Wix or WordPress: Which is Better for a Development Agency?

As a development agency, one of the key decisions you’ll face is selecting the right platform to build websites for your clients. Two major contenders, Wix and WordPress, dominate this space. While both have their pros and cons, the right choice depends on the nature of your agency and the needs of your clients. 

In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between Wix and WordPress, focusing on what makes each platform better suited for different types of projects. 

What is Wix?

Wix is a website builder known for its ease of use. It offers a drag-and-drop interface that allows users to create websites without writing any code. With Wix, users can choose from hundreds of templates to customize their site design, making it a popular choice for beginners or small businesses looking for a quick, no-fuss website solution.

Wix provides a range of features, including basic eCommerce functionality, blogs, and contact forms. Once you’ve designed the website, publishing it on Wix is simple, as everything is hosted and managed within their ecosystem. For an agency handling clients that need simple, visually appealing websites in a short time frame, Wix can be an attractive option.

What is WordPress?

WordPress is a versatile content management system (CMS) that powers over 40% of all websites on the internet. Unlike Wix, WordPress offers immense flexibility due to its open-source nature. You can customize virtually every aspect of a website, and with thousands of themes and plugins available, the sky’s the limit when it comes to functionality. Whether you’re building an online store, blog, or custom client portal, WordPress has a solution for you.

For development agencies, WordPress’s flexibility makes it an excellent platform for both simple and complex projects. You can use a WordPress migration plugin to quickly move sites between development, staging, and production environments—saving valuable time in your workflow.

Wix vs. WordPress: Key Comparisons for Development Agencies

1. Ease of Use

• Wix: Its drag-and-drop editor is designed for non-technical users. This makes it easy for anyone to get started quickly, but the downside is limited flexibility when it comes to more advanced customizations.
• WordPress: While there is a steeper learning curve with WordPress, especially for users unfamiliar with coding or site management, it offers much more in terms of customization. For agencies that need control over design and functionality, WordPress is the better choice. Moreover, with the right tools, such as a WordPress migration plugin, even complex sites can be managed and migrated efficiently.

2. Pricing

• Wix: Wix offers tiered pricing plans, ranging from basic personal sites to full-fledged eCommerce stores. It also has a free plan with limitations, such as displaying Wix ads and restricted features. As you scale, more features are unlocked at higher price points.
• WordPress: WordPress itself is free, but you’ll need to invest in hosting and a domain. Hosting can range from a few dollars a month to more advanced options like managed WordPress hosting, which ensures better performance and security. For agencies, WordPress can be a cost-effective solution, especially if you’re managing multiple sites and can negotiate bulk hosting packages.

3. Data Control

• Wix: Wix handles everything from hosting to security, which can be convenient, but it also limits control over your site’s data. Should you wish to move your site off Wix, the process is difficult and doesn’t allow for a seamless migration.
• WordPress: On the other hand, WordPress gives you full control over your site’s data. You can move your site between hosts, change domains, or create backups with ease. Using a WordPress migration plugin, migrating your site to a new server or hosting platform is a straightforward process, making it ideal for development agencies that frequently work on multiple environments.

4. Third-Party Integration

• Wix: While Wix offers various integrations with third-party apps, the options are limited compared to WordPress. Wix’s closed system means you’re dependent on the apps available within its marketplace, which might not always fit your clients’ specific needs.
• WordPress: WordPress shines when it comes to third-party integrations. The vast library of plugins allows you to integrate almost any service, from advanced eCommerce tools to membership systems. This gives agencies more freedom to customize client websites according to their unique requirements. Additionally, migrating these functionalities to new environments using a WordPress migration plugin is quick and easy.

5. eCommerce Functionality

• Wix: Wix’s eCommerce options are relatively basic. While it allows you to set up an online store, it’s not as scalable or customizable as WordPress. For small businesses, it’s a simple, out-of-the-box solution.
• WordPress: WordPress, combined with plugins like WooCommerce, offers powerful eCommerce capabilities. You can customize everything from product pages to payment gateways. For agencies working with clients looking to scale their online stores, WordPress provides a more robust and flexible solution. Plus, with a WordPress migration plugin, transferring eCommerce data between environments is hassle-free.

How to Build a Site and Go Live: Wix vs. WordPress

Wix:

Building a website with Wix is straightforward. You sign up, pick a template, and start customizing with the drag-and-drop builder. Once satisfied, you hit publish, and the site is live on Wix’s servers. There’s no need for manual updates, backups, or external hosting.

WordPress:

To build a site with WordPress, you need to install WordPress on a host, which may seem more complex at first. However, many managed WordPress hosts provide one-click installs, making the process easier. Once set up, you can use themes and plugins to create the desired functionality.

When it comes to going live, using a WordPress migration plugin streamlines the process. You can build your site in a staging environment, test everything, and then move it to production in just a few clicks.

Final Thoughts: Which is Better for a Development Agency?

For development agencies, the choice between Wix and WordPress ultimately comes down to flexibility, control, and scalability. Wix may be a great option for quick, simple websites that don’t require extensive customization. However, WordPress provides far more power and flexibility, making it a superior choice for agencies handling complex projects or multiple clients.

With tools like a WordPress migration plugin, managing, migrating, and scaling client websites becomes far more efficient. So, if your agency is looking for a platform that can grow with your needs, WordPress is the clear winner.