If you’re planning to build a website, you might wonder whether you should use WordPress or Wix. Both platforms are designed to simplify and streamline the otherwise complicated website construction process. Using either WordPress or Wix, you can easily build a custom website from the ground up without even seeing the HTML code. With that said, WordPress and Wix aren’t the same. There are several major differences between the two platforms that you need to know.
What Is WordPress?
Originally released in May 2006, WordPress is an open-source, free-to-download content management system (CMS) used to build dynamic websites. It relies on PHP and MySQL code to create and retrieve content.
When a visitor tries to access a post or page on a WordPress website, his or her web browser will send a request to the site’s server. The PHP code included in WordPress’s core files will then process the visitor’s request by retrieving the page’s content from a MySQL database.
To build a website with WordPress, you’ll need to download the CMS’s core files from wordpress.org and then upload them to your website’s root directory. After configuring the config.php file, which is included in WordPress’s core files, you can visit your website’s domain in your web browser to run the auto-installer script.
The easiest way to get WordPress is with a managed WordPress host like WP Engine. Or, you can have a WordPress designer like Ballen Brands customize a WordPress website. Â
What Is Wix?
On the other hand, Wix is a commercial cloud-based platform used to build static websites. The company offers several plans with different pricing and features. You can build a Wix website under the company’s free plan. Alternatively, you can expect to pay about $13 to $24 per month for a more inclusive premium plan.
To build a website with Wix, you’ll need to sign up for an account or log in using your Facebook or Google account at wix.com. After creating your Wix account and upgrading to a premium plan if desired, you can access the Wix Editor to begin building.
Similarities Between WordPress and Wix
Whether you use WordPress or Wix, you’ll be free to build your website from any computer or device connected to the internet. Both platforms provide admin access through an online dashboard.
For WordPress, you can create or edit content by logging in to your website’s admin page, which is typically located at example.com/admin.php. For Wix, you can create or edit content by logging in to your Wix account at wix.com.
You can change the appearance and layout of your website’s design using WordPress or Wix. WordPress offers themes, whereas Wix offers templates. You can install the desired theme or template for a different website design. Changing the theme or template will instantly change your website’s design.
Benefits of Building Your Website With WordPress
WordPress offers a higher level of customization than Wix. Using WordPress, you can customize practically every element of your website’s design and functionality. Wix is more restrictive regarding customization.
You can customize some elements of your website by modifying the template, but you won’t be able to customize them all. Only WordPress allows you to see and edit all of your website’s source code.
Your website may attract more organic search traffic if you build it with WordPress rather than a different platform like Wix. Many digital marketers build their websites with WordPress because of its features in search engine optimization (SEO).
WordPress is written in clean code that’s easy for search engines to read. More importantly, it supports plugins like the All-in-One SEO plugin that introduce additional SEO features.
If you’re planning to build a blog, you should probably use WordPress. WordPress was originally developed for blogging, so you can rest assured knowing it works. Some of its blog-friendly features include support for multiple authors, visitor comments, the ability to assign categories or tags to posts, and an easy-to-use text editor.
Benefits of Building Your Website With Wix
There are still reasons to consider building your website with Wix. For starters, Wix is incredibly easy to use, even more so than WordPress. You don’t need to download or upload any files. Rather, Wix offers everything you need to build a website in its drag-and-drop editor, which can be accessed by logging in to your Wix account online.Â
WordPress doesn’t have a drag-and-drop editor. Instead, it offers a traditional text editor known as Gutenberg. If you prefer a drag-and-drop editor, you’ll feel at home with Wix. The platform allows you to move images or other elements around by dragging them with your cursor.
Along with the drag-and-drop editor, Wix offers an AI-powered editor known as Artificial Design Intelligence (ADI). With the ADI editor, you enter some basic information about your website. The ADI editor will collect and use your information to build your website on the fly. If you aren’t happy with the results, you can touch up your website using Wix’s standard drag-and-drop editor.
If you encounter a problem or need help building your website, you can contact Wix’s customer support department. WordPress, unfortunately, doesn’t offer any official customer support. You can ask questions on forums or pay a professional web development company to troubleshoot your problem, but there’s no official customer service department at WordPress.
Wix, however, is recognized for its world-class customer service. You can contact the company by phone, email, or live chat for help building your website.
Wix also offers web hosting at no additional charge. You’ll still need to purchase a domain, assuming you want to use a custom domain rather than a subdomain, but you won’t have to worry about purchasing a web hosting service through a third party.
WordPress and Wix aren’t the only platforms on which you can build your website. Others include Drupal, Joomla, Magento, and OpenCms. Nonetheless, WordPress and Wix continue to lead the pack. Remember to weigh each platform’s pros and cons to ensure you make the right choice for your website’s future.
FAQ
Wix is a website builder; allows you to make a website without having to code yourself.
WordPress is an open-source CMS (content management system) that needs to be downloaded and installed on your own server. You can get your WordPress platform set up with the basic installation with most WordPress hosting companies. Originally released in May 2006, WordPress is an open-source, free-to-download content management system (CMS) that’s used to build dynamic websites. It relies on PHP and MySQL code to create and retrieve content.
Wix is a website builder that doesn’t require you to know how to code. If you’re looking for a drag-and-drop editor, then Wix is the better choice. If you are willing to learn, WordPress is an amazing platform for growing a website.
There are several pricing options available when it comes to building a website. It’s also possible to start a free trial with Wix in order to get a feel for how the platform functions before deciding whether or not your want to pay for it.
It costs nothing to download and install WordPress, but you will need to purchase your own domain and your hosting service.
Wix ADI (Artificial Design Intelligence) editor is an online tool built into Wix that allows you to build a website simply by answering a few questions.
WordPress Gutenberg is an editor. It uses blocks as a page builder. It’s a text-based tool to build your WordPress website.
Wix ADI Standalone allows you to use the Artificial Design Intelligence (ADI) editor as a desktop application, meaning that you can create websites without using the Wix website builder platform.
You can contact Wix by email, phone, or live chat. There’s also an online form you can fill out to send the company an email.
WordPress doesn’t have a formal customer service department, but there are several ways to find help with your problems. The WordPress forum for help is one of the best places to go if you’re experiencing WordPress problems.
Wix and WordPress can both be used to build an eCommerce website. The better option will depend on the specific nature of your business, as well as a number of other factors.
Is Wix or WordPress easier to use? Wix is more user-friendly than WordPress. The latter requires the user to download and install it before they can start building their website. Therefore, Wix places all of its emphasis on ease-of-use in order to attract new customers.
You can purchase a WordPress website from several different companies that offer website design services. Call Jeff and Paul Helvin at Ballen Brands. 702-917-0755.