One of the questions I’m often asked is: Why WordPress? As someone who’s passionate about crafting thoughtful, user-friendly websites for wellness brands, WordPress continues to be my go-to platform for many projects — especially for service providers and content-rich businesses.
That said, I also work with Shopify for clients who need a streamlined, product-first online store. Every business is unique, and choosing the right platform depends on your goals, offerings, and preferred way of working. Here’s why WordPress remains a favourite — and where it shines most.
1. Design Freedom
As a designer first, WordPress is my tool of choice because of the unparalleled design freedom it offers. Unlike other platforms that rely heavily on rigid templates, WordPress allows me to build from a blank canvas, crafting a bespoke website that tells your brand’s unique story. With WordPress and my preferred page builder, Elementor, I can:
- Add custom animation effects to draw attention to key calls-to-action.
- Optimise layouts for every screen size, ensuring your site looks and functions beautifully on both mobile and desktop.
- Integrate dynamic content such as forms, image sliders, video backgrounds, and pop-up messages all of which enhance user engagement and help your site stand out from competitors.
2. Free and Open Source
WordPress itself is free, open-source software, which means you won’t pay for the platform itself.
Compare this to other website builders, which may charge up to $299 per month for premium plans — on top of additional payment processing fees for e-commerce stores. With WordPress, your ongoing costs are typically limited to:
- Hosting (usually between $10–$30 per month).
- Domain registration (around $10–$50 annually).
- Any optional premium plugins for advanced features.
This affordability makes WordPress an attractive option for businesses of all sizes.
3. Scalable Solutions for Growing Businesses
WordPress powers 43% of all websites on the internet1 making it the world’s most popular CMS. This popularity comes with perks:
- Limitless integrations: WordPress can connect with nearly any software, from payment gateways like Stripe to CRMs like HubSpot.
- Endless functionality: Thanks to over 60,000 plugins1. WordPress can handle everything from e-commerce stores and membership portals to event bookings, online courses, and more.
Because it’s so scalable, you won’t need to overhaul your website as your business grows — saving time and money in the long run.
4. SEO-Friendly
Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is essential for driving organic traffic, and WordPress is one of the most SEO-friendly platforms available. Here’s why:
- Clean, fast code: WordPress sites are lightweight, which improves load speed — a ranking factor for search engines.
- Customisable SEO features: Plugins like Yoast SEO or SEOPress make it easy to optimise your site with meta descriptions, title tags, and image alt text.
- Accessibility features: These not only improve user experience but also boost search rankings.
SEO is one of the few digital marketing strategies with lasting benefits. Unlike paid ads, which stop working the moment your campaign ends, a well-optimised WordPress site can generate leads for years to come.
5. Easy to Manage
At first glance, WordPress’s backend may seem a little overwhelming. But with a bit of guidance, it becomes incredibly manageable — even for those without a technical background.
To empower wellness entrepreneurs, I provide a training video upon handover. This step-by-step guide walks you through how to:
- Update pages with new content.
- Add new blog posts, pages or products.
- Review your analytics.
When Shopify Might Be Better
If you’re a service-based wellness provider, coach, or content creator who wants full design flexibility and an SEO-friendly platform, WordPress is a strong contender. But if you’re running a product-first business and want a reliable, easy-to-use platform with everything e-commerce built in, Shopify might be the better path.
It’s especially useful if you:
- Run a product-first business with many products (e.g. skincare, supplements, wellness goods).
- Want an easier, all-in-one e-commerce setup with hosting, security, and payments handled for you.
- Sell across multiple channels like Instagram, Facebook, or in person.
- Prefer built-in tools for things like inventory, shipping, and discounts.
If that sounds like you, I’ve written a detailed comparison to help you decide: Shopify vs Woo: The Best Fit for Your Wellness Business
If you’re still unsure which platform is the right fit, I’m here to guide you. I work with both WordPress and Shopify, and I’ll help you make the best decision based on your goals, strengths, and vision. Together, we’ll create a platform that captivates your audience, drives meaningful engagement, and helps your wellness business thrive.
