There’s a motive why WordPress is so in style: it’s comparatively straightforward to make use of, affords a number of performance, and provides you a lot customization choices. And it may be nice for Search engine optimization, too.
If you recognize what you’re doing, you should use it for structuring, managing, and publishing content material in a approach that generates visitors.
It’s a kind of a one-stop store for running a blog, content material administration, ecommerce, and web site constructing. And perhaps better of all – it’s free.
However, operating your individual WordPress website isn’t with out its drawbacks.
For one factor, you’re liable for your individual updates, safety, and backups. Click on the improper field within the settings part, and you could possibly be weak to hackers.
And you may be coping with frequent updates as a result of it depends so closely on plugins to supply the performance you need.
It may also be problematic for net builders. You probably have a excessive diploma of talent in creating web sites, it’s possible you’ll discover WordPress’ templated method limiting.
On the opposite finish of the spectrum, it’s possible you’ll battle with out drag and drop performance in case you don’t know how one can code.
Lastly, WordPress is a jack-of-all-trades kind of platform. It does many issues effectively however just isn’t distinctive in any space. This implies it’s your decision extra performance in an space that’s essential to you.
On this piece, we’ll take a look at 25 Search engine optimization-friendly WordPress options separated by main performance and offer you a fast rundown of every, so you can also make the only option on your wants.
Able to get began?
Internet Design Platforms
1. Wix
In the event you’re searching for a simple, all-in-one, absolutely customizable platform that doesn’t require third-party websites and plugins, look no additional than Wix.
This feature homes every part you want inside the Wix platform, from internet hosting to dealing with structured information. Their step-by-step information helps novices create a ravishing web site with none prior expertise.
Key Options:
- Full internet hosting resolution.
- No software program to self-install.
- Drag-and-drop visible builder.
- Extensions can be found.
- Optimized for cell.
- Weblog module.
- Ecommerce retailer.
- Social media instruments.
Professionals:
- All-in-one web site builder and platform.
- Free model out there.
- Premade designs and templates.
- Free subdomain out there for all plans.
- Free customized area out there with paid plans.
- Buyer help.
Cons:
- No choice to retain full management of your website as you may with WordPress.
- No entry to supply code.
2. Squarespace
This all-in-one possibility lets you simply create a web site on Squarespace’s absolutely hosted platform. You do not want prior expertise to make use of this intuitive website builder.
Squarespace hosts all its options in-house, which means you may’t set up third-party extensions or use customized coding.
It’s an excellent resolution for hobbyists and small companies to construct an expert website themselves, though it may be an costly resolution if all you’re doing is operating a primary web site.
Key Options:
- Full internet hosting resolution (together with video).
- No software program to self-install.
- Drag-and-drop visible builder.
- Extensions can be found.
- Optimized for cell.
- Weblog module.
- Ecommerce retailer.
- Social media instruments.
Professionals:
- All-in-one web site builder and platform.
- Free model out there.
- Premade designs and templates.
- Free subdomain out there for all plans.
- Free customized area out there with an annual subscription.
- Buyer help.
Cons:
- No choice to retain full management of your website as you may with WordPress.
- No customized coding.
- No entry to supply code.
- No third-party extensions.
3. Weebly
In the event you’re searching for easy and reasonably priced, Weebly is likely to be up your alley.
This website builder takes an all-in-one method to make web site creation accessible for everybody, not simply programmers and net builders.
Weebly is revered for being consumer and Search engine optimization-friendly, however in case you’re on the free plan, your web site shall be restricted to solely 5 pages.
Key Options:
- Full internet hosting resolution.
- No software program to self-install.
- Drag-and-drop visible builder.
- Extensions can be found.
- Optimized for cell.
- Weblog module.
- Ecommerce retailer.
- Social media instruments.
Professionals:
- All-in-one web site builder and platform.
- Free model out there.
- Premade designs and templates.
- Free subdomain out there.
- Cheap premium plans are as little as $6.00 per thirty days.
- Free customized area out there with premium plans.
- Buyer help.
Cons:
- No choice to retain full management of your website as you may with WordPress.
- No entry to supply code.
