Search engine optimization (SEO) professionals have long expressed dissatisfaction with platforms other than WordPress, mainly because they prefer WordPress’s comprehensive SEO capabilities and customizability.
However, this perception may be outdated as Wix develops more robust SEO functionality.
The debate was sparked recently by an insightful Reddit thread on why SEO professionals remain wary of Wix, with contributions from experienced marketing professionals and industry insiders like Google’s John Mueller.
Emerging Wix Developments
According to the original poster on Reddit, Wix markets itself as a user-friendly platform designed for those with limited coding skills who desire to create their own website.
Over the past few years, Wix has incorporated increased SEO functionalities to cater to the needs of its growing user base. It even added generative AI tools for website design.
Nevertheless, Wix’s past reputation still lingers, creating a barrier for users with unfavorable experiences with the platform.
This wariness has generated a preference for WordPress, a platform praised for its innate SEO capabilities and customization options.
Employing SEO features on Wix makes the platform viable for SEO.
Notably, the discussion underscores that while Wix has improved its SEO capabilities, it is ultimately up to the user to use them effectively.
Delegate Website Management
Instead of obsessing over granular details, he suggested that most people (and their clients) focus on the larger picture by delegating website management to a specialized team.
“The other (really for me: bigger) thing is that IMO most people should just not be running their own website or server, period.”
He argued that this mitigates risk, guarantees maintenance, and frees one from dealing with technicalities that experts could handle better.
“Speed, structured data, metaverse-ML, whatever the world throws at you – a platform will be able to do this for everyone, immediately, and they will fix it if it doesn’t work properly.”
SEO professionals should effectively stay in their own lane regarding website management.
“Let a professional do it, just like *you* are probably the professional when it comes to SEO.”
Nevertheless, Mueller’s view might be challenging for those who crave control and direct impact on results.
He maintained that in 2023, the web has evolved considerably, and clinging to older practices may leave one unable to adapt to future changes.
Prepare Ready For Change
Ultimately, Mueller hopes that SEO professionals will focus on staying at the forefront of technology.
“Y’all should be – and can be – at the forefront of technology, and sometimes that means letting experts do their things, just like you’re the expert of your things. The only constant is change, and there’s going to be more change in the future, and it’ll be harder to adapt if we try to hold it back and have to take a bigger jump.”
Does the “change” refer to advancements in AI for Google search, such as continued development of Search Generative Experience (SGE) capabilities? That remains to be seen.
As highlighted by this Reddit discussion, the final decision on website hosting and what to focus upon lies in what SEO professionals value more.
It also emphasizes the importance of evolving with changing web dynamics and staying up-to-date with platform developments to make informed decisions about marketing technology.
Featured image: Tada Images/Shutterstock
If you’re an SEO professional, you’ve probably heard some complaints about platforms other than WordPress. Many professionals prefer WordPress because of its comprehensive SEO capabilities and customizability. However, it’s time to reevaluate this perception as Wix is making significant strides in enhancing its SEO functionality.
A Reddit thread discussing why SEO professionals remain wary of Wix sheds light on the topic. The thread includes insights from experienced marketers, including Google’s John Mueller.
Wix’s Advancements
According to a Reddit user, Wix positions itself as a user-friendly platform catering to individuals with limited coding skills who want to create their own websites. Over the years, Wix has been actively adding more SEO functionalities to cater to its expanding user base. The platform even incorporates generative AI tools for website design.
However, Wix’s past reputation still affects user perception. Many users remain hesitant due to negative experiences with the platform, leading them to prefer WordPress, known for its SEO capabilities and customization options.
That being said, Wix is now a viable option for SEO. It offers various SEO features. Nevertheless, it’s crucial for users to effectively utilize these features to achieve optimal results.
Delegating Website Management
In a refreshing perspective, it is suggested that individuals, including SEO professionals and their clients, focus on the bigger picture rather than getting caught up in granular website management details. By delegating website management tasks to specialized teams, individuals can mitigate risks, ensure proper maintenance, and free themselves from technicalities that experts can handle better.
“The other (really for me: bigger) thing is that IMO most people should just not be running their own website or server, period.”
The argument is that a platform can handle various aspects like speed, structured data, and emerging technologies, ensuring that everything functions optimally for all users, fixing any issues that arise.
“Speed, structured data, metaverse-ML, whatever the world throws at you – a platform will be able to do this for everyone, immediately, and they will fix it if it doesn’t work properly.”
Regarding website management, SEO professionals should stay in their own lane and let professionals handle it, just as they are experts in SEO. However, it’s understandable that some individuals may struggle with relinquishing control and direct impact on results. It’s important to acknowledge that the web has evolved significantly in 2023, and holding onto outdated practices may impede adaptation to future changes.
Embracing Change
John Mueller encourages SEO professionals to embrace technological advancements and stay at the forefront of innovation. This means allowing experts to do their thing, just as SEO professionals excel in their domain. Change is constant, and resisting it could make it harder to adapt in the future.
“Y’all should be – and can be – at the forefront of technology, and sometimes that means letting experts do their things, just like you’re the expert of your things. The only constant is change, and there’s going to be more change in the future, and it’ll be harder to adapt if we try to hold it back and have to take a bigger jump.”
While it’s unclear what specific changes Mueller refers to, possibilities include advancements in AI for Google search, such as the ongoing development of Search Generative Experience (SGE) capabilities.
As discussed in this Reddit thread, the final decision on website hosting and priorities ultimately depends on what SEO professionals value most. It’s essential to adapt to evolving web dynamics and stay updated on platform developments to make informed decisions about marketing technology.
For professional SEO services in Augusta, check out SEO Augusta. We are an experienced team of SEO experts dedicated to helping businesses optimize their online presence.
Featured image: Tada Images/Shutterstock
