
There’s a purpose why WordPress is so fashionable: it’s comparatively straightforward to make use of, gives plenty of performance, and offers you a lot customization choices. And it may be nice for Website positioning, too.
If you already know what you’re doing, you should use it for structuring, managing, and publishing content material in a manner that generates visitors.
It’s a type of a one-stop store for running a blog, content material administration, ecommerce, and website constructing. And perhaps better of all – it’s free.
However, working your personal WordPress website isn’t with out its drawbacks.
For one factor, you’re liable for your personal updates, safety, and backups. Click on the incorrect field within the settings part, and you may be susceptible to hackers.
And you may be coping with frequent updates as a result of it depends so closely on plugins to offer the performance you need.
It will also be problematic for net builders. When you’ve got a high diploma of talent in creating web sites, you could discover WordPress’ templated strategy proscribing.
On the opposite finish of the spectrum, you could wrestle with out drag and drop performance should you don’t know how you can code.
Lastly, WordPress is a jack-of-all-trades kind of platform. It does many issues nicely however will not be distinctive in any space. This implies it’s your decision extra performance in an space that’s vital to you.
On this piece, we’ll take a look at 25 Website positioning-friendly WordPress options separated by major performance and offer you a fast rundown of every, so you may make your best option to your wants.
Able to get began?
Internet Design Platforms
1. Wix
Should you’re on the lookout for a straightforward, all-in-one, totally customizable platform that doesn’t require third-party websites and plugins, look no additional than Wix.
This feature homes every part you want throughout the Wix platform, from internet hosting to dealing with structured information. Their step-by-step information helps freshmen create a phenomenal website 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 cellular.
- Weblog module.
- Ecommerce retailer.
- Social media instruments.
Execs:
- All-in-one website 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 assist.
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 choice permits you to simply create a website on Squarespace’s totally hosted platform. You don’t want prior expertise to make use of this intuitive website builder.
Squarespace hosts all its options in-house, that means you may’t set up third-party extensions or use customized coding.
It’s an amazing resolution for hobbyists and small companies to construct knowledgeable website themselves, though it may be an costly resolution if all you’re doing is working a fundamental website.
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 cellular.
- Weblog module.
- Ecommerce retailer.
- Social media instruments.
Execs:
- All-in-one website 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 assist.
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
Should you’re on the lookout for easy and inexpensive, Weebly may be up your alley.
This website builder takes an all-in-one strategy to make website creation accessible for everybody, not simply programmers and net builders.
Weebly is revered for being consumer and Website positioning-friendly, however should you’re on the free plan, your website will likely 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 cellular.
- Weblog module.
- Ecommerce retailer.
- Social media instruments.
Execs:
- All-in-one website 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 assist.
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 maximum of 5 pages.
4. Google Websites
Google’s webpage and wiki creation software, Google Websites is a free and straightforward solution to construct a website.
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 12 months.
Key Options:
- Creator has full management over web page entry and permissions.
- Instruments could be accessed anyplace.
- It may be used as a fundamental mission administration program.
- Loads of net improvement and deployment choices.
- Actual-time enhancing.
- Makes use of website velocity optimization instruments to reduce loading occasions.
Execs:
- 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 website builders.
- It could not work with non-Google apps.
- Restricted customization choices.
- No Website positioning instruments and you’ll’t edit metadata.
- It can not combine Fb pixels.
5. Jekyll
Jekyll was designed to be a light-weight various to different website creation platforms, together with solely needed elements so you may run your website with out database entry or different further software program.
It’s an open-source platform that permits you to rapidly create and launch a website.
Key Options:
- No programming concerned.
- Website positioning is built-in.
- GitHub manages redirects.
- Easy setup of customized domains.
Execs:
- No server upkeep.
- Very quick.
- Safe.
- Free internet hosting.
- Free SSL certificates.
- Works with GitHub as CMS.
Cons:
- It may possibly’t create contact varieties.
- No dynamic content material choices.
- Posts can’t be scheduled.
- Doesn’t embody 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 may possibly generate most webpages in below one millisecond, with new pages constructed each time you create or replace content material.
Its purpose is to offer 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 assist.
