You’ve decided you need a website. That’s the easy part. Now comes the first big, overwhelming question: where do you actually build it?
You hear names like Wix, WordPress, and Shopify thrown around, but it’s hard to get a straight answer. One person tells you Wix is the easiest, another says WordPress is the best for Google, and a third insists Shopify is the only choice if you want to sell online.
Who is right?
They all are. But the “best” platform isn’t about the platform itself; it’s about which one is the best fit for your specific business needs, budget, and goals.
This guide will cut through the noise. We’ll compare the big three in a South African context, so you can confidently choose the right engine for your business.
Summary: At a Glance
| Feature | WordPress | Shopify | Wix |
| Ease of Use | Moderate | Easy | Very Easy |
| Cost Structure | Hosting + One-off Costs | Monthly Subscription | Monthly Subscription |
| SEO Capability | Excellent | Good | Basic |
| Best For | Service & Content Sites | E-commerce Stores | Portfolios & Basic Sites |
WordPress: The Ultimate in Flexibility and Control
What is it? WordPress is an open-source content management system (CMS). Think of it as a powerful, free foundation that you can build almost anything on top of by using themes (for design) and plugins (for features).
The Cost (ZAR):
- Software: Free.
- Hosting: R150 – R500 / month.
- Premium Theme: R1,000 – R2,000 (once-off).
- Essential Plugins: Free/License fee
Best for:
- Service businesses that need a lead-generation website.
- Building a strong content marketing and SEO engine.
- Full control and long-term scalability.
The Pros:
- Limitless Customisation: If you can imagine it, you can probably build it with WordPress.
- The Best for SEO: Its structure and powerful SEO plugins give you the most control over your Google rankings.
- You Own Everything: You have full control over your website, your data, and where you host it.
The Cons:
- You’re Responsible for Maintenance: You need to handle your own security, backups, and software updates (or pay for a maintenance plan).
- Steeper Learning Curve: It’s not as “drag-and-drop” simple as Wix out of the box.
Shopify: The All-in-One E-commerce Powerhouse
What is it? Shopify is a subscription-based platform designed specifically for building and running online stores. It handles all the technical aspects for you, so you can focus on selling.
The Cost (ZAR):
- Subscription: Around R400 / month for the basic plan.
- Transaction Fees: 0.5% – 2% per sale, depending on your plan and payment gateway.
- Premium Themes/Apps: Can add to the monthly cost.
Best for:
- Any business whose primary goal is to sell products online.
- A fashion brand, biltong store, or creator selling merch.
- Entrepreneurs who want a fast, reliable, and secure store without technical headaches.
The Pros:
- Incredibly User-Friendly: Designed for beginners, you can set up a beautiful, functional store in a weekend.
- Secure & Hosted for You: Shopify handles it all.
- Excellent Support: 24/7 customer support is invaluable.
- Great for SA Businesses: Integrates with local payment gateways and couriers like The Courier Guy.
The Cons:
- Monthly Costs Add Up: The subscription fees are a recurring operational expense.
- Transaction Fees: If you don’t use Shopify Payments, they take a small percentage of each sale.
- Less Customisation: While flexible, you have less deep-level control than with WordPress.
Wix: The Simple Drag-and-Drop Builder
What is it? Wix is an all-in-one website builder known for its simple, visual, drag-and-drop interface. It’s designed for people with no technical skills who want to get a basic site online quickly.
The Cost (ZAR):
- Subscription: Starts from around R150 / month for a professional plan (without their ads).
Best for:
- Hobbyists, photographers, or a simple portfolio.
- A brand-new freelancer who needs a “digital business card.”
- Situations where speed and simplicity are more important than long-term scalability and SEO performance.
The Pros:
- Extremely Easy to Use: The most beginner-friendly option on this list.
- All-in-One Solution: Your hosting, templates, and editor are all included in one monthly fee.
- Fast to Get Started: You can have a visually appealing site live in a matter of hours.
The Cons:
- Monthly Costs Add Up: The subscription fees are a recurring operational expense.
- Transaction Fees: If you don’t use Shopify Payments, they take a small percentage of each sale.
- Less Customisation: While flexible, you have less deep-level control than with WordPress.
How to Choose: Ask Yourself These 3 Questions
- What is the #1 Goal of My Website? If the answer is “sell products,” start with Shopify. If it’s “generate leads for my service” or “build authority with content,” your best long-term choice is WordPress. If it’s just “have an online presence,” Wix is a viable option.
- What is My Technical Comfort Level? If the idea of dealing with hosting and maintenance makes you nervous, and you just want everything handled for you, Shopify or Wix are designed for you. If you’re willing to learn a little for the sake of more power, WordPress is the winner.
- What is My Long-Term Vision? If you plan to grow your business with a serious SEO and content marketing strategy, building on WordPress from day one will save you major headaches later. If you just need to get something online right now, Wix can be a good starting point.
Ultimately, the platform is the tool, not the strategy. Before you choose, it’s essential to understand your overall budget.
For a full breakdown of initial build costs, ongoing fees, and how to plan your budget, read our Ultimate Guide to Website Costs in South Africa.