- The free model restricts you to a most of 5 pages.
4. Google Websites
Google’s webpage and wiki creation device, Google Websites is a free and straightforward option to construct a web site.
As a result of it was developed by the search engine big, it integrates easily with all different Google merchandise, together with Gmail, YouTube, and Fitbit.
It’s free to construct, host, and keep with a Google account, with no website hosting charges.
Nonetheless, if you wish to hyperlink your website with Google Apps, it prices $50 per consumer per yr.
Key Options:
- Creator has full management over web page entry and permissions.
- Instruments could be accessed anyplace.
- It may be used as a primary undertaking administration program.
- Loads of net improvement and deployment choices.
- Actual-time enhancing.
- Makes use of web site velocity optimization instruments to reduce loading occasions.
Professionals:
- Quick to get began and straightforward to make use of.
- Free to make use of.
- Built-in with different Google merchandise.
Cons:
- Restricted performance in comparison with different web site builders.
- It might not work with non-Google apps.
- Restricted customization choices.
- No Search engine optimization instruments and you’ll’t edit metadata.
- It can’t combine Fb pixels.
5. Jekyll
Jekyll was designed to be a light-weight various to different web site creation platforms, together with solely needed elements so you may run your web site with out database entry or different extra software program.
It’s an open-source platform that lets you shortly create and launch a web site.
Key Options:
- No programming concerned.
- Search engine optimization is built-in.
- GitHub manages redirects.
- Straightforward setup of customized domains.
Professionals:
- No server upkeep.
- Very quick.
- Safe.
- Free internet hosting.
- Free SSL certificates.
- Works with GitHub as CMS.
Cons:
- It could possibly’t create contact kinds.
- No dynamic content material choices.
- Posts can’t be scheduled.
- Doesn’t embrace picture manipulation performance.
6. Hugo
Billing itself as “the world’s quickest framework for constructing web sites,” Hugo is an open-source platform for creating static websites.
It could possibly generate most webpages in beneath one millisecond, with new pages constructed each time you create or replace content material.
Its objective is to supply an optimum viewing expertise for customers and authors.
Key Options:
- Can construct most web sites in seconds.
- Cross-platform with straightforward set up.
- Permits you to host your website anyplace.
- Customizable URLs.
- “Minutes to Learn” and “WordCount” performance.
- Built-in Google Analytics and Disqus remark help.
Professionals:
- It simply integrates with Google Calendar and different apps.
- Straightforward to make use of with responsive customer support.
- Multilingual capabilities built-in.
- Extendable as wanted.
Cons:
- It could possibly’t create one-off duties.
- It may be complicated upon preliminary use, significantly in templating syntax.
- No plugins can be found.
- Restricted textual content formatting options.
7. Webflow
Webflow is a responsive device for net design that allows you to create web sites with out the required coding information.
It features a visible designer, which helps you to see the adjustments you’re making in real-time and contains important versatility.
You may create almost any web site you want, together with ecommerce, blogs, and enterprise websites.
Key Options:
- Greater than 100 templates to select from.
- Design is prioritized, with animation, interplay, and parallax scrolling choices.
- Affords routinely generated sitemaps and customizable 301 redirects.
- A number of cost choices for ecommerce websites and computerized tax calculation.
Professionals:
- Inexpensive, with plans starting from free to $235 for top-tier ecommerce plans.
- Free starter plan.
- Quite a few studying and assist assets.
- Good vary of templates.
- Good safety.
Cons:
- Steep studying curve.
- Integration with social media could be irritating.
- Superior capabilities aren’t built-in and require integration.
Content material Administration Techniques (CMS)
8. Joomla
Like WordPress, Joomla is an open-source content material administration system (CMS).
Joomla is free, however it’s important to pay on your website hosting.
Joomla’s attraction is its broad vary of performance that lets you run any kind of web site – blogs, ecommerce, portfolios, informational web sites, and extra.
The draw back to Joomla is that it isn’t superb for novices, so it’s greatest when you have some expertise.
Key Options:
- Virtually 6,000 extensions can be found.
- Conventional content material enhancing (no drag-and-drop visible editor).
- Optimized for cell (relying on the template).
