Is Wix Good For SEO? The Pros And Cons Explained And A Handy Alternative Solutions Guide

Quick answer – is Wix good for SEO?

The short answer: Good for small websites. Limiting for large scale ones.

Wix can be a good option for SEO, especially for small to medium-sized websites that want straightforward SEO capabilities without complex customization.

Wix has traditionally been known as one of the go-to options for novices to web development. Over the years, it has made huge strides when it comes to SEO, offering streamlined tools that make it easy to optimize essential elements like keywords, metadata and website structure.  It’s simple, intuitive and allows you to establish a solid SEO foundation, and you don’t need to have technical expertise to do it.

Still, while Wix’s tools cover most of the basics, they might feel limiting if you’re after more advanced features or need top-tier performance for a larger-scale website. Businesses with complex SEO strategies or specialized needs might find more flexibility on platforms with deeper customization options.

Here are alternative solutions to Wix you may want to look into:

If your SEO demands outgrow what Wix can deliver, or you’re in search of a platform that offers greater flexibility and control, it’s time to explore other options. Below, we break down where Wix falls short and highlight the platforms that are better equipped to tackle these challenges:

You can download the PDF version of this table here: Alternatives to Wix for Enhanced SEO Performance

If you’re looking for a more in-depth look at where Wix shines and where it stumbles, the rest of this article covers some of the platform’s most prominent pros and cons.

Pro #1: It offers user-friendly SEO tools for beginners.

Wix’s interface makes SEO accessible for non-experts.

Wix’s drag-and-drop feature simplifies SEO, even for those who have never dabbled in code. Even if you’re a complete beginner, Wix helps you start building an aesthetically pleasing website that works.

Source: Wix Success Academy

The platform includes two different editor options that cater to different user needs:

• Standard Wix Editor: If you’re someone who values speed and ease, the standard Wix Editor is your go-to. It’s built for simplicity, allowing you to drag, drop and publish without wrestling with technical hurdles.
• Wix Studio Editor: The Wix Studio Editor is perfect for agencies and professionals that need extra features to bring their creative visions to life. Whether it’s tweaking layouts, adjusting animations or refining the finer details of your site’s look, this editor is built for those who prefer precision and control.

Another standout feature is Wix’s AI-powered site builder, which is a lot like having a personal design assistant. It simplifies the website creation process by asking you about your business goals and personal style preferences. Based on your responses, it automatically generates a customized layout, selects relevant images and even crafts tailored copy for your website.

For industry-specific needs, Wix also offers a rich collection of professionally designed templates that cater to a wide range of industries and business types. Whether you’re running an online store, a service-based business or a creative portfolio, Wix has a template crafted with your needs in mind.

All it takes is a few tweaks – your logo, your brand colors and some personalized content – and you’ve got a site that feels custom-built for your business. 

Here are key features that make Wix ideal for small business owners:

• Integrated hosting and domain registration: Wix is a true one-stop shop for small businesses, handling both hosting and domain registration in one place. No need to juggle third-party services. That means fewer headaches and a faster setup for your online presence.
• Affordable DIY website building: Wix offers good website-building and SEO for businesses with limited budget as it empowers you to build a professional website yourself, no coding required. With over 800 templates – each one customizable – you’ll find a design that suits your industry and reflects your brand well. Plus, every template is mobile-friendly and SSL-certified for added security and credibility.
• Built-in business growth tools: Wix is packed with tools to help your business grow. Manage inventory, run email campaigns, track user engagement and even integrate your social media, all without the need for extra plugins or software. 
• SEO features for enhanced visibility: Wix’s AI meta tag generator and SEO assistant offer actionable suggestions to boost your site’s search engine rankings. It’s an easy way to enhance your visibility online without needing any advanced SEO skills.
• Reliable 24/7 support: Wix has your back with round-the-clock customer support, helping you effectively deal with technical troubles that plague you outside of business hours.

Pro #2: It provides significant control over important on-page SEO elements.

Wix has greatly improved over time to offer a complete suite of tools for tackling on-page SEO. Here’s a breakdown of what’s included and how these features can boost your SEO efforts:

Wix allows customization of SEO titles, meta descriptions and URL slugs.

When you’re fine-tuning your SEO strategy on Wix, customization is your best friend, and Wix gives you powerful ways to take full control. 

