After so many frequently asked questions and enquiries surrounding the difference between platforms like Wix, Shopify and WordPress, we decided to dedicate a blog to clear this doubt once for everyone. So here’s a brief with the specialization segments for each website building system.
WordPress is basically an open-source content management system launched in 2003. Originally established as a platform used for publishing blogs, later incorporated mailing lists, media storage, forums, membership pages, learning management systems (LMS) and digital stores. Founded by Matt Mullenweg and Mike Little it is currently the most popular and widely used CMS platform.
Shopify is essentially an e-commerce platform with its own independent payment processor built in launched in 2006. It was founded by Tobias Lütke, Daniel Weinand, and Scott Lake while initially trying to open an online store for snowboard equipment. It’s incredibly easy to set up and get your business started. If you’re setting up an e-commerce website, there is no better platform than Shopify.
Established in 2006, Wix provides cloud-based web development services. It allows its users to create HTML as well as mobile sites with tools that you can drag and drop. Many of its versions are free and allow you to build absolutely without any payments. It is not an open source platform and hence you cannot add plugins of your own choice on it.
Since you have a basic, fair idea about what the three are essentially about and for, let’s move on to a comparison. This kind of analysis is extremely necessary because when you use the platform most utilized by your industry, firstly it helps you find relevant tools faster and secondly people looking for stuff you sell will come at the right place. They would come prepared on what to expect!
WORDPRESS
Free Usage
Unlike most hosting platforms offers various features free of cost. All you pay for is the hosting fee which is also usually nominal under good packages. Many tools and functions that are chargeable under other platforms are free at WordPress.
Versatile Functionality
WordPress has lots and lots of functions as well as plugins that you can add to your website. In fact you can completely edit the code to build an exclusive website. You can add landing pages, forums, bookings, chat bots, sell stuff, pop-ups and so many more things. Incase you’re looking at a standard website right now, you still have a lot of opportunities that you can explore later on whilst upgrading.
Search Engine Optimization
WordPress is undoubtedly the best for SEO. Firstly, in terms of microdata which, apart from other things, lets you tag your business to a given location to assist you in appearing in local searches. Secondly, you can vastly customize your page and URL so your content is easily grasped by the search AIs and bots. WordPress is way better than any platform for SEO purposes.
However, you would need experts to assist you in making the most out of wordpress as some aspects of it are technical but once you find the right professional it is simple and feasible. Having a reliable and highly professional partner like MMW, will not only assist in actualizing the potential of the platform but also help you resolve all issues as they come up. The place can be susceptible to various security issues but if you get a SSL certificate for yourself, its safe-guarded to a lot of extend. Try to use plugins provided on WordPress.org, or choose plugins and themes that are regularly updated by developers with strong and secure data.
Even though the internet is flooded with thousands of tutorial videos and posts, there isn’t an official page for customer support. However various web developers who are proficient and credible in their work like MMW can help you in hosting as well as wrapping your head around the technicalities.
SHOPIFY
Always Available Support
Their customer support team is available is 24*7 and is very prompt. You can always call or write to them anytime.
There is no denying the fact that amazing e-commerce websites are Shopify’s forte but you cannot expect great regular websites there because it is essentially a platform for building E-Commerce websites. If you’re not looking to sell anything through your website, you would want to explore WordPress. Since your website is not owned by you, it can be taken down so pay attention to the updation of policies and your practises. Further, as compared to WordPress and Wix, Shopify is expensive as well as uses a unique language called Liquid that only a few developers are proficient in. (Mind you, we can build one for you!)
WIX
Drag, Drop and Delegate
Even though many platforms have drag and drop builders, Wix was specifically created with the drag and drop in the centre of design priority which makes it very easy to use as well as fun.
Free for Everyone
You can have a free site with Wix. They’d even designate a domain name for your website. However if you want to choose it for yourself, you’ll have to subscribe to one of their paid plans.
In addition to this, Wix has limited tools as compared to the other two platforms and is not an open source at all. Further you cannot do any special coding as such as digital ads and microdata. With limited integration with other plugins, themes and services, functionality is a little restricted which can be worked out if you’re working with a developer like Make My Website who understands and translates your vision. Further, the platform has limited SEO proficiency with only basic features. If that is one of your key areas of priority, you might want to consider other options.
CONCLUSION: Overall, every platform has its own utility and a function of one cannot be expected from another. However, if you really want to build a website is custom made to your standards and exclusively represents you, it’s best to have it developed from scratch. This way you can always get it updated easily as times change and incorporate various functions at one place without any extra costs.