- Weblog module.
- Ecommerce retailer.
- Social media instruments.
Professionals:
- Free, open-source software program.
- Premade designs and templates.
- Entry to supply code.
Cons:
- No free subdomains or customized domains can be found.
- No buyer help.
- Requires a PHP-enable server to run.
- Fewer templates and extensions than WordPress.
9. Drupal
Like WordPress and Joomla, Drupal is a CMS platform. The software program is free, though you’ll have website hosting charges.
Drupal is without doubt one of the most technical and highly effective CMS choices in the marketplace, nevertheless it requires extra abilities to faucet into Drupal’s full potential.
This site-building possibility is greatest suited to superior customers.
Key Options:
- Content material Administration System (CMS).
- Over 47,000 modules can be found.
- Conventional content material enhancing (no drag-and-drop visible editor).
- Optimized for cell (relying on the theme you select).
- Weblog module.
- Ecommerce retailer.
- Social media instruments.
Professionals:
- Free, open-source software program.
- Premade designs and templates.
- Entry to supply code.
- Sturdy safety and information encryption.
Cons:
- No free subdomains.
- No buyer help.
- Requires a PHP-enabled server to run.
10. DataLife Engine
DataLife Engine, sometimes called DLE, is a multifunctional CMS. Primarily designed for mass media web sites and blogs, it lets you handle information, articles, and customers.
Versatile and customizable, it may be used to create web sites that may deal with excessive ranges of holiday makers with minimal load in your servers.
DLE emphasizes Search engine optimization and safety, which has led to its adoption by greater than 100,000 organizations.
Key Options:
- Content material Administration System (CMS).
- Designed for a number of customers.
- Search engine optimization-focused.
- Tracks statistics.
- Mechanically filters phrases in feedback.
- It helps a limiteless variety of classes.
- Low server load.
- Permits plugins.
Professionals:
- Shops information utilizing MySQL.
- Wonderful consumer expertise
- Web sites load shortly, even on low-end servers.
- Wonderful for publishing information and weblog posts.
Cons:
- No free model licenses differ from $79 for primary to $199 for limitless.
- English customers are a secondary focus.
- A restricted variety of plugins and themes.
- The bottom license doesn’t embrace buyer help.
11. Sitefinity
Progress’ Sitefinity is a CMS and digital expertise platform that lets you create multi-channel advertising experiences.
Sitefinity lets you create, retailer, handle, and publish content material in your web site. It allows you to function throughout departments, models, places, and types from one platform.
Key Options:
- Handle a number of websites from one location.
- Sync property throughout pages and websites.
- It makes personalization less complicated.
- Built-in analytics and optimization.
- 4 variations embrace primary, marketing-focused, PaaS, and ecommerce.
- Multilingual capabilities.
Professionals:
- Low-cost license in comparison with different CMS.
- No setup payment.
- Minimal coding is required for integration.
- Versatile deployment time shortens time to market.
- Choices for advertising automation.
Cons:
- Free trial, however no free model.
- Setup and administration could be difficult.
- No cell interface.
12. Hubspot CMS
Hubspot is without doubt one of the greatest names in advertising software program, so it needs to be no shock that in addition they have a CMS device.
Combining web site creation with a buyer relationship administration (CRM) device allows you to cowl your entire shopping for journey from one place.
And since it was constructed for cross-departmental use, it doesn’t require intensive improvement information.
Key Options:
- Cloud-based.
- Consists of Search engine optimization suggestions.
- Consists of quite a few themes and responsive templates.
- Totally built-in CRM.
- Drag-and-drop webpage editor.
- Constructed-in safety.
Professionals:
- Adaptive A/B testing helps you establish the perfect web page structure.
- All-in-one publishing instruments.
- Constructed-in Search engine optimization instruments.
- Helps good content material with customized guidelines.
- Cell pages supported with Google AMP.
Cons:
- Steep studying curve.
- Doesn’t help ecommerce.
- No computerized backup and restoration.
13. Contentful
Contentful is a backend-only CMS. Meant to permit customers to create content material at scale, it integrates varied instruments, providing you with the liberty to publish throughout channels.
