There’s a purpose why WordPress is so common: it’s comparatively straightforward to make use of, gives lots of performance, and provides you a lot customization choices. And it may be nice for Search engine optimization, 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 site visitors.

It’s a type of a one-stop store for running a blog, content material administration, ecommerce, and web site constructing. And possibly better of all – it’s free.

However, operating 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 mistaken field within the settings part, and you could possibly be susceptible to hackers.

And you can be coping with frequent updates as a result of it depends so closely on plugins to supply the performance you need.

It can be problematic for internet builders. When you have a excessive diploma of ability in creating web sites, you might discover WordPress’ templated strategy limiting.

On the opposite finish of the spectrum, you might wrestle with out drag and drop performance should you don’t know learn how to code.

Lastly, WordPress is a jack-of-all-trades sort of platform. It does many issues nicely however is just not distinctive in any space. This implies you might have considered trying extra performance in an space that’s essential to you.

On this piece, we’ll have a look at 25 Search engine optimization-friendly WordPress options separated by major performance and provide you with a fast rundown of every, so you may make the only option to your wants.

Able to get began?

Internet Design Platforms

1. Wix

In the event you’re on the lookout for a simple, all-in-one, absolutely customizable platform that doesn’t require third-party websites and plugins, look no additional than Wix.

This selection homes every little thing you want throughout the Wix platform, from internet hosting to dealing with structured information. Their step-by-step information helps rookies create a stupendous web site with none prior expertise.

Key Options:

• Full internet hosting answer.
• 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 web site builder and platform.
• Free model accessible.
• Premade designs and templates.
• Free subdomain accessible for all plans.
• Free customized area accessible 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 means that you can 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 a terrific answer for hobbyists and small companies to construct an expert website themselves, though it may be an costly answer if all you’re doing is operating a fundamental web site.

Key Options:

• Full internet hosting answer (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 web site builder and platform.
• Free model accessible.
• Premade designs and templates.
• Free subdomain accessible for all plans.
• Free customized area accessible 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

In the event 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 web site creation accessible for everybody, not simply programmers and internet builders.

Weebly is revered for being consumer and Search engine optimization-friendly, however should you’re on the free plan, your web site will likely be restricted to solely 5 pages.

Key Options:

• Full internet hosting answer.
• 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 web site builder and platform.
• Free model accessible.
• Premade designs and templates.
• Free subdomain accessible.
• Cheap premium plans are as little as $6.00 monthly.
• Free customized area accessible 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 most of 5 pages.

4. Google Websites

Google’s webpage and wiki creation device, Google Websites is a free and simple approach 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 preserve with a Google account, with no website hosting charges.

Nevertheless, 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 will be accessed wherever.
• It may be used as a fundamental venture administration program.
• Loads of internet improvement and deployment choices.
• Actual-time modifying.
• Makes use of web site pace optimization instruments to attenuate loading instances.

Execs:

• Quick to get began and simple 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 may’t edit metadata.
• It can not combine Fb pixels.

5. Jekyll

Jekyll was designed to be a light-weight different to different web site creation platforms, together with solely crucial elements so you may run your web site with out database entry or different extra software program.

It’s an open-source platform that means that you can rapidly 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.

Execs:

• No server upkeep.
• Very quick.
• Safe.
• Free internet hosting.
• Free SSL certificates.
• Works with GitHub as CMS.

Cons:

• It may’t create contact types.
• 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 may generate most webpages in below one millisecond, with new pages constructed each time you create or replace content material.

Its aim 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 wherever.
• 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.
• Straightforward to make use of with responsive customer support.
• Multilingual capabilities built-in.
• Extendable as wanted.

Cons:

• It may’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 internet 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 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.
• Gives robotically generated sitemaps and customizable 301 redirects.
• A number of fee choices for ecommerce websites and automated tax calculation.

Execs:

• 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 will 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 must pay to your website hosting.

Joomla’s enchantment is its broad vary of performance that means that you can run any sort of web site – blogs, ecommerce, portfolios, informational web sites, and extra.

The draw back to Joomla is that it isn’t ideally suited for rookies, so it’s finest in case you have some expertise.

