In today’s digital world, having a website is essential for any business, large or small. Among the top website builders, WordPress stands out as the most popular and versatile platform, with good reason. As of 2024, WordPress powers 43.5% of all websites globally, with a massive 62.7% share of the CMS market, making it the leading content management system by a large margin(Kinsta®)(Hostinger).
Here’s why WordPress outshines competitors like Shopify and Wix:
1. Flexibility and Customization
WordPress allows complete freedom in customizing every aspect of your website, whether through themes, plugins, or custom code. With over 60,000 available plugins and 12,000 free themes, you can create a website that is entirely unique to your brand and business needs(Hostinger). While Shopify and Wix also offer customization, they are often limited in scope, especially as your business scales(Kinsta®)(MobiLoud).
2. Cost-Effective and Open Source
WordPress is free and open-source, giving you full ownership and control over your website. Other platforms like Shopify come with monthly fees starting at $29, which can quickly add up as you require more features(MobiLoud). This makes WordPress a more economical choice in the long run, especially for businesses looking to grow without being locked into expensive plans.
3. SEO Capabilities
With plugins like Yoast SEO and Rank Math, WordPress is one of the most SEO-friendly platforms available(Hostinger). It allows full control over URL structures, metadata, and more. While Wix and Shopify offer basic SEO features, WordPress provides much more extensive options for optimizing your site’s performance in search engines.
4. Scalability and Growth
Whether you’re running a personal blog or an enterprise-level eCommerce store, WordPress scales effortlessly. You can integrate WooCommerce, the most popular eCommerce plugin for WordPress, which powers 21.1% of all WordPress sites(W3Techs). For growing businesses, WordPress offers the best scalability without compromising functionality.
5. Trusted by Big Brands
Companies like NASA, TechCrunch, and The New York Times all use WordPress to power their high-traffic websites. The platform’s reliability and ability to handle large volumes of traffic make it a trusted choice among global brands(Kinsta®).
6. WordPress vs. Shopify and Wix: The Numbers
In terms of market share, WordPress leads with 43.5% of all websites, while Shopify and Wix trail behind at 4.5% and 2.8%, respectively(Kinsta®)(MobiLoud). Shopify, while popular for eCommerce, lacks the flexibility WordPress offers for content-driven sites. Wix, meanwhile, is more beginner-friendly but limits growth and custom functionality(MobiLoud).
Why Your Business Needs a Website in 2024
A website is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity. Studies show that 71% of small businesses have a website, and 175 new websites are created every minute(W3Techs). Businesses without a website miss out on credibility, customer trust, and valuable leads. A well-built website can help you:
- Establish authority and build trust.
- Showcase your products and services.
- Drive more traffic through SEO optimization.
- Convert visitors into paying customers.
WordPress is the clear choice for businesses that want a flexible, powerful, and scalable website that can grow with them. Ready to build your website? Explore our WordPress website building services to get started today!