If you’re planning a new website or simply giving your current one a makeover, maybe you’ve found yourself on Google searching “Showit vs WordPress – which platform is best for me?”

Well, you’ve landed in the right place! Picking the right website builder can feel incredibly overwhelming as there are dozens of solid options. But when it comes to the best website platforms for small business, Showit and WordPress consistently make the shortlist.

Both have loyal fans. Both can create beautiful, functional websites. But they serve very different audiences and priorities.

As a professional brand builder and web designer, I’ve created this guide to break down the key features, pros and cons, pricing, speed, and SEO considerations so you’ll know exactly how to choose a website builder that fits your needs.

So, what is Showit?

Showit is a drag-and-drop website builder designed with creatives in mind. Think of it as Canva for websites.You can move text, images, and shapes anywhere on the page without worrying about coding.

For small businesses that value freedom in design, Showit is often considered one of the best website building platforms for small business because it delivers gorgeous websites without requiring a developer.

It also includes another unique feature. Showit pairs seamlessly with WordPress for blogging. This means you get the visual freedom of Showit, with the blogging power of WordPress on the back end.

Key Features of Showit

One of the biggest reasons people love Showit is its drag-and-drop design. Unlike other platforms that lock you into grids or rigid layouts, Showit gives you true creative freedom. You can move text, images, and shapes anywhere on the page, almost like working on a blank canvas. Here are a few more features that make Showit stand out:

• Mobile Customization: Design your desktop and mobile layouts separately for a polished, responsive look.
• Template Library: Access to dozens of professional templates you can fully customize to fit your brand.
• Hosting Included:  No need to find a separate provider! Showit takes care of hosting, making it one of the best website hosting platforms for small business owners who want an all-in-one solution.

Pros of Showit

When it comes to building a website quickly and without it becoming a tech nightmare, Showit absolutely shines. It was created with creatives and small business owners in mind, so the platform focuses on simplicity, design flexibility, and offers a fantastic support system. If you’re not a developer but still want a site that looks custom and professional, Showit delivers a strong balance of ease and style.

• Beginner-Friendly: Perfect for non-techies who want to launch a site without the need to learn code.
• Beautiful Templates: Websites look sleek, modern, and are easy to brand as your own.
• Excellent Customer Support: Hands-on customer support helps you troubleshoot and build with full confidence.
• Great for Personal Brands: Showit is especially well-suited for photographers, coaches, designers, and service-based businesses.

Cons of Showit

While Showit is definitely a favorite for creatives, it’s not without limitations. Since it prioritizes design freedom and simplicity, it can fall short in some areas like scalability and e-commerce. It’s also priced higher than some other platforms, which may be a factor for budget-conscious small businesses. Here are a few drawbacks to consider:

• Limited E-Commerce: Not built for large online stores. You’ll need add-ons like Shopify Lite.
• Subscription Pricing: Monthly plans are higher than basic WordPress hosting.
• Learning Curve for Perfectionists: Full design freedom means you need to create your own structure, which can be time-consuming. (This is my area of expertise and I would be happy to help you navigate this!)
• Not as Scalable: Best for small businesses and personal brands, but less ideal for complex and enterprise-level websites.
  
  

What Is WordPress?

WordPress is often the first name that comes up when people are choosing a website builder. As one of the best website platforms for small business, and most well-known, it offers unmatched flexibility and a huge library of add-ons. Whether you want to run a simple blog, build an e-commerce store, or scale into a large business site, WordPress has the tools to make it happen.

Here are some of the key features that make it stand out in the Showit vs WordPress comparison:

• Thousands of Themes & Plugins: Customize your site’s design and functionality with endless options.
• Built for Blogging: Still the most popular platform for bloggers worldwide, and one of the best for SEO.
• E-Commerce Ready: Add WooCommerce to create a fully functional online store.
• Scalable: Works for everything from personal blogs to enterprise websites.
• Hosting Options: You choose your provider, giving you flexibility in WordPress vs Showit speed and performance.

Pros of WordPress

If you’re wondering which website platform is best for SEO, WordPress is hard to beat. It’s designed to handle everything from keyword optimization to complex site structures, making it the top choice for businesses that want to rank well in search engines. But SEO isn’t its only strength. WordPress is also one of the most cost-effective and scalable website building platforms available today.

Here are the main advantages:

• Ultimate Flexibility: If you can dream it, you can build it with the right themes and plugins. Although there is a bit of a learning curve here, and you should be prepared to put in the time and energy, especially if you are a newbie. 
• SEO Powerhouse: The clear leader for blogging, content creation, and search rankings.
• Cost-Effective: The software is free, you just pay for hosting and any premium extras.
• Scalable: Perfect for any business size, from solo entrepreneurs to global brands.
• Massive Community: With endless tutorials, forums, and developers, help is always available.

Cons of WordPress

We know that no platform is perfect. While WordPress is powerful, it comes with a few challenges that small business owners should be aware of. Compared to Showit, it requires more technical know-how and ongoing management. For some, this makes the Showit vs WordPress decision easier. If you want low-maintenance simplicity, WordPress might feel like too much.

Here are some of the drawbacks:

• Steeper Learning Curve: Not as beginner-friendly as Showit and you should expect to spend time learning.
• Requires Maintenance: You’ll be responsible for updates, backups, and security.
• Decision Fatigue: With thousands of themes and plugins, choosing the right ones can be overwhelming.
• Design Limitations Without Help: To achieve a truly custom look, you may need a page builder or developer.