Execs:
- It simply integrates with Google Calendar and different apps.
- Easy to make use of with responsive customer support.
- Multilingual capabilities built-in.
- Extendable as wanted.
Cons:
- It may 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 software for net design that allows you to create web sites with out the required coding data.
It features a visible designer, which helps you to see the modifications you’re making in real-time and consists of vital versatility.
You’ll be able to create almost any website 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.
- Provides mechanically generated sitemaps and customizable 301 redirects.
- A number of cost choices for ecommerce websites and automated tax calculation.
Execs:
- Reasonably priced, with plans starting from free to $235 for top-tier ecommerce plans.
- Free starter plan.
- Quite a few studying and assist sources.
- 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 you need to pay to your website hosting.
Joomla’s attraction is its broad vary of performance that permits you to run any kind of website – blogs, ecommerce, portfolios, informational web sites, and extra.
The draw back to Joomla is that it isn’t excellent for freshmen, so it’s finest in case 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 cellular (relying on the template).
- Weblog module.
- Ecommerce retailer.
- Social media instruments.
Execs:
- 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 assist.
- 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, however it requires extra expertise to faucet into Drupal’s full potential.
This site-building choice is finest fitted 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 cellular (relying on the theme you select).
- Weblog module.
- Ecommerce retailer.
- Social media instruments.
Execs:
- Free, open-source software program.
- Premade designs and templates.
- Entry to supply code.
- Robust safety and information encryption.
Cons:
- No free subdomains.
- No buyer assist.
- Requires a PHP-enabled server to run.
10. DataLife Engine
DataLife Engine, also known as DLE, is a multifunctional CMS. Primarily designed for mass media web sites and blogs, it permits you to handle information, articles, and customers.
Versatile and customizable, it may be used to create web sites that may deal with high ranges of holiday makers with minimal load in your servers.
DLE emphasizes Website positioning 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.
- Website positioning-focused.
- Tracks statistics.
- Robotically filters phrases in feedback.
- It helps a limiteless variety of classes.
- Low server load.
- Permits plugins.
Execs:
- Shops information utilizing MySQL.
- Glorious consumer expertise
- Web sites load rapidly, even on low-end servers.
- Glorious for publishing information and weblog posts.
Cons:
- No free model licenses fluctuate from $79 for fundamental to $199 for limitless.
- English customers are a secondary focus.
- A restricted variety of plugins and themes.
- The bottom license doesn’t embody buyer assist.
11. Sitefinity
Progress’ Sitefinity is a CMS and digital expertise platform that permits you to create multi-channel advertising experiences.
Sitefinity permits you to create, retailer, handle, and publish content material in your website. It enables you to function throughout departments, models, areas, 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 embody fundamental, marketing-focused, PaaS, and ecommerce.
- Multilingual capabilities.
Execs:
- 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 cellular interface.
12. Hubspot CMS
Hubspot is without doubt one of the greatest names in advertising software program, so it must be no shock that in addition they have a CMS software.
Combining website creation with a buyer relationship administration (CRM) software enables you to cowl all the shopping for journey from one place.
And since it was constructed for cross-departmental use, it doesn’t require in depth improvement data.
Key Options:
- Cloud-based.
- Consists of Website positioning suggestions.
- Consists of quite a few themes and responsive templates.
- Absolutely built-in CRM.
- Drag-and-drop webpage editor.
- Constructed-in safety.
Execs:
- Adaptive A/B testing helps you establish the most effective web page structure.
- All-in-one publishing instruments.
- Constructed-in Website positioning instruments.
- Helps sensible content material with personalised guidelines.
- Cellular pages supported with Google AMP.
Cons:
- Steep studying curve.
- Doesn’t assist ecommerce.
- No automated backup and restoration.
13. Contentful
Contentful is a backend-only CMS. Supposed to permit customers to create content material at scale, it integrates numerous instruments, supplying 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 gives severe flexibility.
Options:
- RESTful API offers you full management over property, translations, and variations.
- Customizable interface and framework that works throughout third-party part suppliers.
- It gives regional autonomy, so items in a number of languages and time zones could be revealed globally.
- Content material modeling permits you to construction content material by channel.
- Single sign-on and safe entry.
