Stop Renting. Start Owning Your Website Future
When it comes to building a website, the upfront costs are just one part of the picture. Over time, what looks affordable and straightforward at first can turn into a much bigger investment than expected. At Ezyweb Australia, we often get asked which option is better for the long run: WordPress or a subscription-based builder like Wix, Squarespace, or Shopify.
The answer? It depends on what you’re planning to do with your website — but if long-term control, flexibility and ownership matter to you, WordPress often comes out ahead.
Here’s why.
1. Understanding the Upfront Costs
Subscription-based builders, such as Wix or Squarespace, offer straightforward packages. You pick a plan, pay monthly or annually, and get access to design tools and hosting all in one.
WordPress, on the other hand, is free as a platform — but you’ll need to pay for hosting, a domain name, and sometimes a premium theme or plugin to get started.
At first glance, the builders seem easier and cheaper. But that’s only the beginning of the story.
2. What Happens Over Time?
This is where the real cost differences start to show.
Cost Area WordPress (Self-hosted)Subscription Builders
Platform cost : Free Ongoing monthly fee
Hosting ~$120–$300/year (depending on needs) Included in subscription
Design flexibility High (customisable) Limited to templates
Plugins/Features: Many are free, some paid. Often, only in higher plans
Scalability Excellent Can be restrictive
Ownership: You own your site entirely. You’re renting your site
Over the course of 3–5 years, the subscription model adds up. You’ll keep paying for the platform, whether you update your website or not. And if you want to leave? You usually can’t take your site with you — just your content.
By choosing WordPress, you’re not just making a decision about your website, you’re taking control of your online presence. You choose your host, your domain, your design, and your functionality. Once it’s built, you’re not locked into any one provider, giving you the confidence and control you need.
3. What About Maintenance?
Yes, WordPress needs a little looking after — plugin updates, security checks, and backups. But these tasks are routine and often automated, especially if you’re working with a managed hosting provider like us at Ezyweb Australia.
With subscription-based platforms, maintenance is taken care of — but so is control. You can’t tweak performance settings or optimise how your site loads in the same way. You’re limited to what the platform allows.
4. Are There Hidden Costs?
With subscription builders, premium features — like booking systems, ecommerce, or third-party app integrations — often require jumping to a higher plan or paying for extras. The advertised price may not be what you end up paying.
With WordPress, there’s usually a free plugin for most features, or a one-off cost for something more advanced. Over time, these small upfront costs can save you hundreds compared to ongoing monthly upgrades.
5. Thinking Long-Term
If your website is a short-term project — say, a landing page for a one-off event — a subscription builder might be fine. But if you’re investing in a long-term online presence, it pays to think beyond the next 12 months.
WordPress gives you:
- Full ownership
- Room to grow
- Better SEO control
- Access to thousands of integrations
- A large global support community
And importantly, you’re not stuck paying for something you don’t use.
Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?
If you’re looking for ease of setup and don’t plan to change much, a subscription-based builder might suit you.
But if you’re thinking ahead — and want a website that grows with your business, adapts to your needs, and gives you long-term value, WordPress is a smarter investment. It’s not just about the initial setup, it’s about the long-term security and reassurance that your website will continue to meet your needs.
At Ezyweb Australia, we’re not just about hosting, we’re about support. We specialise in managed WordPress hosting and support for Australian businesses who want websites that last. If you’re ready to take ownership of your site and get more from your online presence, we’re here to help, providing you with the support and guidance you need to make the most of your website.
Need help moving from a subscription builder to WordPress?
Let’s chat about how we can make the transition easy — and affordable — for your business.
