There is no single best platform — only the one that fits what you're trying to do. Here is an honest comparison of the three most common choices for a UK small business, without the hype.
WordPress (with WooCommerce for shops)
WordPress runs a large share of the web, and for good reason: it is flexible, you fully own it, and it can grow with you.
- Best for: businesses that want a professional, custom site they control, with room to add a blog, bookings or a shop later.
- Selling online: WooCommerce turns WordPress into a full shop.
- Cost: you pay for hosting and a domain, but there's no monthly platform fee.
- Trade-off: it needs occasional maintenance (updates and backups) — which is exactly what a care plan covers.
This is what we build on, because it gives small businesses the most value and freedom for the money.
Shopify
Shopify is a hosted platform built specifically for selling products.
- Best for: shops with a lot of products, or owners who want everything handled in one monthly subscription.
- Selling online: excellent — it's what Shopify is made for.
- Cost: a monthly fee (plus app and transaction costs), which adds up over time.
- Trade-off: less flexible outside of e-commerce, and you're renting rather than owning the platform.
Wix
Wix is a drag-and-drop builder aimed at doing it yourself.
- Best for: a very simple site you build and manage entirely yourself on a tight budget.
- Selling online: possible, but basic compared with WooCommerce or Shopify.
- Cost: a monthly fee.
- Trade-off: harder to move away from later, and it can feel limiting as your business grows.
A simple way to choose
- Mostly information, a few pages, want to own it and grow: WordPress.
- Primarily a product shop with lots of items: Shopify (or WooCommerce if you also want a full website).
- Tiny budget and happy to build it yourself: Wix.
The honest bit
Any of these can produce a good site in the right hands, and a bad one in a rush. What matters more than the platform is clear design, fast loading, mobile-first layout and content that answers your customers' questions.
If you'd like help deciding, book a free video meeting and we'll point you to the right fit — even if it isn't us.
