Is WordPress still the best option?
With all the different tools available today for building a website, it’s a fair question.
You’ve got drag-and-drop builders, AI tools that promise to do everything for you, and sleek platforms that look modern and effortless. And then there’s WordPress — a platform that’s been around for 20+ years.
So, is WordPress still the best choice for building your website? Or has something better finally come along?
Let’s walk through it.
The rise of WordPress alternatives
These days, there’s no shortage of alternatives to WordPress.
You’ve got all-in-one platforms like Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify. Visual website tools like Webflow. And now a growing number of AI-powered builders that can spin up a site in seconds.
Each of these platforms is modern, polished, and designed to get you online fast — especially if you don’t want to mess with code or tech.
So why are people still using WordPress?
Let’s unpack the pros and cons.
Wix & Squarespace
If you need a basic brochure-style site that lists your services, shows a few photos, and has a contact form — Wix or Squarespace might work just fine. They’re simple. Hosting is included. You can be live in a few hours.
But here’s the catch: they’re proprietary platforms.
That means you’re limited to what the platform offers. If you want to connect your site to an outside system — like a CRM, lead capture tool, or patient portal — it may not be possible.
And if you ever want to migrate to WordPress later? You’ll likely have to rebuild your site from scratch.
Shopify
If you’re selling physical products online, Shopify is excellent. Inventory, payments, shipping — it handles it all.
But for service-based businesses, Shopify’s not a great fit. The platform’s e-commerce focus means other features — like customizable service pages or a robust blog — can feel like an afterthought.
Webflow
Webflow is a visual website builder for designers and developers who want more control over layout and style.
It’s powerful, but not exactly beginner-friendly.
You won’t find the same plugin ecosystem or third-party integrations that WordPress offers. If you want to add SEO tools, lead magnet popups, or connect your email platform, you might need custom code.
AI website builders
AI-powered tools like Durable, 10Web, and Hostinger’s AI site builder are making waves — and to be honest, they’re impressive.
You can type in a business description and get a functional website in under a minute.
But are they ready for a real business website?
Not quite.
You’ll often get generic design, templated layouts, and copy that feels like it was written by a robot (because, well, it was).
When your site needs to connect to real-world tools — like a CRM, lead form, or SEO plugin — these tools tend to fall short.
They’re exciting. But they’re still evolving — and not quite ready for prime time.
Why WordPress still matters
So, how do these alternatives compare to a self-hosted WordPress site?
Here’s what you get with WordPress:
You’re not locked into one company. WordPress is open-source and supported by a global community. You have flexibility and control.
You own your content. You can back it up, move it to a different host, or hand it off to someone new.
You’ve got options. Thousands of plugins and themes — both free and paid — help you customize and extend your site.
It grows with you. Lead magnets, booking systems, memberships, SEO tools — WordPress can handle it all.
And to be clear, we’re talking about self-hosted WordPress (from WordPress.org), not WordPress.com.
WordPress is everywhere
WordPress powers over 800 million websites worldwide.
Big names like The Walt Disney Company, Sony Music, and Time Magazine all use it. So do countless small businesses, nonprofits, and startups.
Why? Because the WordPress ecosystem is already developed.
It’s like moving into a city that already has roads, utilities, and public services. There’s an existing network of developers, designers, tools, themes, and hosting providers — all battle-tested and ready to go.
Want to add a feature to your site? There’s probably a plugin for that.
Need to move your hosting or hand things off to a freelancer? You’ve got options.
Most business owners aren’t looking for the latest trend. They’re looking for something that works. Something stable. Something they can count on.
Can you actually edit it yourself?
This is a big one — especially for service professionals.
Once your site is built, can you actually make changes yourself?
If your site is built using a modern page builder like Elementor or Thrive Architect, the answer is yes.
You can totally make basic edits:
Add a photo
Swap out a headline
Fix a typo
Update your hours
Drag and drop. Point and click. No coding required.
Yes, there’s a learning curve. But if you can use Microsoft Word or PowerPoint — with a little training — you can learn to update your WordPress site.
And if you don’t want to mess with it?
There are plenty of freelancers and agencies fluent in WordPress.
Costs, tradeoffs & reality checks
Let’s get real: no website platform is perfect. WordPress included.
If you use WordPress, you own your site outright — which means you’re responsible for upkeep.
You’ll need to:
Occasionally update your core software, themes, and plugins
Use reliable hosting
Avoid sketchy plugins
But most updates are one click. And problems usually happen when sites are neglected, not because WordPress is insecure.
Think of it like owning a home. You’ve got full control — but you also have to change the furnace filter now and then.
Hosted platforms like Wix and Squarespace are more like renting. You don’t worry about maintenance, but you also can’t knock down a wall or renovate the kitchen.
With WordPress, you own the house.
Cost breakdown
WordPress itself is free.
But running a real site involves some costs:
A domain name
Hosting
A premium theme or plugins (optional)
Maybe hiring a pro
The upside? You choose your level of investment.
You’re not locked into a $149/month plan indefinitely — just to access your own content — on top of a big upfront design fee.
If you want to DIY, you can. If you’d rather pay for help, you can do that too.
Either way, you’re not boxed in.
Is WordPress right for you?
Not always.
If you want a 100% hands-off website and never want to touch anything? WordPress might not be for you.
But if you want full control, room to grow, and a platform that can support your business long-term?
WordPress gives you that.
Conclusion
So, is WordPress still the best option?
If you care about credibility, ownership, and long-term flexibility — yes. It’s still the best option out there.
WordPress might not be trendy or shiny. But it’s proven, reliable, and customizable.
And in today’s world, that kind of certainty matters.