A cloud-native platform, it has a clear interface and was designed to be API-first, which supplies critical flexibility.
Options:
- RESTful API offers you full management over property, translations, and variations.
- Customizable interface and framework that works throughout third-party element suppliers.
- It supplies regional autonomy, so items in a number of languages and time zones could be printed globally.
- Content material modeling lets you construction content material by channel.
- Single sign-on and safe entry.
Professionals:
- Concentrate on integration simplifies the expertise stack.
- Consumer-friendly with a clear interface.
- Free model for as much as 5 customers.
- Good scalability.
Cons:
- Costly for an upgraded model ($489/month).
- Poor inside search instruments.
- Modeling content material could be difficult.
14. Adobe Expertise Supervisor
Combining the performance of a CMS with a digital asset administration (DAM) platform, Adobe Expertise Supervisor is meant to be an all-in-one platform for constructing web sites, managing advertising content material, and overseeing media libraries.
It affords cloud integration and performs effectively with different applications, together with its personal flagship artistic suite.
Key Options:
- Complete advertising platform.
- Finish-to-end digital doc resolution.
- Enterprise-level safety.
- Analytics included.
- Clever search.
- Scalable to your wants.
Professionals:
- Streamlines workflows by protecting every part on one platform.
- Authoring and publishing could be dealt with by particular person entrepreneurs.
- Straightforward authorization of workflow.
- Can deal with huge content material hundreds.
- Can handle a number of websites directly.
Cons:
- Steep studying curve.
- Requires totally different sign-ins to entry totally different areas.
- Doesn’t combine effectively with exterior DAMs.
- Not superb for communities and boards.
Ecommerce Platforms
15. BigCommerce
In the event you’re searching for scalability in an Search engine optimization-friendly WordPress various, BigCommerce is likely to be the appropriate possibility for you.
It options sturdy Search engine optimization help and easy multi-channel integration, and there are not any platform charges or commissions.
Nonetheless, buyer evaluations weren’t overly favorable relating to setup, and this ecommerce-targeted platform isn’t the perfect for small companies or shops with tight margins.
Key Options:
- Full internet hosting resolution.
- No software program to self-install.
- Drag-and-drop visible builder.
- Extensions can be found.
- Optimized for cell.
- Weblog module.
- Ecommerce retailer.
- Social media instruments.
Professionals:
- Excessive stage of customization choices.
- Over 100 themes to select from (together with some free).
- No platform fee charges.
- Free subdomain out there.
- Buyer help.
Cons:
- No free model is offered.
- No entry to supply code.
- Pricing is predicated on income, which isn’t nice when you have tight margins.
16. Shopify
One of the crucial in style ecommerce platforms in the marketplace, Shopify, is designed that will help you promote merchandise.
That offers this selection a significant edge within the post-COVID digital buying period, particularly in case your Shopify website is optimized for Search engine optimization.
Though Shopify can deal with running a blog and different niches, it isn’t the perfect resolution for something outdoors of ecommerce wants.
Key Options:
- Full internet hosting resolution.
- No software program to self-install.
- Drag-and-drop visible builder.
- Extensions can be found.
- Optimized for cell.
- Weblog module.
- Ecommerce retailer.
- Social media instruments.
Professionals:
- All-in-one web site builder and platform.
- Premade designs and templates.
- Free subdomain out there.
- Buyer help.
Cons:
- No free model is offered.
- No entry to supply code.
- Platform fee charges.
17. Magento
Magento is an ecommerce-based platform with extra bells and whistles than Shopify.
And whereas it affords a ton of enterprise options particularly suited to large-scale enterprises, it’s not the simplest platform to make use of.
Magento focuses on ecommerce and never a lot else. If you would like a web site that capitalizes on totally different options, your funding in Magento most likely isn’t price your time.
Key Options:
- Choice to pay for Magento Commerce for a full internet hosting platform or obtain the free, open-source software program to put in by yourself net server.
- Drag-and-drop visible builder.
- Extensions can be found.
- Optimized for cell.
- Ecommerce retailer.
- Social media instruments.
Professionals:
- All-in-one ecommerce platform or open-source ecommerce software program package deal.