Showit vs WordPress: Side-by-Side Comparison

When deciding between Showit vs WordPress, it helps to look at the two platforms side by side. Both are among the best website platforms for small business, but they stand out in very different areas. 

Here’s how they compare when it comes to ease of use, design freedom, blogging, SEO, e-commerce, speed, and pricing.

Ease of Use:  While Showit also has a bit of a learning curve up front, it’s much easier to update than WordPress once your site is live. Swapping photos, editing text, or changing colors is simple, giving small business owners long-term control without needing a developer. As a designer, I like to include training with my clients’ templates so you can confidently manage your site on your own!

Design Freedom: Showit was built for creative freedom. You can move text, images, and shapes anywhere on the page, making it ideal for personal brands that want a custom look. WordPress design is tied to your theme or page builder, which means it can be incredibly flexible but sometimes more difficult to master.

Designer Templates & Support: Showit has a strong template ecosystem. As a Showit aficionado, I like to offer my clients templates bundled with my branding kits, copywriting guides, and tutorials. This gives small business owners more than just a pretty design. It provides the tools and support to launch strategically with confidence.

Blogging: When it comes to WordPress vs Showit for blogging, WordPress takes the lead. While Showit integrates with WordPress for blogs, WordPress itself is the gold standard for content creators, offering advanced features, organization, and SEO tools. Do keep in mind that Showit is still more than capable here.  

E-Commerce: WordPress dominates this category. With WooCommerce, you can build anything from a small online shop to a full-scale e-commerce business. Showit’s e-commerce options are limited, typically relying on Shopify Lite for small product catalogs.

Speed: Comparing WordPress vs Showit speed depends largely on hosting. Showit includes hosting in its subscription, which means you’re tied to their servers, but performance is generally very good. WordPress lets you choose from the best website hosting platforms for small business, which means you can optimize for speed and performance as your site grows.

Pricing: One of the most common questions is WordPress vs Showit pricing. Showit plans run between $19–$39 per month and include hosting. WordPress software itself is free, but you’ll pay for hosting (typically $5–$25/month) plus any premium themes or plugins. Showit is simpler to budget for, while WordPress can be more affordable, (or more expensive), depending on your setup.

Support: This is a BIG ONE! Showit includes dedicated customer support in every plan, which is a big draw for beginners. WordPress relies on community support, though you can purchase managed hosting or hire developers for more hands-on help.

Showit vs WordPress for SEO

One of the top questions small business owners ask is which website platform is best for SEO?

Showit SEO covers the basics like custom page titles, meta descriptions, image alt text, and separate mobile layouts. Hosting is included, so performance is reliable, and with WordPress powering the blog, you can use SEO plugins like Yoast or Rank Math. This gives you the best of both worlds! Creative Showit design with the WordPress SEO engine behind it.

WordPress SEO goes a little bit further. It’s considered the best website platform for SEO thanks to advanced tools, customizable hosting for speed, and the ability to scale for large volumes of content.

Showit delivers solid SEO for creatives and small businesses, but if SEO and content are central to your growth, WordPress is the slightly stronger choice in the Showit vs WordPress debate.

Beyond Features: Strategy Matters Too

While comparing pricing, SEO, speed, and support is helpful, those aren’t the only factors to consider when choosing a website builder. A successful site isn’t just about how fast it loads or how much it costs. It’s about how effectively it guides visitors toward your services.

As a designer, I thrive on combining Showit’s design flexibility with wireframing and customer journey mapping, so your site isn’t just beautiful. It’s built with intention. I talk more about this in depth on my podcast. 

Every page, button, and section is designed to flow naturally and encourage action, turning casual visitors into paying clients. 

For those weighing Showit vs WordPress, this kind of support makes Showit especially appealing for businesses that want both aesthetics and strategy baked in from the start. 

Who Should Use Showit?

Showit is one of the best website platforms for small business owners who value design and ease of use. It’s best for:

• Photographers, designers, and creative entrepreneurs.
• Coaches and service-based businesses who want a professional website without tech headaches.
• Anyone who wants beautiful design, reliable hosting, and customer support in one package.

If you’re focused on branding and design impact, Showit is the star!

Who Should Use WordPress?

WordPress is the best website building platform for small business owners who prioritize SEO, growth, or e-commerce. It’s best for:

• Bloggers who care about SEO and publishing tools.
• Businesses planning to scale or add features like memberships or online courses.
• Online shops needing WooCommerce or custom e-commerce.
• Tech-savvy users (or those willing to hire help) who want ultimate control.

Choosing a Website Builder You Will Love

When it comes to Showit vs WordPress, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Both are excellent, but they serve different needs.

• Choose Showit if you want simplicity, stunning design, and built-in hosting with support.
• Choose WordPress if you want scalability, control, speed optimization, and the best platform for SEO.

At the end of the day, the question of how to choose a website builder comes down to your goals. If you’re a creative entrepreneur or small business owner looking for a done-for-you design solution, Showit is hard to beat. If your priority is blogging, and SEO visibility, WordPress is the slightly stronger choice.

Either way, both platforms are among the best website platforms for small business, you just need to decide which one fits your vision for the future.

Deciding between Showit vs WordPress 

Still feeling stuck on the Showit vs WordPress decision? You don’t have to figure it out alone. At Flourish Foundry Designs, I create Showit websites that are not only beautiful but also strategic, making them one of the best website platforms for small business owners who want both design freedom and growth. 

Whether you’re ready for a fully custom site, a Showit template with training, or simple Showit template customization, I’ll help you launch a website that feels like you and supports your business goals. Let’s bring your brand to life with a site that finally feels like you. Book a call today!