Can You Do SEO on Wix? (And Why We Wouldn’t Suggest It)
SEO is a vital part of any online strategy. It’s the difference between being found in the vast sea of the internet or sinking into obscurity. For those using website builders, Wix is a name that often pops up due to its user-friendly design. But when it comes to SEO, can you rely on Wix, and should you?
Understanding Wix for SEO
Wix is a cloud-based web development platform that lets users create HTML5 websites and mobile sites through the use of online drag and drop tools. It’s praised for its intuitive design interface and a wide array of templates. But SEO is about much more than just looks.
Is SEO Possible on Wix?
The short answer is yes. Wix has made strides in their SEO offerings. They provide basic features such as customizable titles, descriptions, and URLs. You also have access to a range of apps in the Wix App Market designed to enhance your site’s SEO. But is “possible” good enough?
The Limitations of Wix for SEO
While Wix has improved, limitations remain, which we’ll explore to understand why it might not be the best choice for your SEO needs.
1. Slow Load Times
Speed matters. Wix sites often suffer from slower load times due to their design. They use a lot of Javascript, which can bog down speed, especially on mobile. Google uses page speed as a ranking factor, so this is a big drawback.
2. Limited Customization
Customizing your site on Wix can be a double-edged sword. While it’s user-friendly, you are often stuck within the confines of Wix’s available tools. This can lead to SEO restrictions, such as limited header customization, which can impact your site’s structure and hierarchy.
3. Blocking Search Engines
In the past, Wix was known for accidentally blocking search engines entirely from indexing sites. While this issue has largely been resolved, it’s a stark reminder that platform-related SEO problems can occur.
4. Transition and Migration Issues
If you ever want to move your site off Wix, you’re in for a challenge. Transitioning to another platform is not a seamless process, which means you could lose SEO value that you’ve built up over time.
5. Over-reliance on Apps
For advanced SEO features, Wix often requires third-party apps. Not only does this mean additional costs, but it also means you’re trusting your SEO to applications that may not be as robust or comprehensive as other SEO tools in the market.
Why Experts Recommend Other Platforms
So, if Wix is not the best for SEO, what is? Many professionals lean towards open-source content management systems like WordPress.
1. Higher Level of Control
WordPress offers a higher level of control over every aspect of your website. It’s not just about themes and plugins; it’s about being able to tweak your site to the exact specifications needed for optimal SEO.
2. Wide Range of SEO Plugins
With plugins like Yoast SEO or All-in-One SEO Pack, WordPress gives you access to powerful tools designed specifically with SEO in mind. These plugins guide you through best practices and help ensure your site is fully optimized.
3. Flexibility for Growth
WordPress allows for growth and scalability. As your business grows, your site can grow without changing platforms, which means you don’t lose the SEO equity you’ve built.
4. Community Support
WordPress has a vast community of developers and SEO experts constantly updating and improving the platform. This means there’s a wealth of information, forums, and resources at your disposal.
Alternatives to Wix and WordPress
There are other website builders and content management systems that also leverage SEO well. Platforms like Squarespace and Shopify—for specific e-commerce needs—are strong contenders and often provide more flexibility for SEO than Wix.
Best SEO Practices Regardless of Platform
No matter which platform you choose, there are several SEO best practices you should always follow:
1. Mobile Optimization
Ensure your site is responsive and optimized for mobile devices, as Google increasingly prioritizes mobile-first indexing.
2. High-Quality Content
Content is king. Regularly publish high-quality, original content that provides value to your audience.
3. Keyword Research
Conduct thorough keyword research to understand how your audience searches and tailor your content to match those terms.
4. Backlink Strategy
Work on building a solid backlink profile by getting reputable sites to link back to your content.
5. User Experience (UX)
A site that’s easy to navigate and engage with not only satisfies users but also search engines.
Conclusion
While Wix has made efforts to be more SEO-friendly, the platform still falls short compared to others like WordPress in terms of flexibility, customization, and overall optimization capabilities. If you’re serious about SEO and view it as an integral part of your online success, we’d suggest looking beyond Wix. Use the platform that not only suits your immediate needs but also aligns with your growth and long-term SEO goals.
SEO is a complex, ever-evolving strategy that goes beyond just choosing a platform. It requires a nuanced understanding of your audience, search engine algorithms, and the technical aspects of your site. Choose your tools wisely, stay up to date with current trends, and always optimize with the user’s experience in mind.
Contact me, Alexander Isaiah Domore, for more insights on SEO best practices and strategies to enhance your site’s search engine performance across various platforms. I love helping others with search engine optimization so much that some people say I’m the best AID they’ve found!
