Is WordPress the cheapest option for building a website? Not necessarily! It depends on your specific website needs and the special features you choose. But here at Lifedge, we think WordPress is one of the best web builders out there. 

In this article, we’ll compare the process of building a website with WordPress to other popular website builders like GoDaddy, Shopify, Squarespace, and Wix. And, we’ll show you why we still choose WordPress over all the others.

Read below to find out what the cheapest option for building a website is for you!

Cost of Building a Website with WordPress

While some sources may tell you that WordPress is free to use, that’s not exactly the case. It turns out, there are some inescapable costs to building a website, no matter which website builder you choose.

Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to pay for in order to build a website with WordPress:

1. Domain name

Every website needs a domain name. This is going to be your web address, so you want to pick something simple that is easy to remember. Otherwise, how will guests find your website? 

The cost of a domain name varies depending on which domain registrar you purchase it from. In any case, you’ll pay an annual fee to retain the name you choose. 

Need help picking a good domain registrar? Here’s a list of the best domain registrars in 2023. 

2. Web hosting

When you build a site with WordPress, you’re required to use a web host. A web host is what makes your website accessible on the internet, so it’s a non-negotiable!

At Lifedge, WP Engine is our chosen host. WordPress is their expertise, and we’ve found they do an excellent job! 

To learn more, check out our article on all things web hosting.

3. Themes, plugins, and extensions

Now that you have a domain name and a web host, all you still need to make your website great is a theme, plugins, and extensions. 

A website theme is essentially the design of your site. It’s what makes your website user-friendly and appealing. WordPress offers free themes that will work just fine, but if you want a premium theme that will set you apart, you’ll need to purchase one.

Plugins and extensions increase the functionality of your website. Some offer cool features, while others are more essential security safeguards. See our list of the top 5 plugins that should be installed on every WordPress website to make sure your website has what it needs

WordPress Compared with Other Popular Website Builders

Now that we’ve covered the basic costs of building a WordPress website, let’s compare WordPress with a few other website builders!

GoDaddy

GoDaddy is a user-friendly web builder for people who need a website with basic functionality. Best for individuals and small businesses, it allows you to create a simple online presence. No coding necessary. 

Pros: Easy-to-use website builder with a range of web hosting plans and domain registration services. 

Cons: Not suitable for large or complex websites and doesn’t offer much customization. 

Shopify

Shopify is almost exclusively suited for e-commerce websites. If you need a website that will function as an online store but don’t have coding expertise, this is a good platform to consider. 

Pros: Top choice for e-commerce websites. Shopify is easily scalable for both large and small businesses and puts a strong emphasis on security by providing SSL certificates and data-protecting features.

Cons: Shopify is one of the most expensive website builders, and its scope is limited to e-commerce websites.

Squarespace

This platform is known for creating beautiful, modern, and professional websites. If you’re a creative, Squarespace is a good option to look into as it is best suited for portfolios and blogs.

Pros: Squarespace offers all-in-one hosting that manages the technical side of your website like updates and security. It has strong e-commerce capabilities and provides mobile-friendly templates for phones and tablets. 

Cons: Pricey, less customizable than other web builders, and not a great option for complex websites that need advanced functionality. 

Wix

Best for small businesses, individuals, and start-ups, Wix is an easy-to-use website builder that offers visually appealing designs. 

Pros: Drag-and-drop website builder is great for beginners and those with limited technical skills. Wix offers a wide range of templates to meet various website needs, and all Wix templates are mobile-friendly. 

Cons: Wix websites tend to have a slower loading speed than other web builders. Wix also has more limited blogging features, so it’s not the best choice for blog-heavy websites. 

So, What is the Cheapest Option for Building a Website?

The cheapest option for building a website for you will depend on what your website needs are. But maybe a better question to ask is, “What is the best option for building a website?” 

When you’re making a website, there is a lot more to consider than just cost. For instance, the quality of your website can have a huge effect on sales. Many potential customers will give up if your website is clunky and difficult to use. However, the better your website is, the more traffic and interaction you’ll get, which leads to long-term success. 

With website building, you often get what you pay for. That’s why you shouldn’t sacrifice great quality just to save some cash. 

Why Lifedge chooses WordPress

Even though WordPress isn’t always the cheapest option for building a website, here at Lifedge, we’ve chosen it anyway. Why?

Here are the top three reasons why we use WordPress over other web builders:

1. Versatility

WordPress is highly customizable and suitable for just about any type of website there is. Whether you have a blog, portfolio, e-commerce site, or something else, WordPress can make it happen. There are also thousands of plugins, extensions, and themes that you can use to create a website as simple or complex as you need it to be. 

2. User-friendliness

Another reason why we use WordPress even though it’s not necessarily the cheapest option for building a website is how easy it is to use. Even those with no coding experience and limited technical skills can navigate it. However, with those with advanced technical knowledge have the ability to customize almost every aspect of a WordPress site.

3. Quality

The top reason why we choose WordPress over other web builders is overall quality. WordPress is the trusted website builder for over 40% of all websites in existence. There’s a reason for the popularity! WordPress has high-quality web-building tools, security, themes, plugins, and comprehensive functionality. 

Need Help with Your Website?

Are you feeling overwhelmed about creating a website? 

At Lifedge, we know what it’s like to not feel like you have the time or brain space to do it all. That’s why we offer website development services to meet your needs, whether it’s custom website creation, maintenance, content creation, SEO optimization, and more. 

So, book a meeting with us today! And let us handle the behind-the-scenes stuff, so you can focus on running your business.