Wix vs WordPress for Authors
- Startup Digital
- Oct 8
- 3 min read
Choosing the right platform for your author website is one of the questions we hear most often. Both Wix and WordPress have their strengths, and the best choice depends on your goals, budget, and how much time you want to spend managing your site. After working with many authors, we’ve learned a few key things.
Which Platform Is Easier To Use?
Most authors run on passion and dedication. Writing is often a side gig funded by another job, or a weekend hobby hoping for something more. We know that juggling writing alongside work, family, and life in general means time is always limited.
Wix is simple and intuitive. Its drag-and-drop editor requires no coding, so you can update fonts, images, or add new books without needing a developer.
Elementor has opened the door to making WordPress easier to use and is a very powerful tool. But it’s still more technical, requiring plugins, themes, hosting, updates, and occasional troubleshooting.
Can I Manage Everything In One Place?
Wix is all-in-one. Hosting, SSL, backups, and updates are handled automatically, so you can focus on writing rather than tech.
WordPress requires managing these separately (hosting, plugins, updates, security, and backups) which gives you more freedom, flexibility, and control. For authors seeking simplicity, this extra management can feel overwhelming.
Do They Have Built-In Marketing Tools?
Wix has marketing tools built right in: email marketing, SEO, social media integration, blogging, and event sign-ups. Everything works together with no extra setup, and each subscription tier unlocks additional tools like scheduling and advanced analytics.
WordPress can do all of this too, but it requires plugins or third-party tools. Each plugin may cost extra and needs regular updates and maintenance. Wix gives authors a ready-to-go toolkit with minimal hassle.
Which Platform Requires Less Maintenance?
Wix updates automatically in the background, handling backups and technical details so you don’t have to worry, giving you more time to focus on your writing. WordPress requires more attention, backups before updates, regular plugin and theme updates, and occasional troubleshooting. Staying on top of maintenance is crucial for security and performance.
Which One Is Cheaper?
We hear this question a lot! Most of us don’t have disposable income to pour into a website while also paying for editing, book covers, promotions, and more. Costs depend on your needs, but Wix has a single flat monthly or annual fee.
WordPress might start cheaper, but costs can quickly add up with premium themes, plugins, security, backups, and occasional developer help. If you want a professional, user-friendly website that showcases your books, builds your author brand, collects email subscribers, and handles marketing with minimal stress, Wix is the better choice.
Check out some of our recent author websites built on Wix:
WordPress is ideal if you need advanced custom features like membership portals, e-commerce, or a highly unique site structure, and if you want full control over your code, hosting, and future growth. It does require more technical knowledge and a higher budget.
Ultimately, both platforms work for authors. Wix is perfect for simplicity, speed, and reliability, while WordPress suits those seeking flexibility and control. With the right guidance, you can pick the platform that best supports your author career.
Need help choosing? Book in a free consultation to find the best fit for your author site.
Startup Digital
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