Execs:
- Concentrate on integration simplifies the know-how 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 tough.
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 gives cloud integration and performs nicely with different applications, together with its personal flagship inventive suite.
Key Options:
- Complete advertising platform.
- Finish-to-end digital doc resolution.
- Enterprise-level safety.
- Analytics included.
- Clever search.
- Scalable to your wants.
Execs:
- Streamlines workflows by protecting every part on one platform.
- Authoring and publishing could be dealt with by particular person entrepreneurs.
- Easy authorization of workflow.
- Can deal with large content material hundreds.
- Can handle a number of websites without delay.
Cons:
- Steep studying curve.
- Requires completely different sign-ins to entry completely different areas.
- Doesn’t combine nicely with exterior DAMs.
- Not excellent for communities and boards.
Ecommerce Platforms
15. BigCommerce
Should you’re on the lookout for scalability in an Website positioning-friendly WordPress various, BigCommerce may be the precise choice for you.
It options sturdy Website positioning assist and easy multi-channel integration, and there are not any platform charges or commissions.
Nonetheless, buyer critiques weren’t overly favorable relating to setup, and this ecommerce-targeted platform isn’t the most effective 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 cellular.
- Weblog module.
- Ecommerce retailer.
- Social media instruments.
Execs:
- Excessive level of customization choices.
- Over 100 themes to select from (together with some free).
- No platform fee charges.
- Free subdomain out there.
- Buyer assist.
Cons:
- No free model is out there.
- No entry to supply code.
- Pricing is predicated on income, which isn’t nice in case you have tight margins.
16. Shopify
Some of the fashionable ecommerce platforms in the marketplace, Shopify, is designed that can assist you sell merchandise.
That provides this feature a serious edge within the post-COVID digital purchasing period, particularly in case your Shopify website is optimized for Website positioning.
Though Shopify can deal with running a blog and different niches, it isn’t the most effective 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 cellular.
- Weblog module.
- Ecommerce retailer.
- Social media instruments.
Execs:
- All-in-one website builder and platform.
- Premade designs and templates.
- Free subdomain out there.
- Buyer assist.
Cons:
- No free model is out there.
- 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 gives 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’d like a website that capitalizes on completely different options, your funding in Magento in all probability isn’t value 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 cellular.
- Ecommerce retailer.
- Social media instruments.
Execs:
- All-in-one ecommerce platform or open-source ecommerce software program bundle.
- Free model out there.
- Designed for large-scale ecommerce.
- Premade designs and templates.
- Free subdomain out there (primarily for setup and testing functions).
- Buyer assist (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 website 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 permits you to arrange shops in your host or through the cloud.
Out there in 65 languages, it gives a strong interface that’s aware of cellular customers.
Prestashop has a wide range of add-on options and gives a dependable on-line purchasing resolution.
Key Options:
- Customizable to your wants, together with themes and options.
- Consists of backend instruments like funds, transport and information.
- Group of translators for multilanguage digital shops.
- Safe cost modules.
- Scalable.
- Consists of demographic help.
Execs:
- 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.
- Glorious consumer expertise.
Cons:
- Restricted scalability.
- No assist group.
- Preliminary setup requires some programming data.
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 can assist you troubleshoot.
As a result of it’s open supply, there are in depth add-ons and modules for absolutely anything.
Options:
- The administrator dashboard offers you info at a look.
- Consumer administration permits you to assign permissions and separate entry.
- Permits you to run a number of shops from one dashboard.
- Customizable variables allow you to embody choices for sizes, colours, or the rest.
Execs:
- The platform is totally free, as are many add-ons.
- In depth metrics and stories offered.
- Works along with your present cost gateway.
- Comes with devoted technical assist.
- Versatile.
Cons:
- Typically creates duplicate pages, which may trigger Website positioning issues.
- Not all extensions, modules, plug-ins, and add-ons work nicely collectively.
- Checkout could be sluggish, significantly in case you have quite a few plug-ins.
- Might be troublesome to import a listing of stock.
- Requires a point of technical potential for optimum use.
Blogging Platforms
20. Medium
Somewhat 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.
This can be a nice resolution should you’re a blogger on the lookout for a cheap solution to publish content material.
