wins on SEO. WordPress gives you full control over your technical SEO including URL structures, meta tags, schema markup, and site speed optimisation. Plugins like RankMath make on-page SEO straightforward for non-technical users. Wix has improved its SEO capabilities significantly in recent years but still lags behind WordPress for businesses serious about ranking on Google.

eCommerce

WordPress wins for serious eCommerce. WooCommerce, the WordPress eCommerce plugin, is one of the most powerful and flexible online store solutions available. Wix has basic eCommerce functionality that works well for small stores but doesn’t scale well for businesses with large product catalogues or complex requirements.

Pricing

Wix appears cheaper upfront with plans starting from around $17 per month. WordPress itself is free but you’ll need to pay for hosting ($10 to $50 per month), a domain ($15 to $40 per year), and potentially a premium theme or page builder. Over time the costs are comparable, but WordPress gives you significantly more value for money.

Ownership and Portability

WordPress wins on ownership. With WordPress you own your website completely. You can move it to any host, hand it to any developer, and do whatever you want with it. With Wix your website lives on their platform. If Wix shuts down, changes its pricing, or you want to move to a different platform, you can’t simply export your website and take it with you.

 

Which Platform is Better for Small Business in Australia?

For most small businesses in Australia that are serious about growing online, WordPress is the better choice. It gives you more control, better SEO performance, more flexibility, and complete ownership of your website. The slightly steeper learning curve is worth it for the long-term benefits.

Wix is a reasonable choice if you need a simple online presence quickly and cheaply, you don’t have plans to grow your website significantly, and SEO is not a priority for your business.

If you want a website that will rank on Google, generate leads, and grow with your business, build on WordPress.

 

What Does Crikey Web Build On?

At Crikey Web we build all our websites on WordPress using Elementor Pro. We chose WordPress because it gives our clients complete ownership of their website, the best possible SEO foundation, and the flexibility to grow and evolve their online presence over time. Every website we build is yours. You’re never locked into our platform or our services.

If you’d like a free quote for a professional WordPress website, get in touch with our team today.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch from Wix to WordPress?

Yes but it’s not straightforward. You can’t simply export your Wix website and import it into WordPress. The content can be migrated but the design needs to be rebuilt. If you’re thinking about switching, get in touch and we can discuss the best approach for your situation.

Is WordPress hard to use for beginners?

WordPress has a learning curve but most business owners find it straightforward for everyday tasks like updating content and adding blog posts once the website is set up. We provide training to all our clients so you feel confident managing your own website.

Does Wix rank on Google?

Yes, Wix websites can rank on Google but they generally underperform compared to well-optimised WordPress websites. If SEO is important to your business, WordPress is the stronger choice.