If you are considering building a website, like many good humans you probably have already started looking for a platform to build and to run it on. It’s common to have the ability to edit your website yourself, and there are many systems to choose from for the do-it-yourself-er. You may discover that the majority of these “Content Management Systems” or CMS’s for short — actually offer the same set of core features, with some key differences. Responsiveness, pre-set “starter” themes, blogging and e-commerce options… How to choose from all the options?
In this review we will take you on a deeper dive to reveal the pros and cons of three popular CMS options available. We hope this helps you to see the difference, and to understand which one is for you.
Among platforms mentioned here, WIX is arguably the most-promoted one and the most user-friendly. WIX’s Drag and Drop editor allows you to create your own website in a couple of hours, even if you are not tech-savvy and have no idea about coding.
Advantages
WIX is famous for its simple interface and intuitive page builder. This makes it appealing especially for beginners. But we like it for its all-inclusiveness. WIX accounts come with a domain, website hosting, drag and drop page builder, free access to stock photos you can use on your website, and its own visitor analytics app. Moreover there are over 200 different apps available for you to add to your website, including those for marketing.
Disadvantages
Unfortunately ease of use comes together with limitations. Despite the fact that it looks like WIX has templates for each and every type of business and apps for all occasions, its customization options are very limited. As a result, the majority of WIX websites have approximately the same look and feel.
Moreover, if one day you decide to change theme and appearance of your WIX website, you will have to recreate content on your pages. Yes, that’s right. One by one.
Our Verdict
Without any doubts WIX is a good thing to start with if you are planning to do it yourself and keep it simple. However limited customization of WIX may become a serious challenge if one day you need to expand or add options, such as event registration or ecommerce.
Also consider the size of the site you are looking to create. Wix is suitable for single page websites. If you are looking for something with more pages or sections, this option is not for you.
Squarespace is another drag-and-drop website builder, that is known for its beautiful website templates and reliable customer support.
Advantages
The main advantage of Squarespace that sets it apart from other drag-and-drop website builders is its minimalistic templates that many humans seem to love. Despite the fact that there are only 40 of them (vs. 500+ on WIX) each one will give your website modern and sophisticated look.
Just like WIX, Squarespace offers user-friendly page builder you don’t have to know the code to use, web hosting and domain. And there is more freedom to customization: you can change preset templates to make it unique, but coding is required.
Lastly if you decide to change the theme of your site you will not need to re-input the content as you would in WIX.
Disadvantages
Out of the three CMS’s being reviewed here, Squarespace offers the least number of apps or add-ons, and its marketing features are very limited. Moreover, its eCommerce offerings are basic, so if the main purpose of your website is selling things online Squarespace may not be what you are looking for.
Our Verdict
All in all it seems that Squarespace was build for visual humans, with design valued higher than functionality. However if you are feeling like you have already fallen in love with the quality of their templates, keep in mind that these minimalistic design may work against you. You will need access to high-quality images to maintain the look. Squarespace is a good fit for eCommerce, designers, and artists. However for most businesses that have more to say than to show, this option may not be the best for you.
WordPress is the most popular content management system, and this fact speaks for itself. As of January 2017, more than one-quarter of the websites on the web were built using it.
Advantages
WordPress is the most flexible website builder among all listed. Unlike WIX and Squarespace, WordPress gives you full access to your code and to your content, so you can customize every single detail to make sure that your website is one of the kind. There are thousands of apps and plugins for every need and taste. Would like to have complex booking system on your website? Looking for ways to turn your website into a marketing tool? No problem!
Disadvantages
Flexibility has its price. The first thing you need to know about WordPress is the fact that it is not all-inclusive as WIX and Squarespace are. It doesn’t come with hosting or a domain name, there is no customer support, and it’s your responsibility to do necessary updates to make sure your website is working properly. Thus keeping your website up and running may turn into a real challenge if you’re a human that finds technology too challenging or difficult. Despite the fact that WordPress has a modern user-friendly interface, it is not as intuitive as the other two options. So be prepared for some learning.
Our Verdict
For the typical 5-10 page website we recommend WordPress. In 10 years, we have never come across a more versatile and reliable website builder.
Being extremely customizable, WordPress fits all sizes. If you are serious about building a website that can evolve along with your company and adapt to your changing business needs, WordPress is the best option to go for.
Generally speaking if something is technologically possible, chances are WordPress has a plug-in for it. If you are looking for some advanced functionality (say for example selling tickets for workshops or events) WordPress is the best way to do it without building everything from scratch.
However we believe that the best thing about WordPress is the fact that it makes your website useful. With WordPress you can go beyond to turn your website into a tool both you and your site visitors can get the most of
No matter which platform you choose for your website, you can get a professional logo online on sites like Logojoy.com. If you need help with building out your site and more importantly, to promote your business, just reach out to us.
