I still remember the first time I decided to build my own website. I had just started freelancing full-time, and like many small business owners, I wanted a professional online presence, something simple, fast, and affordable. But I had no clue where to start. I googled “best website builders for beginners” and suddenly found myself lost in a sea of names like WordPress, Wix, Shopify, Squarespace, and even AI website builders promising to do everything for me.
It was overwhelming.
At that point, all I wanted was a drag-and-drop editor, beautiful templates, and enough customization to make my website mine. But I soon realized that not all website builders are created equal.
The First Mistake: Choosing the Easiest Option
Like most beginners, I started with Wix. It was beginner-friendly, and I could set up a website in a few hours using its drag-and-drop editor. The templates looked great at first glance, and I didn’t have to worry about hosting or domains since it was a fully hosted platform.
But after a few months, cracks began to show. My site looked beautiful, sure, but it wasn’t performing. Traffic was stagnant, SEO tools were limited, and I felt locked inside a system where every upgrade or feature came with a hidden cost.
The more I learned about SEO, things like schema markup, redirects, meta descriptions, and alt text optimization, the more I realized Wix wasn’t flexible enough for serious growth. I couldn’t install plugins like All in One SEO, MonsterInsights, or WPForms, and customizing even basic things felt restricted.
That’s when I decided to switch.
Discovering WordPress: The Turning Point
When I moved to WordPress.org, it felt like stepping into a different world, one that was open, scalable, and truly mine.
Unlike hosted builders like Shopify or Squarespace, WordPress gave me complete data ownership. I could choose my own hosting provider (I went with SiteGround initially, then moved to Bluehost for better pricing), connect a free domain, install SSL certificates, and set up malware protection and firewall security plugins like Wordfence.
What I loved most was how customizable everything was. The plugin ecosystem was massive, from OptinMonster for lead generation and FunnelKit for checkout optimization to SeedProd for landing page design.
And yes, the SEO control was next level.
I could manage title tags, meta descriptions, rich snippets, and even set up automatic 301 redirects, something I never had with Wix. Using tools like MonsterInsights, I could finally track site performance, user behavior, and conversion analytics with Google Analytics.
Why WordPress Won Me Over
Over time, I started understanding what made WordPress the most powerful website builder for freelancers, small businesses, and even eCommerce stores.
Here’s why I stuck with it:
1. Unmatched Flexibility
From simple blogs to full-fledged online stores using WooCommerce, WordPress handles it all. I could sell digital downloads, manage inventory, accept Stripe and PayPal payments, and even set up automated subscription billing through plugins.
2. Complete Customization
With theme builders like Elementor and SeedProd, I could edit every block and layout. The block editor made it easy to tweak content visually, and I wasn’t tied to any one design or template.
3. Scalability and Freedom
When traffic started to grow, I could easily switch hosting providers, add CDN support via Cloudflare, and optimize my site performance. There was no vendor lock-in, everything was portable.
4. Affordable Pricing
WordPress itself is free. I only pay for hosting and premium plugins I actually need. Compared to Wix and Shopify’s monthly plans, this felt far more cost-effective.
5. A True Community
The WordPress community is unmatched, from Facebook groups to official forums and YouTube tutorials. Anytime I got stuck, someone had already solved the same issue.
Lessons I Learned Along the Way
Building websites isn’t just about pretty designs; it’s about performance, SEO, and control.
If you’re deciding between builders like Shopify, Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress, here’s what I’d suggest:
- Shopify is great for pure eCommerce but adds transaction fees and limits customization.
- Wix and Squarespace are beginner-friendly but restrictive in SEO and plugin flexibility.
- WordPress is open-source, endlessly customizable, and integrates with virtually every CRM, automation tool, or marketing stack out there.
Today, my WordPress site is not only ranking higher on Google but also converting more visitors into clients thanks to better SEO optimization, page speed, and conversion tracking.
Final Thoughts: Building a Website That Grows With You
Looking back, choosing WordPress wasn’t just a technical decision; it was a business decision. It gave me the confidence to grow, experiment, and own every aspect of my online presence.
If you’re someone who values customization, performance, and long-term growth, skip the flashy ads and try WordPress. It might take a little longer to set up, but the freedom, scalability, and power it offers are worth every minute.
And trust me, once you experience that level of control, there’s no going back.
