Do website builders use WordPress?

Understanding website builders and WordPress: An introduction

Website builders and WordPress represent two distinct approaches to creating websites, each with fundamentally different architectures and philosophies. Website builders like Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify are all-in-one platforms that provide hosting, domain management, design tools, and functionality within a closed ecosystem. They typically offer drag-and-drop interfaces designed for users with minimal technical knowledge.

WordPress, on the other hand, is an open-source content management system (CMS) that powers approximately 43% of all websites on the internet. It requires separate hosting and comes in two flavours: WordPress.org (self-hosted) and WordPress.com (hosted service). The self-hosted version offers unparalleled flexibility and customization through themes, plugins, and custom code.

The key difference lies in their approach to website creation. Website builders prioritize simplicity and speed at the cost of deep customization, while WordPress offers ultimate flexibility and scalability but with a steeper learning curve. For businesses with complex requirements, WordPress custom development provides the ability to create truly unique digital experiences that precisely match specific business needs.

What is the relationship between website builders and WordPress?

The relationship between website builders and WordPress is nuanced and often misunderstood. WordPress itself isn’t typically classified as a traditional website builder, though WordPress.com (the hosted version) offers website builder-like functionality with simplified interfaces and templated designs aimed at beginners.

There are three main connections between these technologies:

1. WordPress.com as a website builder: The hosted version of WordPress provides a more streamlined, builder-like experience while still being powered by WordPress core technology.
2. WordPress page builders: Plugins like Elementor, Divi, and Beaver Builder add drag-and-drop functionality within the WordPress ecosystem.
3. Competitive relationship: Traditional website builders compete with WordPress as alternative solutions for website creation.

It’s important to understand that WordPress.org (self-hosted) remains distinct from typical website builders, offering significantly more flexibility and customization potential. This makes it ideal for custom WordPress website development where specific functionality, design, or integration requirements exist that would be impossible to achieve with standard website builders.

Do traditional website builders like Wix and Squarespace use WordPress?

No, traditional website builders like Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify do not use WordPress as their foundation. These platforms operate on completely independent, proprietary technologies developed in-house by their respective companies.

Each platform has developed its own content management system, hosting infrastructure, and development frameworks:

• Wix uses its own closed-source technology stack with proprietary design tools
• Squarespace operates on a custom-built content management system
• Shopify runs on a Ruby on Rails framework with custom e-commerce functionality
• Webflow utilizes its own visual development platform

These website builders are direct competitors to WordPress rather than extensions or implementations of it. They offer alternative approaches to website development, typically emphasizing ease of use over extensive customization. While these platforms provide quick setup and simplified management, they lack the unlimited flexibility that comes with WordPress custom development, where literally any functionality can be built into your site.

What are WordPress page builders and how do they differ from website builders?

WordPress page builders are plugins or extensions that add visual, drag-and-drop editing capabilities to the WordPress platform. They fundamentally differ from standalone website builders in that they operate within the WordPress ecosystem rather than as independent platforms.

Popular WordPress page builders include:

• Elementor – A widely used visual editor with free and premium versions
• Divi Builder – A comprehensive design system from Elegant Themes
• Beaver Builder – Known for its clean code and professional output
• WPBakery – Formerly Visual Composer, offering front and backend editing
• Gutenberg – WordPress’s native block editor, continuously evolving

The key differences between WordPress page builders and standalone website builders include:

1. Underlying platform: Page builders extend WordPress rather than replacing it
2. Customization depth: Page builders retain access to WordPress’s full capabilities
3. Ownership and control: With page builders, you maintain complete ownership of your site and code
4. Flexibility: Page builders allow you to change tools or even disable them while keeping your content

For businesses requiring both ease of use and extensive customization, combining WordPress with a quality page builder offers a powerful middle ground. This approach enables companies to create sophisticated websites with unique functionality through WordPress custom development while still maintaining an intuitive editing experience.

When should you choose WordPress over a website builder?

You should choose WordPress over a website builder when your business requires flexibility, scalability, and complete ownership of your digital presence. WordPress becomes the superior option in several specific scenarios:

• Complex functionality requirements: When you need custom features beyond standard templates
• E-commerce with specific workflows: For unique purchasing processes, customer journeys, or integration requirements
• Custom user roles and permissions: When sophisticated access control is needed
• Integration with enterprise systems: For connecting with CRMs, ERPs, or proprietary software
• Multilingual or multi-regional requirements: For global businesses serving diverse markets
• Content-heavy websites: For publications, educational resources, or extensive documentation
• Long-term growth planning: When anticipating substantial evolution of your digital presence

WordPress particularly shines for businesses that need to differentiate themselves digitally or have specific operational requirements that off-the-shelf solutions can’t address. Through custom WordPress website development, companies can create precisely tailored digital experiences that align perfectly with their business processes and customer needs.

The platform’s extensive ecosystem of developers also ensures that expertise is readily available when specialized development is required, making it a safe long-term investment for growing businesses.

How can businesses get the best of both worlds?

Businesses can achieve both user-friendliness and powerful customization by strategically combining WordPress with the right tools and expertise. This balanced approach provides ease of use without sacrificing flexibility or control.

Here are effective strategies to get the best of both worlds:

1. Use WordPress with premium page builders like Elementor Pro or Divi for intuitive interfaces backed by WordPress’s full capability
2. Implement custom development for specific functionality while keeping content management simple for non-technical staff
3. Utilize specialized WordPress themes that provide builder-like experiences tailored to your industry
4. Create custom admin experiences that simplify WordPress for your team’s specific needs
5. Partner with WordPress development experts who can build user-friendly systems on the powerful WordPress foundation

Working with specialized WordPress development agencies offers particular advantages. These partners can create custom administrative interfaces that simplify complex functionality, develop bespoke features that perfectly match your business requirements, and ensure your website remains both flexible and user-friendly.

This approach is ideal for businesses that need specific functionality but don’t want to manage technical complexity day-to-day. By combining WordPress’s adaptability with professional development support, companies can achieve sophisticated digital experiences that remain easy to maintain and update.

Key takeaways: Making the right choice for your website needs

When deciding between website builders and WordPress, consider your business’s specific requirements, growth trajectory, and digital strategy. Here are the essential points to guide your decision:

• Traditional website builders (Wix, Squarespace, Shopify) do not use WordPress; they are separate platforms with different philosophies
• WordPress.com offers builder-like simplicity while still being powered by WordPress
• WordPress page builders provide visual editing within the WordPress ecosystem, offering more flexibility than standalone builders
• Custom WordPress development delivers unmatched flexibility for complex or unique business requirements
• Website builders excel for simple sites with standard functionality that need quick deployment
• WordPress is superior for businesses requiring scalability, deep customization, or integration with other systems

The optimal approach often depends on your specific business context. Simple promotional websites might benefit from the speed and simplicity of website builders. However, as business requirements grow more complex, the limitations of these platforms become apparent.

For businesses with specific needs around user experience, operational workflows, or integration requirements, WordPress custom development offers a future-proof foundation that can evolve alongside your business. By choosing the right approach—or combination of approaches—you can create a digital presence that perfectly supports your business goals while remaining manageable and cost-effective.