Using a Content Management System (CMS)
As of December 2021, there are over 1.88 billion websites live on the internet. Though there are several options, many of these sites are developed using a Content Management System (CMS).
A CMS is an application that allows users to create, edit and publish online content. They help users collaboratively manage website content without the need for professional-level development expertise.
Using a Content Management System is a way to enable website modification post-development. For example, after having a website built by specialists, users can upload and edit content themselves.
When choosing a CMS, it can be challenging to select the right one for your website. To choose correctly, you should consider which development company you’re hiring, what CMS they use, and the features you require within a CMS.
This article will explore two leading web development platforms – WordPress, a Content Management System; and Wix, a Website Builder. (We also compare another website builder, Squarespace, in this article [link to other article]). If you’re looking to build a website, keep reading to see which platform is right for you.
WordPress vs. Wix
WordPress
WordPress is one of the most powerful and widely used Content Management Systems available. To date, it powers over 43% of active websites. This is no surprise given its wide range of available features and long-established use amongst developers. At Idea Maker, we specialize in WordPress and have a helpful guide to WordPress development on our blog.
Wix
Wix doesn’t power as much of the internet as WordPress, but it does have a range of impressive features. As a Website Builder, Wix’s ease of use and functionality make it worth considering as a CMS substitute. In this article, you should gain a clearer image as to whether WordPress or Wix is suitable for your website’s development.
Features of WordPress
Versatility
The main attraction of WordPress is its versatility; it’s one of many reasons web development companies, like Idea Maker, work with the platform. It has built-in tools that allow users to build websites in whichever way they see fit, making it a great driver for personal and professional website development.
Though WordPress comes with many native features, such as customizable themes and first-party plugins, its real versatility comes from being open-source. As a result, users don’t have to build websites entirely from scratch. Instead, it’s possible to build on pre-existing plugins, themes, and frameworks, adjusting them to fit the website’s requirements.
Plugins
WordPress provides its users with access to a directory of over 59,000 plugins that enable superior functionality. They work as integrated pieces of smaller software running within or alongside the WordPress platform.
Due to the open-source nature of WordPress, it’s possible to develop your own plugins to suit your website’s requirements or build upon others. It also means you can download plugins from third-party websites such as GitHub. As a result, there are infinite development possibilities with WordPress.
SEO Optimization
95% of web traffic goes to the first search engine results page, meaning only 5% of web users go beyond. As a result, if you want regular website traffic, it must appear on the first SERP. One way to do this is through SEO optimization.
When using WordPress, you get access to a set of tools and plugins that can help improve SEO. For example, you could integrate the YoastSEO plugin, which enables you to input metadata descriptions across your site within minutes. You could also take advantage of WordPress’ native functions such as customizable permalinks and automatic XML sitemap creation.
Drawbacks of WordPress
The benefits of WordPress can be a double-edged sword. With its significant versatility and range of plugins, web development is challenging for users with little technical knowledge. Untrained use of multiple plugins, for example, can lead to slow site load times.
What’s more, the WordPress platform and plugins often face security updates, meaning they will require some minor maintenance. Although this is a straightforward process, maintenance can be an unwelcome task on a busy day. As a result, at Idea Maker, many of our customers choose to sign up for our WordPress maintenance plan.
Features of Wix
Editor X
In February 2020, the Wix development team introduced Editor X. It was created with designers and development agencies in mind to provide a state-of-the-art web design platform. Editor X comes with several intelligence development features that do not require coding. This includes CSS-based grid locking, smart scaling for media and text, and automatic content reorganization.
The Editor X platform is an excellent example of how Wix enables users to easily create modern, interactive designs. The intuitive, drag-and-drop, UI of Wix’s web builder combined with Editor X’s expanding list of features, makes Wix a viable option for functional web development.
Wix App Market
Unlike WordPress, Wix is not an open-source platform, meaning access to plugin integration is limited. However, thanks to the Wix App Market, users can take advantage of over 500 curated add-ons.
The benefit of curated add-ons is guaranteed compatibility and simple installation. Though hugely limiting potential functionality, this closed nature provides an extra layer of quality control. As a result, when using a Wix add-on, you should have a trouble-free experience.
Single Website Hosting
Single-site hosting provides everything you need if you are looking to develop a simple website, such as a portfolio or blog. With Wix’s free hosting plan, you’ll have access to several essential features to run and maintain your website. However, you will not be able to use a custom domain, and Wix will advertise on your site.
By upgrading to a premium plan, you’ll gain access to even more of Wix’s features. Wix’s premium options are very affordable and offer specific packages for businesses. The only downside is that, unlike WordPress, Wix does not offer multisite hosting.
Drawbacks of Wix
Wix is a Website Builder, not a fully featured CMS, meaning it lacks many advanced features. As a result, its uses are mainly building unsophisticated websites and online portfolios. Also, despite its simple drag-and-drop UI, Wix users often face challenges that cause them to hire professional website designers, defeating the platform’s purpose.
Using Wix can incur monthly fees of up to $39 per month. Though there is a free version, it plasters Wix advertisements across websites and does not allow custom domains. Users must upgrade to unlock additional features and remove ads.
Unlike WordPress, advanced SEO is not possible with Wix because you do not have access to the underlying code. As a result, you are limited to what metadata and site information you can provide SERPs. This can affect your SEO rankings and your ability to attract new business.
Finally, the main drawback of Wix is that it cannot be used beyond its native uses. If you sign up for a premium plan and then struggle with eCommerce integration or require more advanced features, your only option is to switch to another platform while losing money. Though Wix has its strong points, it certainly has less capability than WordPress.
Which is Right for You?
After reading this article, you should have a better idea as to whether WordPress or Wix is right for your website. Wix is a powerful tool for basic web development and is easy to use. If you’ve got basic technical know-how, it’s not difficult to build a website yourself using Wix.
WordPress is the better choice if you’re developing a business website and require more complex functionality. With its large quantity of available plugins and versatility of features, WordPress is perfect for developing highly intuitive, interactive websites.
WordPress Development with Idea Maker
Developing a website through WordPress can be difficult if you have little programming knowledge. If you’re considering using WordPress as a CMS, it may be worth hiring a professional web development agency.
At Idea Maker, we believe a WordPress development company should be knowledgeable, time-effective, and able to yield high-quality results. Our team of specialist web developers are well experienced in building WordPress websites to client specifications. If you’d like a fully-functional WordPress site developed, schedule a free consultation today.
