Wix vs WordPress for Blog Hosting
Updated: Mar 30
I recently wrote an article walking you through the steps to set up a blog on Wix. Shortly after I received a few reader questions asking me why I chose Wix over WordPress and a hosting site like Bluehost so I figured I'd share what I learned about Wix vs WordPress for blog hosting.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll compare Wix and WordPress in detail, exploring their features, pricing, ease of use, and more. Our goal is to help you make an informed decision about which platform best suits your needs.
Wix vs WordPress for Blog Hosting
WordPress is one of the most popular blogging and website platforms in the world. It should be, the product is free and comes with a ton of available plug-ins and development tools because of the robust community that utilizes the platform. What's more, a healthy portion of the most popular blogs out there recommends Bluehost and WordPress to get your blog set up.
They tout a super cheap price for Bluehost ($2.95/month) and send you on your way. What they don't tell folks is that Bluehost is only a small part of getting your site set up and to take advantage of all the features the Bluehost/WordPress combination has to offer you will be purchasing plug-ins, Googling how to use tools, and/or paying for professional help to get your site setup and running properly.
That is why I chose Wix because they take all those headaches and costing uncertainty out of the equation. All the tools you need to get your blog up and running fast are available in a few clicks. You don't need professional help and the core features you need are available for free! Below are the Pros and Cons of each, a costing comparison, and a quick final summary.
If you're considering creating a blog, one of the first decisions you'll need to make is which platform to use. With so many options available, it can be difficult to determine which one is right for you. In this article, we'll compare two of the most popular blogging platforms: Wix and WordPress. We'll explore the pros and cons of each platform, and help you determine which one is the best fit for your needs.
Wix vs WordPress: Overview
Wix and WordPress are both content management systems that allow you to create and manage a website or blog. Wix is a cloud-based platform that provides a simple drag-and-drop interface for creating websites. It offers a range of customizable templates and features, making it a popular choice for beginners. On the other hand, WordPress is a self-hosted platform that offers more flexibility and control. It's open-source software that allows you to fully customize your site and add any features you need.
Wix vs WordPress: Features
Both Wix and WordPress offer a range of features that can help you create a successful blog. Let's take a look at some of the key features of each platform:
Wix Features
Drag-and-drop website builder
Customizable templates
App market for adding features
Mobile optimization
Built-in SEO tools
Hosting included
24/7 customer support
WordPress Features
Open-source software
Large library of plugins and themes
Fully customizable design
Built-in blogging tools
SEO plugins for optimizing content
Hosting flexibility
Active community support
Which is Easier to Use?
When it comes to ease of use, both Wix and WordPress have their advantages and drawbacks. Here's a quick comparison of their key features:
Wix
User-friendly drag-and-drop editor makes building websites easy for beginners
No coding skills required to create a functional and visually appealing website
Wix ADI (Artificial Design Intelligence) for quick website creation using AI-generated templates
WordPress
Steeper learning curve, especially for non-technical users, but offers more advanced features
Customization requires knowledge of coding languages, such as HTML, CSS, and PHP
Numerous themes and plugins available for various functionalities, but may require technical know-how
Which is Better for SEO?
Search engine optimization (SEO) is vital for any website, and both Wix and WordPress provide tools and features to help improve your site's visibility.
Wix
Built-in SEO tools and features for optimizing your site without advanced knowledge
Easy integration with Google Analytics and Search Console for tracking performance
Limited customization options for advanced SEO strategies, compared to WordPress
WordPress
Highly customizable with numerous SEO plugins, such as Yoast SEO, for better optimization
Greater control over technical aspects of SEO for advanced users or developers
Requires more knowledge and effort to optimize but can yield better results in the long run
Which is Better for Marketing?
Effective marketing is essential for any website, and both Wix and WordPress provide various tools to help promote your site and engage your audience.
Wix
Integrated email marketing with Wix ShoutOut, simplifying the process of creating and sending newsletters
Wix Ascend for CRM, live chat, and social media management, all in one platform
Limited integration with third-party marketing tools, which can be a disadvantage for advanced users
WordPress
Wide variety of marketing plugins for email, social media, and more, offering flexibility and customization
Easily integrates with popular marketing platforms like Mailchimp and HubSpot for seamless campaigns
More flexible for creating custom marketing strategies and integrating with third-party tools
Which is Better for E-Commerce?
