Choosing the right website platform for your business can be confusing. With so many different options available, it can be hard to know the right one to choose for your business.
We decided to share one big blog post comparing the most popular website platforms out there, so you can compare them all at once and know once and for all which platform you should choose for your business.
This post is a detailed comparison of WordPress, Squarespace, Weebly, and Wix. We highlight the pros, cons, cost, how to get started on each platform, and much more.
We hope this helps when you’re figuring out what website platform to use next!
The Ultimate Guide To Choosing The Right Website Platform for Your Business
1 | WordPress
Description
WordPress is an open-source software and content management system that you can use to create a website or blog.
The term “open source software” means that the original source code for a software is freely open to the world and can be redistributed and modified.
WordPress is used by almost 30% of the top 10 million websites as of January 2018 and supports over 60 million websites worldwide. That’s a lot of websites!
Pros
- Freedom of design and flexibility
- Limitless functionality and extensibility options
- Extremely e-commerce compatible
- Great for SEO
Cons
- You need to purchase hosting separately. While using the WordPress platform is free, you cannot purchase a domain or hosting through WordPress itself.
- Slight learning curve of language and use for beginners.
Who should use it
Anyone that is looking to start a website (blog, online shop, membership site, etc)!
Cost
The cost of WordPress itself is free but you will need to purchase a domain and host for your website. See the “how to get started” section to learn more.
Ease of use factor
Intermediate: If you’re new to using WordPress, check out our WordPress dashboard guide.
How to get started
Purchase a domain and select a host. We recommend A2 Hosting or Flywheel if you’re looking for fast and reliable hosting. We have a step-by-step guide on how to create a WordPress site here.
Why we recommend
We may seem biased, but when you’re choosing the right website platform, we truly believe WordPress is perfect for any business owner, no matter how novice or advanced you are.
If you’re looking for the perfect WordPress theme for your business, check out a few of our favorites:
ChicServe: Perfect for service-based business owners.
ChicSavvy: Designed for coaching and consulting business owners.
ChicBoss: For service-based business owners who also sell digital products.
Related post: 6 Things You Need To Know Before Launching Your Website
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2 | Squarespace
Description
Squarespace is an all-in-one content management system solution. Unlike WordPress you’re able to do your hosting and domain purchasing through Squarespace.
Pros
- All-in-one solution, which includes hosting
- Support is included in the price
- Great for SEO
Cons
- Not as robust and flexible as WordPress
- Limited options to customize the design
- E-commerce is limited
Who should use it
Solopreneurs or small business owners. While many well-known brands and businesses use Squarespace successfully, you don’t have as much freedom in customizing your site as you do with WordPress.
Cost
$12-$46/month – depending on how much traffic, support, specializations you need.
Ease of use factor
Beginner: Squarespace is fairly easy to set up if you have limited website experience.
How to get started
You can start a free trial by going here.
3 | Weebly
Description
Weebly is a drag and drop website builder built for beginners.
Pros
- Very easy and intuitive to use
- No coding knowledge needed
- Support via email and live chat
Cons
- Limited designs and functionality
- Not as robust for SEO
- No control of your hosting
Who should use it
Hobby bloggers, local businesses who primarily get their business from foot traffic (e.g. veterinarian, local restaurant, hairdresser, etc), and people who aren’t selling a product online and aren’t as reliant on SEO.
Cost
$0-$38/month
Ease of use factor
Beginner: Weebly is very easy to understand if you have limited website experience.
How to get started
You can start a free basic use website here.
Why we don’t recommend Weebly
Using a free source like Weebly limits you severely as a website owner. While it may be easier to set up at first, for the long run it is not the best option for running a business because of its limitations.
Don’t know what website platform is best for your business? Check out this ultimate guide to choosing the right website platform from @bluchic!Click To Tweet4 | Wix
Description
Wix is another drag and drop website builder platform that is geared toward beginners.
Pros
- Very easy and intuitive to use
- No coding knowledge needed
Cons
- Limited designs and functionality
- Not as robust for SEO
- No control of your hosting
Who should use it
Similar to Weebly, Wix is best for hobbyists and local businesses who primarily get their business from foot traffic don’t heavily rely on SEO to get more website traffic.
Cost
$5-$25/month.
Ease of use factor
Beginner: Wix is very easy to understand if you have limited website experience.
How to get started
Explore Wix’s monthly plans here.
Why we don’t recommend Wix
Similar to the reasons why we don’t recommend Weebly, Wix is not the best platform to choose if you are a serious business owner. Wix has limited growth capabilities and if you’re building a long term business we would not recommend Wix.
Related post: The Complete Guide To Starting Your First WordPress Website
| WordPress | Squarespace | Weebly | Wix | |
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| Cost | Free! Hosting from $2.99 /month | $12 – $16 /month | $0 – $38 /month | $5 – $25 /month |
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| Who should use it | Anyone that is looking to start a website! | Solopreneurs or small business owners. While many well-known brands and businesses use Squarespace successfully, you don’t have as much freedom in customizing your site as you do with WordPress. | Hobby bloggers, local businesses who primarily get their business from foot traffic (e.g. veterinarian, local restaurant, hairdresser, etc), and people who aren’t selling a product online and aren’t as reliant on SEO. | Similar to Weebly, Wix is best for hobbyists and local businesses who primarily get their business from foot traffic don’t heavily rely on SEO to get more website traffic. |
| Ease of use | Intermediate | Beginner | Beginner | Beginner |
| How to get started | Purchase a domain and select a host. We recommend A2 Hosting which gives you speed and performance. Here’s the step-by-step guide. | You can start a free trial by going here. | You can start a free basic use website here. | Explore Wix’s monthly plans here. |
Final Thoughts
When choosing the right website platform, there are a lot of options to consider. Ultimately, we favor WordPress compared to all other website management platforms.
While WordPress does have a learning curve (as with anything new you try!), it’s very versatile and is able to flexibly grow with you as your business grows.
Back when we began using WordPress in 2004, we too were beginners and had to learn along the way. We’ve used WordPress in practically every way imaginable: selling custom WordPress websites, running a vintage rental site, running a membership site, and finally selling digital products (aka our WordPress themes!)
The possibilities are endless when you use WordPress. Whether you’re running a blog, online shop, or sell services, WordPress is able to grow along with you.
If you’re ready to get started, shop our WordPress themes and find your perfect match!