• SEO titles and meta descriptions: Wix lets you tailor both for every page, ensuring your content catches search engine attention and entices users with a compelling summary of what they’ll find. As a result, you get better visibility and click-through rates.
• Editable URL slugs: Instead of getting stuck with cumbersome, auto-generated links, you can tailor them into concise, keyword-rich URLs that search engines prefer. To make things even better, whenever you tweak a slug, Wix’s 301 redirect system ensures any SEO value from previous page links remains intact.Source: Wix

Wix’s platform offers control over indexing options.

Wix’s platform provides a robust suite of tools to give you precise control over what search engines index, ensuring your most valuable content gets the visibility it deserves.

Want to avoid duplicate content tripping up search engines? Set canonical URLs to point them to the right version of your page every time, effectively sidestepping duplicate content penalties. Meanwhile, the SEO Basics panel lets you fine-tune whether specific pages are indexed or hidden, giving you a straightforward way to decide which pages make the cut for search results.

It supports comprehensive content structure with heading tags and schema markup.

Structuring your content with heading tags and schema markup is a game-changer for clarity and SEO, and Wix offers several ways to help you in this regard. 

For one, Wix makes it very easy to organize your content with heading tags, from H1 all the way to H6. This helps create a clear hierarchy to your content, ensuring your information is digestible for both readers and search engines.

But it doesn’t stop there. Wix also has built-in support for schema markup using JSON-LD. Schema markup essentially gives search engines context for your content, making it easier for them to understand the purpose and meaning behind your pages. 

When search engines fully understand your page, you stand a better chance of appearing in rich results on search engine results pages (SERPs), capturing more attention and driving better engagement.

Wix enhances image SEO and overall security.

Wix offers several features that take the heavy lifting out of image SEO and security, empowering users to build optimized, reliable sites with ease.

• Alt text for accessibility and SEO: With Wix, you can easily add descriptive alt text to all your images. This improves website accessibility for users with visual impairments and provides search engines with context about the image. It’s a win-win for inclusivity and SEO visibility.

• Image optimization tools: Wix enables users to resize and edit images directly on the platform, ensuring fast loading times and a polished user experience. However, keep in mind that Wix renames image files automatically. While this simplifies workflows, if you happen to use any filename-specific image SEO strategies, you might need to change your approach.
• Built-in HTTPS for security: All Wix websites come with HTTPS enabled right out of the gate, safeguarding data through secure connections. Apart from building trust with tech-savvy visitors, this also makes it so you align with Google’s preference for secure sites.
• Regular security updates: Wix regularly delivers automatic security updates to protect your site, allowing you to focus on content and growth without worrying about potential vulnerabilities.

“Edit by Page” feature centralizes on-page SEO management.

Wix’s “Edit by page” feature simplifies SEO management while giving you a lot of control over your on-page SEO. Here’s how they make a difference:

• Centralized SEO dashboard: Picture this as your SEO command center. Instead of juggling multiple tabs and pages, you get a single hub where you can tweak meta tags, adjust URL slugs and manage page indexability effortlessly.
• Sortable table view for SEO elements: If you’ve ever had trouble finding SEO inconsistencies across multiple pages, this feature is sure to be helpful. This lays out all your SEO elements in a sortable table, making it easy to catch and fix things like duplicate titles or missing meta descriptions at a glance.
• Quick editing options: Why waste time navigating to individual pages for small changes? With this feature, you can make edits directly from the table view, saving precious time while maintaining consistency across your site.

Pro #3: Integrated SEO tools help Wix users optimize and track website performance.

Designed with simplicity in mind, Wix offers various tools to make SEO more approachable for users who aren’t experts but still want to see measurable results.

These tools simplify the complexity of SEO by providing structured guidance to users, allowing easy implementation of SEO tasks. They even deliver real-time insights, which are essential for monitoring site performance and improving search rankings. 

Wix’s SEO Setup Checklist and SEO Assistant provide guided optimization for beginners.

Wix’s SEO Setup Checklist helps break the process down into three easy steps, helping your website start showing up in the search results even if you’re new to SEO.

• Step 1 – A personalized game plan: This step is all about setting the stage. Wix asks you for the essential details about your business – what you do, the keywords you want to rank for and who your target audience is. From there, it tailors an SEO plan that aligns with your goals. 
• Step 2 – Homepage optimization made simple: Once the groundwork is set, the checklist walks you through optimizing your homepage elements, like titles, descriptions and keywords. 
• Step 3 – On-page tweaks that matter: In this last step, you’ll be fine-tuning the other pages of your site. From ensuring your pages are mobile-friendly to making sure your contact information is clear and accessible, it leaves no stone unturned. It even guides you on adding internal links, which improve how visitors and Google navigate your site.
  
