At BNL Digital Solutions, one of the most common questions we get from small business owners is: “Which website platform should I choose?” The right platform can save you time, money, and a lot of hassle as your business grows. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade, we’ve helped businesses across the UK make the right choice based on their goals, budget, and long-term vision. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the strengths and trade-offs of WordPress, Shopify, and Wix — and share when we’d recommend each one.
WordPress is our go-to recommendation when a business needs a high level of customisation or plans to scale its website into something more dynamic. It’s open-source, which means there are thousands of themes and plugins available — from SEO tools to online booking systems. For example, we recently built a fully SEO-optimised site for a consulting firm in Birmingham using WordPress, complete with a blog, lead forms, service pages, and location targeting. However, we usually advise having a professional developer manage the technical setup and updates, as WordPress can become difficult to maintain without regular oversight.
For product-based businesses, Shopify is the clear winner. We recommend it for clients who want to sell online with minimal setup time and ongoing complexity. Shopify is powerful, reliable, and built for e-commerce. Whether you’re selling handmade goods, fashion, or electronics, it takes care of inventory, payments, shipping, and customer communication in one place. One of our retail clients in Manchester scaled their online revenue by 3x within six months after switching to Shopify — and they’ve never looked back. The trade-off? It’s less flexible in design, and you’ll pay a monthly fee, but the convenience often outweighs the cost.
If you’re a sole trader, service provider, or just launching your business online, Wix can be a great starting point. Its drag-and-drop builder, integrated hosting, and simple interface make it perfect for getting online quickly. We often recommend Wix to local businesses such as personal trainers, pet groomers, or beauty salons. For example, a client in Brighton offering mobile massage therapy was able to launch a professional website with online bookings and reviews in just two days — with our help on layout and basic SEO. While Wix can be limiting in terms of advanced features, it’s more than enough for many local businesses who just need a clean, functional online presence.
At BNL, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. We look at your business type, digital goals, budget, and growth plans before recommending a platform. Need full flexibility and SEO depth? We’ll guide you through WordPress. Focused on online sales? Shopify is usually the best route. Want a professional site without the technical fuss? Wix is a great launchpad.
Still not sure which platform suits your business?
Book a free consultation with BNL Digital Solutions, and we’ll help you build a website that works — not just looks good.