Choosing the right platform for our customers can make or break our businesses because we want our customers to own their data and fate. While Wix, Squarespace, and Webflow have gained popularity among DIY enthusiasts, professional web designers and developers often steer clear of these platforms. This article delves into the compelling reasons why we as web design experts opt for alternative solutions like WordPress and other open source solutions.
Limited Customization Options
One of the primary reasons professional web designers avoid Wix, Squarespace, and Webflow is the limited customization options. While these platforms offer drag-and-drop interfaces and pre-designed templates, they often fall short when it comes to creating truly unique and tailored websites. Designers find themselves constrained by the available themes and modules, unable to fully realize their creative vision or meet specific client requirements. Additionally, if there is something unique that needs to be created, it cannot be done with drag-and-drop solutions.
Lack of Full Control Over Code
For experienced web developers, having complete control over the underlying code is crucial. Wix, Squarespace, and Webflow restrict access to the backend, making it challenging to implement custom functionality or optimize performance. This limitation can be particularly frustrating when trying to integrate third-party tools or create advanced features that go beyond the platform’s built-in capabilities.
Full control of the HTML, CSS, and JavaScript produced by any development tool is a desired capability by professional developers because we can optimize the code based on the device. With these platforms, you get what you get without access to optimize or modify the code to the needs of our projects. Thus, there are options when working with WordPress to choose the right tool for the job. However, with other platforms like Wix, Squarespace, and others, we feel limited to what their developers decide is possible for us.
SEO Limitations
Search engine optimization (SEO) is a critical aspect of any successful website. While these platforms claim to be SEO-friendly, they often lack the granular control and flexibility required for advanced optimization techniques. Professional designers find it difficult to implement custom meta tags, schema markup, or other SEO best practices that can significantly impact search engine rankings. If you take WordPress for example, it is possible to create custom solutions for SEO or premade solutions like plugins to enhance the site as project requirements.
Performance Issues
Website speed and performance are crucial factors in user experience and search engine rankings. Wix, Squarespace, and Webflow websites often struggle with slower load times due to bloated code and limited optimization options. This can lead to higher bounce rates and lower conversion rates, ultimately affecting the overall success of the website.
Limited Scalability
As businesses grow, their websites need to evolve and scale accordingly. Professional web designers avoid these platforms because they can be limiting when it comes to scaling websites for increased traffic or expanding functionality. The inability to easily add custom features or handle large amounts of data can hinder a website’s growth potential.
Lack of Ownership and Portability
When using Wix, Squarespace, or Webflow, you’re essentially renting space on their platforms. This means you don’t have full ownership of your website’s code and content. We as web professionals don’t have a say on how the platform, content, and capabilities go. If you decide to switch platforms in the future, migrating your site can be a complex and time-consuming process, often requiring a complete rebuild.
Another issue is that having customers’ sites hosted with these types of services, we as developers and designers are not developers nor designers. We are salespeople finding new customers for the companies. Thus, our core business cannot depend on external companies to provide the service for us to resell. We must have control of the websites we design, develop, and maintain so we ensure that the service will be provided and that they have ways to move their site more easily even if we close the shop.
Hidden Costs and Pricing Structure
While these platforms may seem cost-effective initially, professional designers are wary of the hidden costs and pricing structures. As your website grows and requires more advanced features, you may find yourself locked into expensive plans or forced to pay for add-ons that should be standard. This can lead to unexpected expenses and budget overruns for clients.
As mentioned in the previous point, you are locked into their ecosystem and the only way to get out is to start from scratch somewhere else. So, if you are unhappy with their services, you cannot take everything and move it to the competitors. This is very important because, with companies that use open-source projects, you can move your site to a competitor. Having open source solutions in most cases, keeps the company providing a better service knowing that you could move at any time if they don’t do as promised.
Limited E-commerce Capabilities
For businesses looking to sell products or services online, the e-commerce capabilities of Wix, Squarespace, and Webflow can be restrictive. Professional web designers often find these platforms lacking when it comes to advanced inventory management, custom checkout processes, or integration with external tools that make e-commerce more agile.
Difficulty in Collaboration
Web design projects often involve collaboration between multiple team members. Wix, Squarespace, and Webflow can make it challenging for designers, developers, and content creators to work together efficiently. The lack of version control and limited user role management can lead to workflow bottlenecks and communication issues.
Dependence on Third-Party Support
When issues arise or custom solutions are needed, professional web designers prefer to have direct access to the platform’s core functionality. With Wix, Squarespace, and Webflow, designers are often at the mercy of third-party support teams, which can lead to delays and frustration when trying to resolve complex problems or implement specific features. Think about being contacted by your customers about having problems with their sites while you are contacting support of your provider. There is nothing that you can do about it if there is no access or control to the platform. It is only wait and see what happens while dealing with your direct customers calling.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are Wix, Squarespace, and Webflow suitable for small businesses?
While these platforms can be adequate for very small businesses with simple needs, they often lack the scalability and customization options required for growing companies.
Can I create a professional-looking website using these platforms?
Yes, you can create visually appealing websites, but they may lack the unique design elements and advanced functionality that truly set a business apart from its competitors.
Are there any alternatives to Wix, Squarespace, and Webflow?
Yes, professional web designers often prefer open-source content management systems like WordPress or custom-built solutions using frameworks like React or Vue.js.
Conclusion
While Wix, Squarespace, and Webflow may seem like attractive options for those looking to create a website quickly, professional web designers understand the long-term limitations and drawbacks of these platforms. By opting for more flexible and customizable solutions, designers can create truly unique, high-performing websites that meet their clients’ specific needs and stand the test of time. As you consider your web development options, weigh the convenience of these platforms against the potential constraints they may impose on your online presence and future growth.