- Free model out there.
- Designed for large-scale ecommerce.
- Premade designs and templates.
- Free subdomain out there (primarily for setup and testing functions).
- Buyer help (paid model solely).
- Entry to supply code with the downloadable model.
Cons:
- No weblog module, though you may add it as an extension.
- Not optimized for net tasks or web site functions outdoors of ecommerce.
- The steep studying curve for inexperienced customers.
- A big funding for small-scale ecommerce.
18. Prestashop
Prestashop is a freemium open-source ecommerce platform that lets you arrange shops in your host or by way of the cloud.
Obtainable in 65 languages, it affords a robust interface that’s aware of cell customers.
Prestashop has a wide range of add-on options and supplies a dependable on-line buying resolution.
Key Options:
- Customizable to your wants, together with themes and options.
- Consists of backend instruments like funds, delivery and information.
- Group of translators for multilanguage digital shops.
- Safe cost modules.
- Scalable.
- Consists of demographic help.
Professionals:
- Free model out there.
- Open supply, so you may customise your website to your wants.
- 5,000+ themes, modules, and providers can be found with the premium plan.
- Wonderful consumer expertise.
Cons:
- Restricted scalability.
- No help group.
- Preliminary setup requires some programming information.
19. OpenCart
A PHP-based ecommerce resolution, OpenCart is free to make use of. Versatile and customizable, it comes with entry to a devoted group that will help you troubleshoot.
As a result of it’s open supply, there are intensive add-ons and modules for absolutely anything.
Options:
- The administrator dashboard offers you data at a look.
- Consumer administration lets you assign permissions and separate entry.
- Permits you to run a number of shops from one dashboard.
- Customizable variables allow you to embrace choices for sizes, colours, or the rest.
Professionals:
- The platform is totally free, as are many add-ons.
- Intensive metrics and studies offered.
- Works together with your present cost gateway.
- Comes with devoted technical help.
- Versatile.
Cons:
- Usually creates duplicate pages, which may trigger Search engine optimization issues.
- Not all extensions, modules, plug-ins, and add-ons work effectively collectively.
- Checkout could be gradual, significantly when you have quite a few plug-ins.
- Might be troublesome to import a listing of stock.
- Requires a point of technical skill for optimum use.
Running a blog Platforms
20. Medium
Moderately than becoming a member of the others on this checklist as a website builder or net software program, Medium stands alone as a publishing platform with its personal group and consumer base.
It is a nice resolution in case you’re a blogger searching for an affordable option to publish content material.
However do not forget that you don’t have customization choices, which means you may’t model your individual web site.
In the event you want a novel web site with design management, Medium isn’t going to fit your necessities.
Key Options:
- Full internet hosting resolution.
- No software program to self-install.
- Optimized for cell.
- Weblog module.
- Restricted social media instruments.
Professionals:
- A group website for blogs.
- Free model out there.
- Medium Associate Program to earn income.
- Buyer help.
Cons:
- No extensions.
- No ecommerce shops.
- No premade designs or themes.
- No free subdomains.
- No third-party extensions.
- No entry to supply code.
21. Ghost
This platform is a WordPress contender for running a blog, however Ghost’s capabilities are restricted for something extra.
Ghost is a straightforward and easy platform to fit your wants in case you’re in the appropriate area of interest.
But when you recognize your web site may develop, do not forget that Ghost isn’t designed to scale a weblog up right into a enterprise web site or advanced undertaking.
Key Options:
- Choice to subscribe by Ghost’s internet hosting platform or obtain the free open supply software program to put in by yourself net server.
- Fundamental drag-and-drop visible builder.
- Extensions can be found by integrations with different instruments.
- Optimized for cell.
- Weblog module.
- Ecommerce retailer (subscription solely).
- Social media instruments.
Professionals:
- All-in-one web site builder and platform.
- Free model out there.
- Premade designs and templates.
- Free subdomain out there with the paid model.
- Buyer help.
- Entry to supply code.
Cons:
- Not appropriate with all third-party net hosts.
- Extremely specialised with restricted capabilities past running a blog.
- Not constructed to scale up right into a enterprise website or advanced web site.
