Introduction: why WordPress?
A website is a central asset for any business, making the choice of platform for managing the site a strategic decision. WordPress, used by over 40% of websites worldwide, offers unique advantages that set it apart from competitors. In this article, we’ll examine the benefits of WordPress, review popular competitors, and analyze how switching to WordPress can upgrade your business.
Competitor Review: Who’s who?
Wix
Advantages:
Wix’s system is considered one of the easiest to use, mainly thanks to its visual editor (drag-and-drop) that allows creating a site quickly and easily, even for those without prior experience. The system offers pre-designed templates suitable for different types of businesses, and users enjoy 24/7 technical support.
Disadvantages:
Despite its convenience, Wix is very limited in terms of customization. The ability to make complex code changes or integrate external plugins is limited, which can be a barrier to growth. Additionally, the SEO promotion tools are relatively basic and don’t allow for advanced optimization, making it difficult for sites to compete in search engine rankings.
Shopify
Advantages:
Shopify is a leading e-commerce platform, providing a comprehensive solution for online stores. The system includes tools for product management, inventory tracking, and interfaces for managing orders and payments. The platform also provides built-in integration with many payment gateways, along with the ability to add dedicated applications to expand store capabilities.
Disadvantages:
Despite its advantages, Shopify can be particularly expensive for small businesses, due to monthly subscription fees and additional fees for using non-built-in payment gateways. Also, complex design customizations are limited and require technical knowledge or hiring experts.
Webflow
Advantages:
Webflow is a powerful tool for graphic designers, offering great flexibility in building custom designs. The system allows complete control over every design element, ensuring a unique and impressive result. Additionally, it includes content management tools and high-level SEO support.
Disadvantages:
Webflow is not user-friendly for the average user. The steep learning curve requires time and effort, and often there’s a need to hire professionals. Additionally, the system is relatively expensive and suitable mainly for small to medium-sized sites.
Squarespace
Advantages:
Squarespace is characterized by ready-to-use designed templates, making it easy to create professional websites quickly. The system is particularly suitable for photographers, artists, and small businesses needing a basic online presence.
Disadvantages:
Squarespace’s limitations are particularly noticeable in customization options. It’s difficult to add complex features or perform integrations with external systems. Also, the SEO promotion tools are relatively limited and don’t allow flexibility in optimization.
The Advantages of WordPress
WordPress offers a customized and advanced solution, combining flexibility, organic promotion, and innovative tools. Here are the main advantages:
Flexibility and Customization
WordPress is an open-source platform that gives users full control over their site. This means there are no limitations on design, functionality, or content – everything can be customized. With WordPress, you can start from a simple blog and expand to an advanced e-commerce store or a complex site with unique functions. Additionally, thanks to thousands of available plugins and themes, you can tailor the site to your business’s exact needs, whether it’s a unique user interface, technological integrations, or custom design. Even developers can incorporate custom code to create complex solutions without platform limitations.
Advanced SEO Promotion
One of the main reasons WordPress is so popular is its built-in capabilities for organic promotion. With tools like Yoast SEO, Rank Math and more, site owners can optimize content and site structure simply and effectively. Moreover, WordPress allows access to the site’s HTML and CSS code, so custom changes can be made to increase the chances of ranking in search engines. WordPress also supports creating clear hierarchical structures, SEO-friendly URLs, and quick adaptations to changes in Google’s algorithms – all of this makes it a leading choice for businesses looking to improve their digital visibility.
Relatively Low Costs
While platforms like Shopify and Wix charge high monthly or annual fees, WordPress itself is completely free software. The main costs are concentrated in purchasing hosting and domain, as well as investing in advanced options like premium plugins and templates. However, the total cost is significantly lower, especially for large sites or businesses looking to avoid high monthly fees or charges for using external payment gateways. An additional advantage is that there are no restrictions on choosing a hosting provider, which allows comparing prices and choosing the most cost-effective option.
Unlimited Integrations
WordPress offers unparalleled flexibility when it comes to integrations. With over 60,000 official plugins, you can connect your site to a variety of external systems – from mailing systems like Mailchimp and Sendinblue, through automation tools like Zapier and Make, to advanced analytics tools like Google Analytics and Hotjar. Beyond that, developers can create custom integrations thanks to WordPress’s open infrastructure. Thus, every business can build a technological system that fits exactly its needs, without limitations.
Extensive Community and Support
As we said at the beginning, WordPress is a platform that powers more than 40% of websites worldwide, and this popularity has created an amazing support environment. There are millions of developers, designers, and business owners using WordPress, so for any question or issue, a solution can be found quickly. Official forums, YouTube tutorials, written guides, and of course Facebook groups and other communities make WordPress the platform with the largest support. Additionally, there are thousands of independent developers and agencies offering professional support services, so even in complex cases, help can be easily obtained.
The Process of Migrating to WordPress
Migrating to WordPress is a planned and structured process. First, an assessment of the existing system is performed, during which business needs and existing content are examined. Then, a full backup of the site is made, including files and database, to ensure all information is preserved. The content is transferred to WordPress with custom design adaptation, and then comprehensive tests are performed to ensure all functions are working properly. Finally, the site is relaunched.
When should You Switch to WordPress?
There are many reasons to switch to WordPress. If your current system limits you in terms of flexibility, customization, or SEO promotion, it’s a sign that it might be time to consider the change. Additionally, if maintenance and management costs in the existing system outweigh the benefits, WordPress may offer a more cost-effective solution. Finally, businesses dealing with frequent technical issues will find WordPress to be a more stable and reliable system.
In Summary: the Right Choice for You
Switching to WordPress is not just a technical change, but a strategic move that leads to improved website management and maximizing business potential. If you’re considering an upgrade or transition, WordPress is the choice that will move you forward.