  Source: Wix

Taking it a step further with the SEO Assistant: 

The SEO Assistant works hand-in-hand with the checklist, taking optimization a step further with page-specific recommendations. Here’s what it brings to the table:

• • Priority-based tasks to keep you focused: Tasks are ranked as Critical, High, Medium or Low priority, so you’ll know exactly what to tackle first for the biggest impact.
  • Smarter suggestions for page elements: From titles and meta descriptions to headings and image alt text, the Assistant evaluates each piece and shows you how to make them more keyword-focused and relevant.

• Keyword alignment made easy: You can specify a focus keyword for any page, and the Assistant will give you best practices to help your content do well in the search results.

Wix’s integrated analytics helps track basic SEO performance and improve user insights.

With Wix Analytics, tracking your site’s performance and improving user insights becomes a seamless part of your workflow.

Wix’s integrated analytics gives businesses a bird’s-eye view of their SEO performance while helping uncover key user insights. Through a single, intuitive dashboard, you can track visitor trends, traffic patterns and peak engagement times – in other words, invaluable clarity into how users interact with your site.

Armed with this data, you can fine-tune your content to better match what users are looking for, driving higher engagement and stronger connections. 

Integration with other platforms enhances SEO and site management capabilities.

Wix’s ability to integrate with external tools significantly expands its potential for SEO and site management, enhancing its already robust capabilities. For example:

• Google Search Console helps pinpoint indexing issues, offering actionable insights to improve search visibility.
• Google Analytics helps analyze visitor behaviors, sources and engagement to inform your strategy.
• Semrush, integrated directly into Wix, delivers advanced keyword research and recommendations, providing you with data-driven guidance on improving your search rankings.

While essential tools like Google Search Console and Google Analytics require a Premium plan, Wix offers flexibility by allowing many other integrations, such as Zapier, Microsoft Clarity and Uberall, to be added without one. This ensures that businesses of all sizes can access powerful features tailored to their needs, whether for advanced analytics, process automation, or managing local search visibility. 

Pro #4: Wix provides strong mobile-friendly features.

Let’s face it – if your site doesn’t work on mobile, you’re missing out on a massive slice of the pie. Why? Because Google’s mobile-first indexing means it’s primarily judging your site based on its mobile version. If the mobile experience is subpar, your rankings – and your traffic – could take a nosedive.

Here’s where Wix gets it right. Its platform is built with mobile-friendliness at its core, automatically generating a version that fits various screen sizes. And while this is a great start, a few thoughtful adjustments can go a long way in boosting usability and making sure everything works seamlessly.

That’s where Wix’s Mobile Editor comes in, allowing you to take control and fine-tune your site’s layout specifically for mobile users. 

Want to adjust some elements? Display or hide mobile-specific content? Optimize your site’s layout for smaller screens? It’s all in your hands, and none of it messes with your desktop design.

Source: Wix

Con #1: Code bloat may complicate SEO optimization and site maintenance.

Wix’s intuitive drag-and-drop interface is one of its biggest strengths, but this convenience has a serious downside: code bloat. 

Essentially, Wix generates a hefty amount of extra code in the front end to power its customizable features. While these design perks are handy, the extra layers of code don’t add much value to your content or SEO.

So, what does that look like? Take a look at the site map of a Wix site below:

Source: Rafael Varona

Here we have layers upon layers of <div> tags, inline styles and JavaScript frameworks that only exist to make Wix’s customization options work. 

This code bloat brings about several issues, like: 

• Reduced crawl efficiency: Search engines like Google crawl sites looking for content, relevance and structure, but with Wix, they first have to slog through layers of unnecessary code. Think of it like digging for gold but hitting rock after rock before finding the vein. This inefficiency can slow down how quickly search engines crawl and index your content, directly impacting your site’s SEO performance.
• Customization roadblocks for developers: If you need custom features or advanced SEO tweaks, Wix can be problematic to work with. The code bloat can make it very difficult to locate specific elements or implement precise adjustments, turning what should be a simple change into a time-consuming (and expensive) project. If your business relies on custom SEO strategies to compete, this can be a major handicap.

Ultimately, while Wix offers a lot of ease of use, for those looking to maintain a lean, efficient codebase for SEO, alternatives might be worth considering.

Con #2: There are potential issues with page load speed and core web vitals.

Wix has come a long way in boosting site speed, but there are still limits baked into its closed-source platform. 

Unlike open-source systems where developers can dig into the core code and fine-tune every detail, Wix keeps that level of control off-limits. This makes it tough for users to fully optimize their sites for maximum performance.

