One of the questions I get asked most often is: why should I use WordPress?
I've been building websites for 28 years, back in 1998, I was writing them line by line in Notepad, and in all that time, WordPress has consistently been my platform of choice. But I want to be honest with you: it's not the right solution for everyone. So let me give you the facts, and you can decide for yourself.
The big platforms at a glance
The most common platforms I see small businesses using are:
- WordPress (self-hosted)
- Squarespace
- Wix
- Shopify (if you're selling products)
They all let you build a decent-looking website. But there's one crucial difference that most people don't realise until it's too late.
Your website is basically a set of files
Here's something worth understanding. Your website, whether it's built on WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace — is essentially a collection of files (including a database, though let's not get too technical). Those files have to live somewhere. That somewhere is called hosting.
With Wix and Squarespace, your website files are locked to their platforms. You can't pick them up and move them. If you want cheaper hosting, or eco-friendly hosting, or better customer support, tough. You're stuck.
Your website is stranded.
WordPress is different, it's like a caravan
With self-hosted WordPress (important distinction: I mean WordPress.org, not WordPress.com, that's a whole other conversation), you own your website files. If you want to move to better hosting, say, something more eco-friendly, or with proper one-to-one human support rather than a faceless chatbot, you can.
Your website is like a caravan. It's a free spirit. It can go where you need it to go.
That flexibility means you can always find hosting that suits your budget, your values, and your support needs as your business grows.
So what's the downside of WordPress?
I'd rather be straight with you than just sell you something.
WordPress websites do need a bit of looking after. Plugins and core software need to be kept up to date, and security needs to be monitored. That ongoing maintenance can cost a little more than a Wix subscription.
But in my experience, it's usually worth it, especially because:
- It's generally better for SEO
- It's more flexible, you can do far more with it
- You can actually talk to a human when something goes wrong
That last point matters more than people realise. When you host a WordPress website with a decent developer or company, you get real support from a real person. Not a chatbot you have to wrestle with for 45 minutes before giving up.
Who is WordPress best for?
I work primarily with small businesses, sole traders, and charities, and honestly, they're my favourite people to work with. For that kind of business, a well-built WordPress website hosted with the right support is usually the best long-term investment.
It's not the right solution for huge enterprises with complex technical requirements. But for the businesses I work with? It ticks every box.
The short version
If you're building on Wix or Squarespace, your website is locked in place. You can't move it to better or cheaper hosting. You're at their mercy.
WordPress gives you freedom. Freedom to move, freedom to choose, freedom to grow.
Whatever platform you go with, just make sure you understand that trade-off before you commit.
I'm Abbie from Polyspiral Website Design and Hosting, and if you've got any website questions, I'm always happy to help. You can grab a free website health check at polyspiral.com/help.