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Read article →The platform you choose affects the price of your website, its speed, its SEO and how easily you can edit it. I compare WordPress, Shoptet and Wix from a small business perspective – with advice on when to choose which.
"What should our website be built on?" This question decides more than just technology. The platform determines how much the website will cost, how fast it loads, how well it ranks on Google and whether you can edit it yourself. I build websites for clients on WordPress, Shoptet and Wix – here is my comparison without the sales talk.
WordPress – the most freedom
WordPress powers more than 40% of all websites in the world. It is an open system that runs on your own hosting, and with the WooCommerce extension you can turn it into an online store too.
- Advantages: almost unlimited possibilities, excellent SEO, thousands of extensions, the website is entirely yours
- Disadvantages: needs regular updates and security, can be slow when poorly configured
- Best for: company websites with a blog, content websites, businesses that plan to grow and extend their website
Shoptet – an online store without the hassle
Shoptet is a Slovak-Czech platform built specifically for online stores. You pay a monthly fee and don't have to worry about hosting, security or updates.
- Advantages: a fast start, integrations with Slovak and Czech carriers, payment gateways, price comparison sites and accounting systems
- Disadvantages: less freedom in design and features, some options are paid add-ons
- Best for: online stores in the Slovak and Czech markets, from the first products up to thousands of items
Wix – simplicity first
Wix is a website builder where you assemble your site in the browser by dragging elements around. Hosting and security are included in the subscription.
- Advantages: quick launch, easy management without technical knowledge, attractive templates
- Disadvantages: less control over speed and SEO, the website is tied to the platform and harder to move elsewhere
- Best for: simple presentation websites, personal brands, smaller service businesses and portfolios
The comparison in brief
- Best SEO and freedom: WordPress
- Fastest online store launch in Slovakia and Czechia: Shoptet
- Easiest management for complete beginners: Wix
- Lowest monthly costs: WordPress on your own hosting (but budget for maintenance)
- Fewest technical worries: Shoptet and Wix
How to decide
Ask yourself three questions:
- Do you sell products online? If so, and you are in the Slovak or Czech market, Shoptet is usually the most sensible choice.
- Do you want to blog regularly and win customers from Google? Then WordPress is a strong candidate.
- Do you need a simple website quickly and will you edit it yourself? Feel free to choose Wix.
The platform matters less than you think
A website's success isn't decided by the platform's logo, but by whether it is fast, clear, well written and whether it leads the visitor to an enquiry. Even the best system won't help a website without a clear offer – and even a simple platform can sell when the website is built well. Read more about what a page that sells should have in the article A landing page that sells.
Can't decide? I'll advise you in a free consultation and suggest a solution that fits your business and budget.
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