For most Wix site owners, this means you can handle the basics – like compressing images or tweaking animations – but you’ll still be working within the boundaries of the platform’s structure and scripts. For developers used to having the freedom to refine performance down to the tiniest detail, this can feel like hitting a wall.

Let’s dig into the data. A review of over 900 Wix sites (Source: My Codeless Website) shows a mixed bag of results. 

The average Largest Contentful Paint (LCP) – a critical metric in Google’s Core Web Vitals – lands at about 1.6 seconds. Not bad, but with scores ranging from a slick 0.8 seconds to a laggy 3.5 seconds, it’s clear that consistency isn’t Wix’s strong suit. 

Then there’s the average page size: 2,899 KB. That’s manageable, but it includes unnecessary scripts and other elements that balloon load times. This code bloat makes it hard for Wix sites to hit lightning-fast load times, and for businesses that need every millisecond to count, this can pose a real challenge.

For reference, here are the results of a PageSpeed Insights test on the sample Wix website we used in the previous section. It does not look good.

Wix is trying to address speed issues, but are they enough?

Wix has been stepping up its game to tackle speed issues with several built-in features aimed at boosting performance. Here’s a quick rundown of what they’re doing:

• Automatic image optimization: Images uploaded to the platform are resized automatically, sparing users the hassle of manual compression – provided the files are under 25MB.
• Global CDN (Content Delivery Network): Wix uses a global CDN to deliver your site content from servers closest to your visitors, cutting down on lag and improving load times.
• Lazy loading: High-resolution images load progressively, showing low-res placeholders first to improve perceived speed. 
• Defense against DDOS attacks: Built-in protection helps keep sites running smoothly even during potential threats.
• Site Speed Dashboard: This handy tool lets you track page speed metrics right in Wix using Google PageSpeed Insights data. While it doesn’t fix speed issues, it helps you keep an eye on performance over time.

These features are definitely a step in the right direction, but many Wix sites still fall short on speed compared to other CMS platforms. The problem? Wix focuses too much on the basics – image compression, reducing animations, cutting back on plugins, etc. – but lacks deeper options for users who want to tinker with scripts or fine-tune performance.

For smaller sites with moderate traffic, Wix’s optimizations might be enough. But if you’re running a high-traffic site or competing in a fast-paced niche, these limitations could hold you back. It’s a solid effort, but whether or not it’s enough depends on how much speed matters to your site’s success.

Con #3: You can’t transfer your Wix website to another host.

Wix might feel like a dream platform when you’re starting out, but its closed structure can become a real headache if you ever want to switch hosting providers. 

You see, Wix uses a proprietary setup, so any site built on their platform is locked into their servers. Sure, you can move your domain elsewhere, but your content, design and features? Those are staying with Wix.

This is tied to how Wix operates as a SaaS (Software as a Service) platform. Everything from your site’s layout to its functionality is built using Wix’s proprietary HTML5 tech. While this ensures smooth performance while you’re on their system, it’s also the reason you can’t just pack up and take your site with you. 

Wix doesn’t offer an export option, meaning if you ever want to leave, you’ll need to rebuild your entire site from scratch – an overwhelming task for any business.

For growing businesses, this can be a major limitation. What starts as a user-friendly solution might eventually feel restrictive when you eventually need more flexibility or customization. If Wix can’t meet your evolving needs, the inability to easily migrate can hold back your growth.

In short, with Wix, you’re all in – and that’s worth thinking about before you commit.

Final verdict: When Wix works and when to consider alternatives

Here are ideal scenarios where Wix can meet basic SEO needs effectively.

• A user-friendly platform for small businesses and startups: Wix shines as an easy-to-use tool for small businesses, freelancers, startups and personal brands looking to get online quickly and efficiently. Its intuitive drag-and-drop interface makes creating a professional-looking website simple, even without coding knowledge. If the technical aspects of your website aren’t a priority, you can use Wix to skip the headaches and focus on what you do best.
• Built-in SEO tools for optimization: Features like the SEO Setup Checklist ensure your website is decently optimized for search engines. For local businesses, Wix also includes local search optimization tools, making it easier to get noticed by nearby customers actively searching for your services.
• Mobile optimization and secure browsing: Wix ensures your site is optimized for mobile browsing right out of the box, meaning potential customers get a smooth experience no matter the device they’re using. Plus, its secure HTTPS protocol builds trust and protects user data, which is pretty much mandatory in this day and age.
• Visual appeal made easy with automatic image resizing: Creating a visually stunning site is simple with Wix’s automatic image resizing. This feature ensures your visuals look sharp and professional without requiring extra effort. 
• Ecommerce made simple for small business owners: Whether you’re launching a boutique store or selling services online, Wix offers tools that integrate seamlessly with social media platforms. With the help of a good ecommerce SEO agency, you can grow your digital footprint and attract more customers without dealing with the complexities of traditional ecommerce setups.
• Ideal for less competitive markets: For entrepreneurs operating in less crowded markets, Wix is a smart and efficient choice. It enables you to establish a strong online presence quickly while keeping costs low. The simplicity of the platform ensures you can focus on achieving your business goals rather than wrestling with complex technology.

