Website Platform Comparison Matrix
Decision Fatigue. Analysis Paralysis.
You’ve reached the point where you just want to flip a coin to choose your website platform. I hear you.
Here’s the thing: While I primarily work with WordPress, that doesn’t mean it’s the right platform for YOU. Every entrepreneur has different needs, priorities, and ways of working.
That’s why I’ve created two ways to help you decide:
- Below, you’ll find clear comparison tables of the 4 most popular website platforms. All the information, in one place!
- Or, if you’d prefer something simpler, I’ve created an interactive decision-making tool that does the hard work for you. Just tell it what matters most to you, and it will calculate your best platform match.
Ready to get clarity?
Overall Features / Considerations Matrix
Feature / Consideration
|
WordPress + Elementor
 |
Squarespace
 |
Wix
 |
GoDaddy
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Initial Setup
|
Steps needed to connect hosting & domain, guided support available
|
Simple, all-in-one
|
Simple, all-in-one
|
Simple, all-in-one
|
Annual Costs
|
Platform & Builder are FREE. Can upgrade builder starting at £45 per year.
| |||
Unlimited
|
Limited
|
Moderate
|
Very Limited
| |
Moderate with support
|
Low - Moderate
|
Low
|
Lowest
| |
Content Ownership
|
Full Ownership, can export everything
|
Can export basic content
|
Limited export options
|
Very limited export options
|
SEO Control
|
Full control
|
Moderate
|
Basic
|
Basic
|
Future Growth
|
Unlimited
|
Moderate
|
Limited
|
Very Limited
|
Design Options
|
Unlimited! Full creative control
|
Limited to templates
|
Moderate
|
Very Limited
|
Support Available
|
Community + Tutorials + Direct Support
|
Official Support only
|
Official Support only
|
Official Support only
|
Hosting
|
Free to choose your own provider (available from £3.50 per month)
|
Included
|
Included
|
Included
|
Site Speed
|
Excellent (with good hosting)
|
Good
|
Can be slow
|
Basic
|
Moving Platforms
|
Easy to move everything
|
Basic content only
|
Manual transfer needed
|
Manual transfer needed
|
Updates & Maintenance
|
Regular updates needed (can be automated)
|
Handled for you
|
Handled for you
|
Handled for you
|
Plugin / Add-on Options
|
Unlimited
|
Limited
|
Limited
|
Very Limited
|
e-Commerce Options
|
Unlimited
|
Limited
|
Limited
|
Very Limited
|
Typical Setup Time
|
1 - 4 weeks depending on complexity
|
1 - 2 weeks
|
1 - 2 weeks
|
A few days
|
Long-Term Value
|
Excellent
|
Moderate
|
Limited
|
Limited
|
Cost Breakdown Matrix
Feature / Consideration
|
WordPress + Elementor
|
Squarespace
|
Wix
|
GoDaddy
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
Domain
|
£8.50 - £14 per year
|
Included for first year only. £11 - £16 per year thereafter
|
Included for first year only. £10 - £15 per year thereafter
|
Included
|
Hosting
|
From £50 per year. Choice of provider
|
Included
|
Included
|
Included
|
FREE
|
£144 - £276 per year
|
£108 - £300 per year
|
£95 - £317
| |
Essential Add-ons (security etc)
|
Free (can pay for premium versions)
|
Included
|
Included
|
Included
|
Year 1 Total
|
£58.50 - £64.00
|
£144 - £276
|
£108 - £300
|
£95 - £317
|
Following Years
|
£58.50 - £100+ (IF choosing paid for plugins - otherwise no increase in cost)
|
£155 - £292
|
£118 - £315
|
£95 - £317
|
Support Options Matrix
Feature / Consideration
|
WordPress + Elementor
|
Squarespace
|
Wix
|
GoDaddy
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
Community Help
|
Extensive
|
Limited
|
Limited
|
Very Limited
|
Video Tutorials
|
Abundant
|
Moderate
|
Moderate
|
Basic
|
Written Guides
|
Extensive
|
Good
|
Good
|
Basic
|
Direct Support
|
Available
|
Email / Chat
|
Email / Chat
|
Phone / Chat
|
Local Expert Help
|
Easy to find
|
Limited
|
Limited
|
Limited
|