Key Options:

• Nearly 6,000 extensions can be found.
• Conventional content material modifying (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 likely one of the most technical and highly effective CMS choices available on the market, but it surely requires extra abilities 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 modifying (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, sometimes called DLE, is a multifunctional CMS. Primarily designed for mass media web sites and blogs, it means that you can handle information, articles, and customers. 

Versatile and customizable, it may be used to create web sites that may deal with excessive ranges of tourists 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.
• Robotically filters phrases in feedback.
• It helps an infinite 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 differ 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 embrace buyer assist.

11. Sitefinity

Progress’ Sitefinity is a CMS and digital expertise platform that means that you can create multi-channel advertising experiences.

Sitefinity means that you can create, retailer, handle, and publish content material in your web site. It permits you to function throughout departments, models, places, and types from one platform.

Key Options:

• Handle a number of websites from one location.
• Sync belongings throughout pages and websites.
• It makes personalization less complicated.
• Built-in analytics and optimization.
• 4 variations embrace fundamental, marketing-focused, PaaS, and ecommerce.
• Multilingual capabilities.

Execs:

• Low-cost license in comparison with different CMS.
• No setup charge.
• 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 will be difficult.
• No cellular interface.

12. Hubspot CMS

Hubspot is likely one of the largest names in advertising software program, so it must be no shock that additionally they have a CMS device.

Combining web site creation with a buyer relationship administration (CRM) device permits you to cowl your entire 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.
• Contains Search engine optimization suggestions.
• Contains quite a few themes and responsive templates.
• Totally built-in CRM.
• Drag-and-drop webpage editor.
• Constructed-in safety.

Execs:

• Adaptive A/B testing helps you determine the perfect web page structure.
• All-in-one publishing instruments.
• Constructed-in Search engine optimization instruments.
• Helps good content material with personalised guidelines.
• Cell 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. Meant 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 offers critical flexibility.

Options:

• RESTful API provides you full management over belongings, translations, and variations.
• Customizable interface and framework that works throughout third-party part suppliers.
• It offers regional autonomy, so items in a number of languages and time zones will be revealed globally.
• Content material modeling means that you can construction content material by channel.
• Single sign-on and safe entry.

Execs:

• Deal with 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 will 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 answer.
• Enterprise-level safety.
• Analytics included.
• Clever search.
• Scalable to your wants.

Execs:

• Streamlines workflows by protecting every little thing on one platform.
• Authoring and publishing will be dealt with by particular person entrepreneurs.
• Straightforward 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 ideally suited for communities and boards.

Ecommerce Platforms

15. BigCommerce

In the event you’re on the lookout for scalability in an Search engine optimization-friendly WordPress different, BigCommerce may be the proper choice for you.

It options robust Search engine optimization assist and easy multi-channel integration, and there are not any platform charges or commissions.

Nevertheless, buyer critiques 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 answer.
• 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 degree of customization choices.
• Over 100 themes to select from (together with some free).
• No platform fee charges.
• Free subdomain accessible.
• Buyer assist.

Cons:

• No free model is accessible.
• No entry to supply code.
• Pricing relies on income, which isn’t nice in case you have tight margins.

16. Shopify

One of the common ecommerce platforms available on the market, Shopify, is designed that can assist you promote merchandise.

That offers this selection a serious edge within the post-COVID digital procuring 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 answer for something exterior of ecommerce wants.

Key Options:

• Full internet hosting answer.
• 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 web site builder and platform.
• Premade designs and templates.
• Free subdomain accessible.
• Buyer assist.

Cons:

• No free model is accessible.
• 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 best platform to make use of.

Magento makes a speciality of ecommerce and never a lot else. If you would like a web site that capitalizes on completely different options, your funding in Magento in all probability 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 internet 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 package deal.
• Free model accessible.
• Designed for large-scale ecommerce.
• Premade designs and templates.
• Free subdomain accessible (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 internet tasks or web site functions exterior 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 means that you can arrange shops in your host or by way of 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 offers a dependable on-line procuring answer.

Key Options:

• Customizable to your wants, together with themes and options.
• Contains backend instruments like funds, delivery and information.
• Neighborhood of translators for multilanguage digital shops.
• Safe fee modules.
• Scalable.
• Contains demographic help.