Situations where transitioning to a more flexible platform is recommended:

• When simplicity turns into a limitation: As your ambitions grow, Wix’s limitations unfortunately begin to surface. The lack of backend flexibility, inability to edit code freely and restricted speed optimization can leave you feeling boxed in, especially in competitive industries.
• Scaling on a closed platform: For businesses expecting rapid growth or frequent content updates, scalability is a dealbreaker. Wix’s closed infrastructure means your website is forever tethered to their system. If you want to migrate to another platform, you’ll have to rebuild your entire site from scratch – a costly ordeal that can derail your SEO momentum during critical growth phases.
• The SEO hurdles you can’t ignore: In competitive markets, advanced SEO is often the difference between thriving and getting left behind. Unfortunately, Wix doesn’t offer the backend freedom needed for custom scripts, API integrations or database configurations. These tools are essential for driving complex, data-rich technical SEO strategies. Without them, your ability to optimize performance or stay ahead of algorithm updates is significantly hindered.
• Speed matters – but not with Wix: With limited access to advanced optimization techniques, Wix websites can struggle to deliver the speed and responsiveness modern users expect. This could mean losing potential customers before your site even loads.

Area Ten’s programmatic SEO approach is built to optimize Wix sites and beyond.

At Area Ten, we know Wix is a powerhouse for its ease of use and accessibility – a solid choice for businesses looking to get online fast. 

But when it comes to advanced SEO and customization? That’s where things get tricky. We’re here to help you break through those limitations. Our programmatic SEO strategies are designed to tackle the unique challenges of platforms like Wix while boosting performance across any CMS, even closed systems.

Since our SEO agency in Australia launched in 2014, we’ve been on a mission to deliver smarter SEO solutions that actually work. Our team of over 130 SEO specialists focuses on precision, scalability and results you can count on. Our Full Body SEO strategy is built to maximize your site’s visibility from every angle, covering head, shoulder and long tail keywords. 

Our innovative content strategy integrates with any CMS.

We start by getting to the heart of your business goals and uncovering the SEO opportunities that matter most. Then, we perform in-depth keyword research, prioritizing the terms that bring real commercial value. 

With this groundwork in place, we craft tailored, long-form content for high-impact keywords while our dynamic, AI-generated content locks down long tail terms. It’s a full-coverage approach that ensures your site dominates across the search landscape.

At the core of it all is our proprietary programmatic SEO platform. It’s built to deliver unique, scalable content fast without compromising your site’s speed or design. 

And here’s the game changer: CMAX is completely CMS-agnostic. 

Whether you’re working on an open platform or a closed system like Wix, our content integrates seamlessly. Using a smart combo of asynchronous JavaScript and a unique Div ID, CMAX keeps page load times fast while blending beautifully with your site’s style. Plus, our dynamic updates mean you can skip the tedious manual tweaks.

The implementation is mind-blowingly simple as well: with just two lines of JavaScript code added to the pages you want optimized, CMAX handles all the heavy lifting. 

What you’ve learned

• Wix provides user-friendly SEO tools and features ideal for small businesses and beginners, but it falls short in flexibility and scalability for advanced SEO needs.
• Wix allows customization of key SEO elements like titles, meta descriptions, URL slugs and heading tags, enabling foundational optimization.
• Features like the SEO Setup Checklist, AI-powered assistance and integrated analytics make SEO more approachable for non-experts.
• Wix prioritizes mobile optimization, aligning with Google’s mobile-first indexing and offers tools to fine-tune mobile layouts.
• Code-heavy design elements and limited backend customization can slow site performance and hinder SEO efficiency.
• Wix’s proprietary system locks users into its platform, making it impossible to transfer sites to other hosts without rebuilding from scratch.
• For businesses looking to scale or improve advanced SEO, Area Ten’s programmatic, CMS-agnostic SEO solutions provide flexibility, automation, and measurable results beyond Wix’s capabilities.

Go beyond basics and elevate your SEO strategy with Area Ten.
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