WordPress vs Other Platforms: Why WordPress Wins for Small Businesses

BySharon

Right, let’s have an honest chat about website platforms. As someone who’s built websites for small businesses across the UK for years, I get asked this question constantly: “Should I go with WordPress, or is there something better out there?”

The short answer? For most small businesses, WordPress is still the winner. But let me explain why, because I know you’ve probably been bombarded with adverts for Wix, Squarespace, and every other platform under the sun.

The Current Website Platform Landscape

There are loads of options out there:

  • WordPress (the one everyone talks about)
  • Wix (with all those TV adverts)
  • Squarespace (the pretty one)
  • Shopify (for online shops)
  • Weebly (the simple one)
  • Webflow (the designer’s favourite)

Each has its place, but here’s why I keep coming back to WordPress for my small business clients.

Why WordPress Wins for Small Businesses

1. You Actually Own Your Website

This is huge, and often overlooked. With WordPress (specifically WordPress.org), you own your website completely. Your content, your design, your customer data – it’s all yours.

With platforms like Wix or Squarespace, you’re essentially renting space in their garden. If they change their terms, increase prices dramatically, or (heaven forbid) go bust, you could lose everything.

2. It Grows With Your Business

I’ve seen too many clients outgrow their Wix or Squarespace sites and face expensive migrations. WordPress scales beautifully. Start simple, then add an online shop, booking system, membership area – whatever your business needs.

One of my clients began with a basic 5-page site and now runs a thriving e-commerce business with thousands of products. Same WordPress foundation, just evolved over time.

3. SEO That Actually Works

Google loves WordPress sites, and for good reason. The platform is built with SEO in mind. Clean code, fast loading times, and proper structure mean your site stands a fighting chance in search results.

Yes, other platforms have improved their SEO game, but WordPress still leads the pack. When combined with proper SEO services, it’s unbeatable.

The Competition: Where They Fall Short

Wix: The Jack of All Trades, Master of None

Wix is dead easy to use, I’ll give them that. Drag, drop, done. But ease of use comes with limitations:

  • Templates that look samey
  • Slower loading speeds
  • Limited customisation beyond their builder
  • Difficult to migrate away from

It’s fine for hobby sites, but for serious businesses? I’d recommend starting with something more robust.

Squarespace: Beautiful but Restrictive

Squarespace creates gorgeous websites – their templates are stunning. But beauty isn’t everything:

  • Quite expensive for what you get
  • Limited flexibility for custom functionality
  • Fewer integrations with third-party tools
  • Can be tricky to optimise for local search

Shopify: Brilliant for E-commerce, Limited for Everything Else

If you’re purely selling online, Shopify is fantastic. But if you need a business website with some selling capability, WordPress with WooCommerce is more flexible and cost-effective.

Webflow: The Designer’s Dream, Small Business Owner’s Nightmare

Webflow creates incredibly sophisticated websites. But unless you’re a designer yourself or have deep pockets, it’s probably overkill for most small businesses.

WordPress Myths Busted

“WordPress is too complicated” Modern WordPress is actually quite user-friendly. Once set up properly, adding content is as easy as using Microsoft Word. I always provide training to my clients, and most pick it up within an hour.

“WordPress isn’t secure” Any website can be hacked if not maintained properly. With regular updates and basic security measures, WordPress is as secure as any other platform. That’s why I offer maintenance services – to keep your site safe and updated.

“WordPress is expensive” WordPress itself is free. Yes, you’ll pay for hosting, themes, and development, but you’re not locked into monthly platform fees that increase year after year.

When WordPress Might Not Be Right

I’m being honest here – WordPress isn’t perfect for everyone:

  • If you need something live tomorrow and have zero technical support
  • If you’re creating a straightforward, single-purpose site
  • If you refuse to learn any new skills whatsoever

In these cases, a platform like Squarespace might be more suitable.

Real-World Example

Last year, I helped a local bakery migrate from Wix to WordPress. On Wix, they were paying £20 monthly, their site loaded slowly, and they couldn’t add the functionality they needed for online ordering.

Now, on WordPress:

  • Monthly costs reduced to £8 (hosting only)
  • Site loads 3x faster
  • Fully integrated online ordering system
  • Custom content creation drives more local traffic

My Recommendation

WordPress is still the best choice for 9 out of 10 small businesses. It’s flexible, cost-effective, long-term, and gives you complete control over your online presence.

Yes, there’s a slight learning curve compared to drag-and-drop builders. But think of it as an investment in your business’s future. You wouldn’t rent office space forever when you could own the building, would you?

The key is working with someone who understands small business needs. I don’t overcomplicate things—I create WordPress sites that work for your business and train you to manage them confidently.

Getting Started the Right Way

If you’re convinced that WordPress is right for your business, don’t dive in blind. A properly planned and developed WordPress site will serve you for years to come.

The platforms might change, trends will come and go, but WordPress continues to power over 40% of the internet for good reason. It simply works for businesses that want to grow online.

Are you thinking about switching to WordPress? Let’s have a chat about your specific needs. I offer honest advice about what’s best for your business—even if that’s not WordPress.

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