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WordPress Isn't the Only Option—And That’s a Good Thing

Updated: 3 days ago

A Clear-Eyed Look at Website Platforms in 2025 for the Modern Business Owner | A Build Smart Series Special


First, Let’s Start with Respect, While WordPress isn't the only option:


WordPress is still the most widely used content management system in the world. It powers over 40% of all websites and has earned that place through flexibility, a huge community of developers, and a library of plugins and themes that can stretch it into just about anything. If you’ve heard “WordPress is the best,” it’s for good reason—it was the standard for a very long time.

So, if you’ve built past websites on WordPress or had someone recommend it to you, we understand where you're coming from.

But…


Times Have Changed. So Has the Web.

Outdated toolbox with graphs and "Plugins," "Backups," "Themes" text vs. streamlined dashboard on laptop displaying icons. JuxtaposedTides logo.

Just as businesses evolve, so do the tools we use to run them. In 2025, the “one-size-fits-all” era of web design is over. Newer platforms like Wix Studio, Webflow, Squarespace, Shopify, and others have matured into robust, professional-grade systems—designed to meet modern demands with far less hassle, cost, and maintenance.

If you're stretched thin, need something reliable, fast, secure, and easy to use without tech headaches, it may be time to rethink what “best” means.


Want to see how the top platforms compare?

Let’s Break It Down: WordPress vs. Modern Platforms (2025 Edition)


Feature

WordPress

Modern Platforms (e.g., Wix Studio, Webflow, Squarespace)

Ease of Use

Requires setup, plugin management, theme configuration

Drag-and-drop editors, zero-code needed, live design

Security

Must maintain updates, plugins, and backups manually

Fully managed hosting, auto-updates, enterprise-level security

Speed/Performance

Depends on hosting and optimization plugins

Optimized out-of-the-box with global CDN delivery

Mobile Responsiveness

Theme-dependent, often requires tweaks

Built-in responsive design tools

Cost Predictability

Variable: hosting + plugins + updates + developer fees

Flat monthly fees with included tools and support

Support

Community-based or paid developer help

Direct platform support and live chat (depending on tier)

Design Control

Theme-restricted unless custom coded

Visual design freedom with pixel-level control

What Does This Mean for You?


Less Maintenance, More Focus


With WordPress, you or someone you hire has to manage:

  • Theme/plugin conflicts

  • Software updates

  • Security patches

  • Hosting issues

  • Mobile layout bugs


Other platforms? You don’t. You log in, make changes, and get back to running your business.

Security Isn’t Optional Anymore


Did you know WordPress accounts for over 90% of all hacked websites globally (source: Sucuri 2024 report)?Not because it’s weak—but because it’s open-source and dependent on third-party plugins. If you’re not running constant updates or audits, you’re vulnerable.


Platforms like Wix Studio or Webflow are closed systems—meaning far fewer entry points for attackers, and 24/7 infrastructure-level protection without you lifting a finger.


Speed Sells


Google penalizes slow sites. Customers bounce from mobile pages that lag. WordPress speed depends on how it’s built, where it’s hosted, what plugins you use, and how often it's maintained. It can be fast—if done right and regularly tuned.


Newer platforms? They just work. Lightning-fast load times, native image compression, and built-in mobile optimization—all included.


It Has to Work on Mobile. Period.


In 2025, over 70% of all website traffic is mobile. Outdated WordPress themes often struggle to adapt or break entirely. Unless your developer’s done extra work, your site may look great on desktop but clunky on phones.


Platforms like Wix Studio automatically preview and optimize mobile views so you can see and fix issues visually—before they hurt your business.


You don’t have to guess—our Website Platform Comparison Matrix breaks it all down:

But What About Customization and Control?


This is where many people assume WordPress is more powerful. And in some very specific cases, that’s true—if you're a developer building highly customized applications or headless CMS solutions, WordPress is still a flexible tool.


But most business owners don't need to code from scratch. They need:

  • Easy page updates

  • Eye-catching design

  • Booking or ecommerce tools

  • SEO settings they understand

  • Analytics that make sense


Modern platforms deliver all of that with zero code.


And if you ever do need custom functionality? Many of them now support code injection, developer mode, and advanced app marketplaces.


So, What’s the “Best” Platform?


Simple: The one that gets you online, gets you seen, and gets results—without draining your time, money, or energy.


That might still be WordPress……but it might also be Wix Studio, Webflow, Squarespace, Shopify, or a hybrid approach.


Want to See the Difference?


We’d love to show you side-by-side examples, tailored for your business type. We can even build a sample homepage in a modern platform so you can compare usability, speed, design options, and control.


You’re not locked in.


Exploring doesn’t mean abandoning—it just means empowering yourself with the knowledge to make the right call for your future.


Final Thoughts


WordPress isn’t bad. But in 2025, it’s no longer the only serious option—and depending on your needs, it might not even be the best one.


Platforms have evolved. Design has evolved. Your business has too.


So, let’s find the platform that works as hard as you do.


Still using WordPress because it’s familiar? Let’s compare what else is out there:

Let’s Talk


We’re here to help. Whether you stick with WordPress or decide to try something new, we’ll guide you to the right solution for your business—without bias, and with your success as the goal. Head over to our services page to learn more!


"Mountains-to-See", Logo for Juxtaposed Tides  merging dynamic mountain outlines with ocean waves, symbolizing the juxtaposed connection between land and sea, and thus the metaphor for soul and business.

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