However do not forget that you don’t have customization choices, that means you may’t model your personal website.
Should you want a singular website 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 cellular.
- Weblog module.
- Restricted social media instruments.
Execs:
- A group website for blogs.
- Free model out there.
- Medium Companion Program to earn income.
- Buyer assist.
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 simple platform to fit your wants should you’re in the precise area of interest.
But when you already know your website may develop, do not forget that Ghost isn’t designed to scale a weblog up right into a enterprise website or complicated mission.
Key Options:
- Choice to subscribe by way of 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 way of integrations with different instruments.
- Optimized for cellular.
- Weblog module.
- Ecommerce retailer (subscription solely).
- Social media instruments.
Execs:
- All-in-one website builder and platform.
- Free model out there.
- Premade designs and templates.
- Free subdomain out there with the paid model.
- Buyer assist.
- 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 complicated website.
22. Tumblr
Tumblr is a singular mix of social media and microblogging.
Like a standard social media platform, it permits you to publish standing updates and share photographs, in addition to re-blog posts your viewers could discover related.
Customizable to your wants, it has a singular 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.
Execs:
- 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, photographs, gifs, and extra.
Cons:
- Each day posting restrict (250/day).
- Information have to be below 10 MB.
- No plugins.
- Security and safety depart one thing to be desired.
- Unsuited to long-form content material.
23. Bluehost
After Typepad stopped accepting new signups in 2020, EIG started directing individuals 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 the moment utilized by greater than 2 million web sites.
Key Options:
- Domains could be bought by way of Bluehost.
- Versatile internet hosting choices allow you to select what works finest for you.
- Devoted servers and digital non-public servers can be found.
- A wide range of plans can be found based mostly in your wants.
- Comes with customer support chat choices.
Execs:
- The primary time period is cheap.
- A number of storage and limitless bandwidth.
- Good uptime.
- Free SSL certificates.
Cons:
- Further options include added prices, which may get expensive.
- Excessive renewal charges.
- Velocity might be higher.
- All servers are U.S.-based.
24. Blogger
Should 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 enables you to publish every part in your personal private area, whether or not it’s a enterprise weblog or a sequence of posts about your favourite Harry Potter characters.
Your website could be hosted at yourname.blogspot.com or your personal area.
Options:
- Clear analytics.
- Included structure/themes.
- Monetization choices, together with Google Adsense integration.
- Makes use of Google safety.
- Limitless storage.
Execs:
- Free to make use of.
- Extraordinarily user-friendly.
- Free SSL safety.
- Good uptime.
Cons:
- You don’t personal your website.
- Fewer choices and management over design.
- Restricted assist.
- Arduous to port to a unique platform.
Group Administration
25. vBulletin
In case your website’s major function is to create a group and host boards and message boards, vBulletin stands out as the proper alternative for you.
Simply put in on any website hosting service or run from vBulletin’s cloud, its major focus is on group web sites, although it does embody instruments for content material discovery and website administration.
It comes with numerous templates, graphics, and types, so you may customise your discussion board to your model.
Key Options:
- Constructed-in Website positioning and safety.
- Features a chat app.
- Easy to get began.
- Constructed-in functions.
- Optimized for cellular customers.
- Blogging performance.
- Absolutely customizable.
Execs:
- Frequent patches and bug fixes.
- Buyer assist.
- Easy to put in and get began.
- Designed to host boards.
- Consists of templates.
Cons:
- No free choice.
- Restricted options in comparison with another platforms.
- Requires some tech expertise to take full benefit of the performance.
- It may possibly’t customise code for the cloud-based model.
Which One Is Proper For You?
Together with WordPress, you’ve got 26 choices for constructing your website.
So, how are you aware which one is best for you? It comes right down to your wants and what you need your website to perform.
Should you’re seeking to create a website that’s ecommerce-first, you’d be nicely served to choose from one of many choices listed in that part.
Then again, should you’re primarily inquisitive about running a blog, you’ll need a platform that focuses on that.
And in order for you one which does every part, nicely, there are a couple of on the checklist.
Hopefully, by studying this, you’ve gained just a little perception into which platform will work finest for you.
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