Many individuals, entrepreneurs, and businesses stumble upon #Wix while working on their WordPress websites. However, they feel intimidated in making the switch, and we can't blame them. It's a new challenge, a new platform, and it requires a new commitment. If you believe #Wix is still the DIY rookie platform, you need to check out all of Wix's new features and capabilities. Wix has become such a website platform giant that even schools around the country are starting to teach it.
As an agency, we often get the question, why should we switch? Here is our typical answer:
You're probably paying someone quite a bit to maintain your WordPress website.
Someone has to look out for:
Updates
Plugins
Security Issues
Firewalls & SSL certificates,
SEO and many other features that come with a website.
Doing it yourself is time-consuming and challenging.
So once you are caught up with these challenges, naturally, you think of a new solution or are ready to make a switch. Don't misinterpret this to where you need zero support; however, you have a bigger team with Wix support behind you 24/7.
So why go with a "DIY" platform?
When Wix first launched to the public, it was very basic and geared towards DIY individuals with a lack of customization, and slow speeds, among other newbie website platform issues. That was back in 2007-2010. Wix has since then changed the website building game, accommodating the DIY crowd, along with the Agencies and advanced users. You must try it and see how far along their new platforms have impacted over 200 million users.
Some of their features include:
So why do we recommend Wix as an Agency?
Easy, #Wix has a global reach of staff, devs, and engineers that help integrate most of these website features for you. Users have flexible plan options and can start websites for free, along with an easier project management process. Wix has partnered with agencies like CIS Agency, to build an all-in-one platform to manage hundreds of accounts and unlock advanced features! Don't forget to check out Wix's Editor X
Here are a few things to think about before making the switch to Wix:
WordPress, like many other website platforms, does not have an easy switch button, so switching will require manual work. However, Wix makes it easy to set up your new website. You could save a lot of time and money in the long run.
Relearning the platforms is not always easy. The platforms are different, and even though Wix is friendlier, sometimes it can have certain limitations, which can benefit you from not "breaking" the website.
Importing hundreds of blogs is not easy. However, Wix does have a great new feature of importing blogs from WordPress to Wix.
Users must learn about the variations of settings, plugins, and coding (not including all the frequent updates).
Have an agency like CIS Agency ready to help in areas you might struggle with so you can focus more on growing your business, not troubleshooting your website.
What do most website users do?
As stated before, many WordPress users learn that they don't have the capability to manage their websites or don't want to take the extra time to invest in all the updates and upkeep. They may have trouble encountering new tasks, which creates new issues. They may not want to take the time and effort to learn plugins, security, and coding. This learning can take hours to watch video tutorials, read many manuals, and research specific solutions. To learn six months later that most things have already been updated, leaving you frustrated and having to re-learn many things. In many cases, some users won't be able to fix these issues independently and don't want to pay developers costly amounts for individual fixes. This is where Wix shines as a solution for these users.
When do we hire a Wix Agency like CIS Agency?
Some users have no trouble switching from WordPress to Wix on their own, but that's not always the case. Many users don't have the knowledge of the complexity of the process, set it up without the backend configured correctly, or don't want to take the time to rebuild a whole new website.
Some WP users may find the following issues or challenges:
Plugins or 3rd Part Apps and Devs may not be compatible
Website transfers are unsuccessful or incomplete
WordPress and Wix templates are not compatible
Wix has a more controlled environment, which causes more limitations when importing
Working with new graphics and layouts.
The unknown world of #SEO
Users may ask themselves if specialized migration services are the answer.
We recommend ordering the website transfer process from CIS Agency which follows a 135-point checklist and all-in-one service from designers to developers. We offer website transfers quickly and easily. It takes the stress out of switching from WordPress to Wix for customers.
How to switch from WordPress to Wix?
The most important thing of making the switch is correctly connecting an old website domain to the new platform. All website characteristics and features are assigned to a domain name found with search engines. You want to ensure your domain authority and website indexing are set up correctly.
When switching from WordPress to Wix, a new website is created on the old domain with the preservation of content and structure. The new website will not be an exact replica of the old website but a new website that resembles the old one and features similar content. A website switch's duration depends upon the original website's volume. Most 5-10 page website switches can be accomplished for under $1,000 and a monthly affordable website package OR a DIY approach with a one-time website transfer fee.
Here's what you need to do:
Back-Up your WordPress site.
Map Out your new website (You can use tools like Mind Mup for this part).
Choose a team or Agency for support (content writing, graphic designer, marketing, SEO expert, software dev, etc.)
Choose a good email and create an account with Wix.
Choose a template and a plan. (Note: most Wix templates only have the initial design and can be customized)
Begin editing your #Wix website and transferring everything over.
Verify and proofread your new website (use an online website checklist or Wix experts)
Check out more Wix App Integrations for your new website.
Check out Wix's dashboard for more SEO Tools, Marketing Integrations, CRM, Email Marketing, DNS Setup, etc
Ready to connect the domain? Follow these steps, or Wix will walk you through it from your dashboard.
Access the Wix dashboard and choose the "Connect Domain." Follow the instructions given.
Check the email to confirm the action of connecting the domain.
In the register, change the DNS settings of the domain. You can also choose "by pointing" please consider email disruptions via MX records or other domain DNS configurations (Txt Records, A-records, etc.)
Connect your site and finish following Wix's recommendations for marketing integrations and other features.
This is a very summarized list, but it will give you the main idea of the structure you need to follow to build your new website on Wix.
Need an advanced website setup? (Ex. Wix e-commerce, Wix bookings, or Wix restaurant website)
WordPress has many plugins for these types of services. Maintaining and updating these plugins can become problematic for users, along with costly fees from developers.
Before attempting to transfer your e-commerce store, bookings, or restaurant WordPress site to Wix Stores, Wix Bookings, or other website services, users should consider what the transfer entails.
Note: .csv files will always be your main source of database importing/exporting.
Do you need to import your products to Wix Stores? Learn more here.
Conclusion:
Even though WordPress has led the website industry, Wix has blown away our expectations as they continue to improve and present revolutionary products like Editor X and Velo.
We believe they have become a leader in the website-building industry and can soon go head-to-head with platforms like WordPress. They constantly introduce new features, and their dev teams continue to grow. Having daily professional coders behind your website at a low cost is hard to beat.
Wix is a great solution if you're looking to:
Have a DIY Website approach
Transfer from WordPress to an easy-to-use platform
Want to manage the website and allow other agencies to collaborate
Hands-off technical approach, but highly involved with your website through the Wix Mobile App
In search of Wix Premium templates?
View hundreds of custom templates built by CIS Agency. One Wix template saves you over 40 hours of graphic and web design alone.
Do you need help switching from WordPress to Wix? Our team specializes in making the switch, and we're happy to assess your current situation. Contact us or call us at 616.347.6300
Wix has also launched a good article. Read it here.