22. Tumblr
Tumblr is a novel mix of social media and microblogging.
Like a standard social media platform, it lets you publish standing updates and share pictures, in addition to re-blog posts your viewers might discover related.
Customizable to your wants, it has a novel tagging system that helps you precisely goal an viewers and construct a group.
Key Options:
- Options sturdy social media performance.
- Customizable.
- Google Analytics Integration.
- Limitless storage.
- Advert-free weblog themes.
- Free SSL certification.
Professionals:
- Free to make use of; no upgrades are required to entry all options.
- Free website hosting.
- Consumer-friendly and straightforward to arrange.
- No storage limits.
- Can publish audio, video, pictures, gifs, and extra.
Cons:
- Every day posting restrict (250/day).
- Information have to be beneath 10 MB.
- No plugins.
- Security and safety go away one thing to be desired.
- Unsuited to long-form content material.
23. Bluehost
After Typepad stopped accepting new signups in 2020, EIG started directing folks to Bluehost for his or her website hosting wants.
Bluehost helps over 80 open-source tasks past WordPress, together with Drupal, Joomla, and phpBB. It’s at present utilized by greater than 2 million web sites.
Key Options:
- Domains could be bought by Bluehost.
- Versatile internet hosting choices allow you to select what works greatest for you.
- Devoted servers and digital non-public servers can be found.
- A wide range of plans can be found primarily based in your wants.
- Comes with customer support chat choices.
Professionals:
- The primary time period is cheap.
- Plenty of storage and limitless bandwidth.
- Good uptime.
- Free SSL certificates.
Cons:
- Additional options include added prices, which may get dear.
- Excessive renewal charges.
- Velocity might be higher.
- All servers are U.S.-based.
24. Blogger
In the event you’re going to call your organization “Blogger,” you higher be good at weblog internet hosting; it shouldn’t be stunning that Blogger delivers.
Acquired by Google in 2003, Blogger is extra than simply one of many oldest running a blog platforms; it’s additionally a CMS.
Free to make use of, it allows you to publish every part in your individual private area, whether or not it’s a enterprise weblog or a collection of posts about your favourite Harry Potter characters.
Your website could be hosted at yourname.blogspot.com or your individual area.
Options:
- Clear analytics.
- Included structure/themes.
- Monetization choices, together with Google Adsense integration.
- Makes use of Google safety.
- Limitless storage.
Professionals:
- Free to make use of.
- Extraordinarily user-friendly.
- Free SSL safety.
- Good uptime.
Cons:
- You don’t personal your web site.
- Fewer choices and management over design.
- Restricted help.
- Laborious to port to a unique platform.
Group Administration
25. vBulletin
In case your website’s main objective is to create a group and host boards and message boards, vBulletin could be the proper selection for you.
Simply put in on any website hosting service or run from vBulletin’s cloud, its main focus is on group web sites, although it does embrace instruments for content material discovery and website administration.
It comes with varied templates, graphics, and types, so you may customise your discussion board to your model.
Key Options:
- Constructed-in Search engine optimization and safety.
- Features a chat app.
- Straightforward to get began.
- Constructed-in purposes.
- Optimized for cell customers.
- Running a blog performance.
- Totally customizable.
Professionals:
- Frequent patches and bug fixes.
- Buyer help.
- Straightforward to put in and get began.
- Designed to host boards.
- Consists of templates.
Cons:
- No free possibility.
- Restricted options in comparison with another platforms.
- Requires some tech abilities to take full benefit of the performance.
- It could possibly’t customise code for the cloud-based model.
Which One Is Proper For You?
Together with WordPress, you’ve gotten 26 choices for constructing your web site.
So, how are you aware which one is best for you? It comes all the way down to your wants and what you need your web site to perform.
In the event you’re trying to create a web site that’s ecommerce-first, you’d be effectively served to select from one of many choices listed in that part.
Alternatively, in case you’re primarily keen on running a blog, you’ll desire a platform that focuses on that.
And in order for you one which does every part, effectively, there are a couple of on the checklist.
Hopefully, by studying this, you’ve gained somewhat perception into which platform will work greatest for you.
Extra Sources:
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