WordPress vs Shopify vs Wix: Which is Best for a NZ Business Website?

You’ve decided to build or rebuild your website. Now you’re stuck in platform paralysis. Here’s an unbiased, NZ-specific comparison of the three platforms most NZ businesses land on.

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WordPress, The Most Powerful, Most Flexible Option

WordPress powers 43% of all websites globally and is the platform of choice for most NZ digital agencies, including Bright Box. It’s open-source, endlessly customisable, and has the most comprehensive SEO ecosystem of any platform.

Best for: Service businesses, professional services, blogs, portfolio sites, and anyone serious about SEO.
Cost: Platform is free. Hosting ($200–$600/year), theme ($50–$150), plugins. Agency build: $3,000–$10,000+.
Honest downside: WordPress requires maintenance, plugin updates, security patches, backups. Not “set and forget.”

Shopify, The Clear Winner for E-Commerce

If you’re selling products online, Shopify is the most purpose-built, reliable e-commerce platform available. Used by thousands of NZ retailers.

Best for: Any NZ business selling physical or digital products online.
Cost: $49–$399 NZD/month. Agency build: $4,000–$15,000+.
Honest downside: Expensive for occasional sellers, and weaker for content/SEO compared to WordPress.

Wix, The Fastest Way to Get Online, But With Limits

Wix is where most NZ business owners start when they build their first website themselves. The drag-and-drop editor is genuinely easy to use.

Best for: Sole traders and startups needing something professional quickly with a minimal budget.
Cost: $28–$59 NZD/month.
Honest downside: Real limitations for SEO, speed, and scalability. Migrating away from Wix later is painful.

The Bright Box Recommendation

✅ Just need a professional presence: Wix or Squarespace to start.
✅ Service business wanting leads and SEO: WordPress, every time.
✅ Selling products online: Shopify for pure e-commerce.
✅ Growing business planning for 5 years: Build on WordPress now.