If you’re a small business owner or entrepreneur thinking about your first website, the convenience of all-in-one platforms like Wix, Squarespace, or Strikingly might seem irresistible. I get it—they promise easy setup, sleek designs, and everything in one place. But before you slap down your credit card, there are a few things you should know.
These platforms aren’t always sunshine and rainbows, and if you’re planning to grow your business, they might actually end up being more of a roadblock than a helping hand. I recently had one of these platforms approach me about becoming a partner to promote them, and after reading user reviews like the one below, I was very certain about my answer. (Spoiler alert—it was a no).
Here’s a snippet from one unhappy customer of a hosted platform (and brace yourself—it’s not pretty):
“My account was randomly disabled one day. My websites were offline, and when I contacted support, they said my account violated their Terms of Service but wouldn’t tell me why. I lost access to my websites and eight domains connected to over 130 daily visitors, just like that. They ‘apologised for the inconvenience’ and then banned me from chat support. I’ll never use this platform again.”
Yikes, right? This is exactly why I’m proud to base my work as a WordPress designer on a self-hosted platform. Here’s a breakdown of what makes all-in-one platforms risky, and why WordPress is truly the superior option if you’re in it for the long haul.
The Illusion of Simplicity
All-in-one platforms seem like the easy solution. Everything is bundled together—hosting, design templates, and e-commerce features. Want your website live in less than an hour? Done. No coding? Sweet. But here’s the catch:
- You Don’t Own Your Website
When you’re on an all-in-one platform, you’re essentially renting your website space. They own the infrastructure, and you’re stuck playing by their rules. If they decide to close shop or suddenly shut down your account (without warning, as seen in the review above), you lose everything—your website, your data, and even your credibility. - Limited Customisation
Every small business is unique, and your website should reflect that. With all-in-ones, you’re limited to the templates and settings they’ve decided to provide. Sure, you can tweak colours or fonts, but if you want advanced customisations, forget it. For example, want a custom integration with your CRM or a quirky feature that’s totally “you”? Tough luck. - You’re Locked Into Their System
Here’s the really painful part. If you outgrow the platform (and you likely will), moving your site elsewhere can be a nightmare. Most don’t have an easy way to export your content, and you’ll likely have to start from scratch on a new platform. - They Control Your Visibility
Many all-in-ones aren’t exactly SEO powerhouses. Without full control over your website (and often limited customisation options), you’ll struggle to truly optimise it for search engines. This can mean fewer people finding your business online. Not great for growth.
Why WordPress is a Better Solution
On the flip side, WordPress (I’m talking about the self-hosted WordPress.org, not the .com version) offers the kind of freedom and flexibility that helps your business grow with zero strings attached.
- You’re the Boss
On WordPress, you own your website. Period. Your hosting, your data, your rules. Nobody’s going to randomly shut you down or take away your hard work. - Limitless Customisation
Have you got a specific design in mind? A feature no one else has? WordPress can handle it. It’s open-source, which means developers have built thousands of plugins and customisations to help you create the exact website you want. Whether you need a complex booking system, an interactive gallery, or third-party integrations, WordPress has you covered. - Hosting Freedom
Unlike all-in-ones that force you into their hosting (and charge you for it), WordPress allows you to pick any hosting provider you like. No restrictive contracts here. - SEO Superpowers
WordPress makes optimising your website for search engines a breeze. With powerful plugins like RankMath or Yoast, you can easily fine-tune every page to rank better—hello organic search traffic! - Scales With YOU
WordPress grows as your business grows. Want to launch a blog, open an e-commerce store, or even create an online course? You can do it all on WordPress—without starting from scratch.
Who Should Use All-in-One Platforms
I’m not saying all-in-one platforms are the devil. If you’re a hobbyist or you’re starting a very small side hustle (think photography portfolio or selling a few handmade items), they might be an okay choice. You’re probably not worried about scalability or advanced functionality just yet.
But if you’re serious about business growth or plan to scale in the future, you owe it to yourself (and your business) to start on a platform that can grow with you. Why box yourself into a system that limits your potential?
Final Thoughts (A.K.A. The Mic Drop Moment)
Whether you’re launching your first website or considering a redesign, don’t fall for the shiny convenience of all-in-one platforms. They might look simple, but the risks often outweigh the benefits.
With WordPress, you get complete ownership, ultimate flexibility, and the freedom to build a website that truly serves your business—no surprises, no strings attached. Want to create something unique? Something that grows with you? Start with WordPress.
And if you’re not sure how to start, I’m here to help. Fancy something custom-designed that’s as bold as your business? Get in touch—I love bringing creative website ideas to life. (And no, I will not be recommending you lock yourself into a one-size-fits-all platform.)
Because here’s the thing—you deserve better than a template. You deserve a website that works as hard as you do. And that, my friend, is exactly what WordPress was made for.
