WordPress vs Wix vs Shopify – Which Is Best for Your UK Business?
When it comes to building a website for your UK small business, the platform you choose can either set you up for growth—or hold you back. Among the most popular choices today are WordPress, Wix, and Shopify. Each has its own advantages and limitations, and the “best” one depends entirely on your business needs.
Let’s break them down.
WordPress: The Powerhouse of Flexibility
WordPress is an open-source content management system (CMS) that powers over 40% of all websites on the internet—and for good reason.
If you’re looking for maximum control, customisation, and scalability, WordPress is hard to beat. It’s ideal for businesses that want:
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Custom functionality (e.g., booking systems, membership areas)
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Full design freedom
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A site that grows with their business
You can start simple and scale up massively. But it comes with a learning curve. You’ll need hosting, and potentially a developer or web agency, especially if you want something bespoke.
Best for: Businesses wanting long-term scalability and total control.
Wix: The Easy Starter
Wix is a drag-and-drop website builder that appeals to beginners. It’s quick to set up, visually intuitive, and comes with built-in hosting and templates.
For UK business owners who just want to “get online” with minimal fuss, Wix seems like a good starting point. However, its simplicity comes at the cost of flexibility. As your business grows, you may find Wix’s limitations frustrating—particularly around SEO, integrations, and design restrictions.
Best for: Sole traders, freelancers, or businesses with very simple needs.
Shopify: Built for Ecommerce
If your business is product-based and sells online, Shopify is a natural contender. It’s an all-in-one ecommerce platform with hosting, payment integrations, and great customer support.
Shopify is designed to make ecommerce easy—whether you sell 10 products or 10,000. But it’s less suited for content-heavy or service-based websites. Also, ongoing costs can be higher due to transaction fees and monthly app subscriptions.
Best for: Online stores and retail-focused businesses.
Key Considerations: Cost, Control, and Growth
When choosing your platform, think beyond the first few months:
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Cost: Wix and Shopify include hosting and security but come with ongoing fees. WordPress can be cheaper or more expensive, depending on how you use it.
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Control: WordPress gives full control. Wix and Shopify are more limited.
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Scalability: Shopify and WordPress scale well. Wix—not so much.
One Size Doesn’t Fit All
There’s no universal “best” platform. It all comes down to your business model, technical skills, budget, and growth goals. Choosing a platform without a long-term view can mean starting over when you hit its limitations.
The Verdict
If you’re a UK business looking to grow, think carefully:
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Want control, SEO power, and scalability? → Go WordPress.
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Need a simple website fast, with no fuss? → Try Wix.
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Selling products online as your main focus? → Shopify’s your best friend.
At the end of the day, the right platform is the one that helps you meet your goals without holding you back.
Need help deciding or migrating? Silk Media can help you pick the best fit and get it launched right.