Execs:

• Free model accessible.
• 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 workforce.
• Preliminary setup requires some programming data.

19. OpenCart

A PHP-based ecommerce answer, 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 provides you data at a look.
• Consumer administration means that you can 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 anything.

Execs:

• The platform is totally free, as are many add-ons.
• In depth metrics and studies supplied.
• Works together with your present fee gateway.
• Comes with devoted technical assist.
• Versatile.

Cons:

• Usually creates duplicate pages, which may trigger Search engine optimization issues.
• Not all extensions, modules, plug-ins, and add-ons work nicely collectively.
• Checkout will be sluggish, significantly in case you have quite a few plug-ins.
• Will be troublesome to import an inventory of stock.
• Requires a point of technical capacity for optimum use.

Running a blog Platforms

20. Medium

Reasonably than becoming a member of the others on this checklist as a website builder or internet software program, Medium stands alone as a publishing platform with its personal group and consumer base.

It is a nice answer should you’re a blogger on the lookout for a cheap approach to publish content material.

However do not forget that you don’t have customization choices, which means you may’t model your personal 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 answer.
• No software program to self-install.
• Optimized for cellular.
• Weblog module.
• Restricted social media instruments.

Execs:

• A group website for blogs.
• Free model accessible.
• Medium Accomplice 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 easy platform to fit your wants should you’re in the proper area of interest.

But when you already know your web site would possibly develop, do not forget that Ghost isn’t designed to scale a weblog up right into a enterprise web site or complicated venture.

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 internet server.
• Primary 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 web site builder and platform.
• Free model accessible.
• Premade designs and templates.
• Free subdomain accessible with the paid model.
• Buyer assist.
• Entry to supply code.

Cons:

• Not suitable with all third-party internet hosts.
• Extremely specialised with restricted capabilities past running a blog.
• Not constructed to scale up right into a enterprise website or complicated web site.

22. Tumblr

Tumblr is a novel mix of social media and microblogging.

Like a standard social media platform, it means that you can publish standing updates and share photographs, in addition to re-blog posts your viewers could 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 robust 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 simple to arrange.
• No storage limits.
• Can publish audio, video, photographs, gifs, and extra.

Cons:

• Each day posting restrict (250/day).
• Information should be below 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 the moment utilized by greater than 2 million web sites.

Key Options:

• Domains will 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.
• Quite a lot of plans can be found based mostly in your wants.
• Comes with customer support chat choices.

Execs:

• The primary time period is cheap.
• Plenty of storage and limitless bandwidth.
• Good uptime.
• Free SSL certificates.

Cons:

• Further options include added prices, which may get dear.
• Excessive renewal charges.
• Velocity may very well 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 permits you to publish every little thing in your personal private house, whether or not it’s a enterprise weblog or a sequence of posts about your favourite Harry Potter characters.

Your website will 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 web site.
• Fewer choices and management over design.
• Restricted assist.
• Onerous to port to a unique platform.

Neighborhood Administration

25. vBulletin

In case your website’s major objective is to create a group and host boards and message boards, vBulletin would be the proper selection 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 embrace instruments for content material discovery and website administration.

It comes with numerous templates, graphics, and kinds, 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 cellular customers.
• Running a blog performance.
• Totally customizable.

Execs:

• Frequent patches and bug fixes.
• Buyer assist.
• Straightforward to put in and get began.
• Designed to host boards.
• Contains templates.

Cons:

• No free choice.
• Restricted options in comparison with another platforms.
• Requires some tech abilities to take full benefit of the performance.
• It may’t customise code for the cloud-based model.

Which One Is Proper For You?

Together with WordPress, you might have 26 choices for constructing your web site.

So, how have you learnt which one is best for you? It comes right 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 nicely served to choose from one of many choices listed in that part.

Alternatively, should you’re primarily all for running a blog, you’ll desire a platform that focuses on that.

And if you would like one which does every little thing, nicely, there are a number of on the checklist.

Hopefully, by studying this, you’ve gained slightly perception into which platform will work finest for you.

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