If you're planning to sell products or services online, both Wix and WordPress have options for creating e-commerce websites.
Wix
Wix Stores for creating online shops, complete with product galleries and payment options
Integration with Shopify using the Wix to Shopify app for more advanced e-commerce features
Limited to a few payment gateways, which can be a disadvantage for some businesses
WordPress
WooCommerce for creating online stores with extensive features, catering to various types of e-commerce businesses
Seamless integration with numerous payment gateways, offering greater flexibility for merchants
Larger variety of e-commerce themes and plugins, providing more customization options for online stores
How does Pricing Compare?
Both Wix and WordPress have different pricing structures, with Wix offering a range of paid plans, while WordPress is free but requires additional costs for hosting and other resources.
Wix
Offers a free plan with limited features, suitable for personal projects or testing
Premium plans range from $14 to $49 per month, catering to various needs and budgets
Plans include hosting, SSL, and domain registration (first year) for a hassle-free setup
WordPress
Open-source and free to use, but requires paid hosting and domain, which can vary in price (more details below)
Hosting prices depend on the provider, with options for shared, VPS, or dedicated hosting
Premium themes and plugins may have additional costs, but many free options are also available
WordPress, on the other hand, is free to download and use. You will need to pay $2.95 for hosting and there can be other costs you'll end up paying should you want to add features to your site. Just-right themes and plug-ns can cost $10 to $100s of dollars per year. You can easily run a WordPress website for much less, or much more than a Wix site.
What Alternatives are There?
While Wix and WordPress dominate the website builder market, there are other alternatives to consider. Here are some popular options, along with their respective links:
Squarespace: A visually appealing website builder with a focus on design and templates.
Weebly: A user-friendly option for small businesses, with e-commerce capabilities.
Shopify: A dedicated e-commerce platform for creating online stores.
Webflow: A powerful website builder aimed at designers and developers.
Squarespace vs Wix vs WordPress
In addition to Wix and WordPress, Squarespace is another popular website building platform. Here's a brief comparison of the three:
Squarespace
Known for its visually stunning templates and focus on design
User-friendly drag-and-drop interface, similar to Wix
Offers e-commerce capabilities, but less extensive than WooCommerce for WordPress
Pricing plans range from $12 to $40 per month, including hosting and domain registration (first year)
Wix
User-friendly and intuitive drag-and-drop editor
Offers a wide range of templates and built-in tools
Suitable for beginners and small businesses
WordPress
Highly customizable and scalable, catering to more advanced users
Extensive library of themes and plugins for various functionalities
Requires more technical knowledge to fully utilize its potential
Which is Better: Wix or WordPress?
Ultimately, the decision of which platform to use will depend on your specific needs and goals. If you're looking for a simple and easy-to-use platform, Wix may be the best choice. However, if you want more control over your site and are willing to put in the time to learn how to use it, WordPress may be a better fit. Here are some final thoughts to help you make your decision:
If you're a beginner with no technical experience, Wix may be the best option for you. Its drag-and-drop interface and built-in features make it easy to create a website or blog quickly.
If you have some technical experience and want more control over your site's design and functionality, WordPress may be a better fit. Its open-source software allows for full customization and integration with a wide range of plugins and themes.
If cost is a concern, both Wix and WordPress have affordable options available. However, keep in mind that Wix's pricing plans can add up if you need to upgrade for more features, while WordPress requires separate hosting and domain costs.
Consider your long-term goals for your blog. If you plan to grow your site and need flexibility and customization options, WordPress may be the better choice. However, if you're looking for a quick and easy solution, Wix may be a good fit.
Summary:
When comparing Wix vs WordPress, consider factors such as ease of use, pricing, SEO capabilities, marketing tools, and e-commerce features. Wix offers an intuitive interface, built-in tools, and simplicity, making it ideal for beginners and small businesses. WordPress, on the other hand, provides greater flexibility, customization, and scalability for those with more advanced needs or larger projects.
Ultimately, the choice between Wix and WordPress depends on your specific requirements, budget, and skillset. Regardless of your decision, both platforms can help you create a stunning online presence that showcases your brand to the world.