Chris Grant (he/him) January 25, 2025 A 5 minute read

Wix and Squarespace vs Bespoke WordPress: What Small Businesses Need to Know

When it comes to building a website, small businesses often face the choice between a platform like WordPress and website builders such as Wix or Squarespace. While all three can help you create a functional website, a bespoke WordPress website offers unmatched flexibility, scalability, and professionalism—making it the superior choice for many small businesses.

Let’s explore why a custom-built WordPress website can give your business the edge over competitors using Wix or Squarespace.

1. True Customisation for Your Business

Wix and Squarespace offer pre-made templates that are easy to use, but they come with limitations. While you can customise colours, fonts, and layouts to some extent, you’re still working within the boundaries of the template. This can make it difficult to create a website that truly reflects your brand’s unique personality.

With a bespoke WordPress website, there are no such constraints. You have the freedom to design a site that is entirely tailored to your business. Every element—from the layout to the functionality—can be customised to meet your needs. Whether you want advanced features like an online booking system or a completely unique design, WordPress allows for a level of customisation that website builders simply can’t match.

2. Scalability as Your Business Grows

Wix and Squarespace work well for very small websites with basic functionality, but what happens when your business starts to grow? These platforms have limits on what you can do as your needs become more complex. For example, you may find that adding advanced e-commerce capabilities or integrating with specific third-party tools isn’t possible.

With a WordPress website, scalability is never an issue. Whether you want to add an online store, build a membership site, or create a multilingual website, WordPress can grow alongside your business. You’re never locked into a rigid system, which means your website can evolve as your goals and requirements change.

3. Ownership and Control

When you build your website with Wix or Squarespace, you’re essentially renting space on their platform. If you ever want to move your site to another provider or platform, it can be incredibly difficult—or even impossible—to take your website with you. You’re tied to their ecosystem, which limits your flexibility in the long run.

With WordPress, you have full ownership of your website. You can choose your hosting provider, transfer your site if needed, and have complete control over your files and data. This level of independence is particularly important for small businesses that want to future-proof their online presence.

4. Superior SEO Capabilities

Search engine optimisation (SEO) is critical for small businesses trying to attract customers online. While Wix and Squarespace offer basic SEO tools, they don’t provide the same level of control and flexibility as WordPress.

With a bespoke WordPress website, you can fine-tune every aspect of your SEO strategy. From optimising meta tags and creating custom URLs to integrating advanced plugins like Yoast SEO, WordPress gives you the tools to ensure your site performs well in search engine rankings. Additionally, the clean code of a well-built WordPress website is often more search engine-friendly than what’s generated by drag-and-drop website builders.

5. Unlimited Functionality with Plugins

Wix and Squarespace offer built-in features and app marketplaces, but the range of functionality is limited compared to WordPress. If you need a feature that isn’t supported, you’re often out of luck.

WordPress, on the other hand, offers access to over 58,000 plugins that can extend your website’s capabilities. Need an advanced booking system, a complex pricing calculator, or robust analytics tools? There’s likely a plugin for it. And if an off-the-shelf plugin doesn’t meet your needs, you can have a custom one developed to ensure your website does exactly what you need it to.

6. Professional, Bespoke Design

Wix and Squarespace are designed for beginners, which means many websites built on these platforms tend to look similar. While this is fine for personal projects or hobby sites, it can be a drawback for small businesses that want to stand out from competitors.

A bespoke WordPress website is crafted with your business in mind. From the colours and typography to the structure of each page, every detail is designed to reflect your brand’s identity and deliver a professional appearance. This level of design quality can make a huge difference in how your business is perceived by potential customers.

7. Better Value for Money in the Long Term

At first glance, Wix and Squarespace may seem like the more affordable option, especially for businesses on a tight budget. However, their monthly subscription costs can add up quickly, especially if you require premium features. Over time, you may end up paying more for a site that doesn’t meet all your needs.

With a WordPress website, there’s an upfront investment for development, but you’ll save money in the long term. Hosting costs are reasonable, and you have the flexibility to choose from a range of providers and packages. Plus, because WordPress websites are so scalable and adaptable, you won’t need to start from scratch if your business grows or your requirements change.

8. Reliable Support and Expertise

When using Wix or Squarespace, support is limited to what their team can provide. While they do offer help centres and customer service, it’s not always tailored to your specific needs.

With WordPress, you have access to a vast global community of developers, designers, and users who can help with any issue. At O’Brien Media, we take it a step further by offering ongoing support for our bespoke WordPress clients. Whether you need help with updates, troubleshooting, or adding new features, we’re here to ensure your website continues to perform at its best.

Why Choose a Bespoke WordPress Website?

While Wix and Squarespace are appealing for their simplicity, they lack the flexibility, scalability, and long-term value that a bespoke WordPress website provides. For small businesses looking to establish a professional and reliable online presence, WordPress is the clear winner.

At O’Brien Media, we specialise in creating custom WordPress websites that are tailored to your business’s unique needs. From design and development to hosting and support, we’ll work with you to build a site that not only looks great but also helps your business thrive.

Ready to take your website to the next level? Get in touch with us today to find out how we can help!