WordPress and Jimdo are the two most popular website builders. While they offer unique website builder capabilities, their core functionalities are always different.
While Jimdo’s no-code website builder focuses on simplicity, WordPress is a content management system where users need basic coding proficiency. That said, a website created on these platforms will always capture the target audience’s attention.
This article will discuss WordPress vs Jimdo. I will highlight all the core differences between these two platforms to ensure you choose the right one for your business.
WordPress vs Jimdo: A detailed comparison
Before you read those differences, remember that WordPress and Jimdo aren’t similar. Yes, they both can build a website effectively. However, Jimdo is a website builder, and WordPress is a CMS.
I’m comparing these two mainly because of their website creation capabilities. So, they both serve different purposes and customers. Let’s see how Jimdo is different from WordPress.
1. Ease of Use
The first thing you need to consider is whether a website builder is easy to use. Some have a steep learning curve and a complicated dashboard, and I usually don’t recommend such website builders to beginners.
And if you don’t have any coding details, it will become problematic. So, you must ensure you can use the website builders easily and create a fantastic website without hiccups.
WordPress: User-friendly for advanced users
WordPress stands out as one of the easiest and most user-friendly CMS platforms available today, especially compared to other web design options. However, setting up the first website on WordPress can be challenging for those without coding knowledge.
Besides basic coding, users need to choose hosting and a domain name, install WordPress themselves, integrate themes and plugins, and maintain the site—tasks that can be daunting for beginners. Additionally, the security risks of multiple integrations can add to the complexity.
WordPress’s dashboard is quite straightforward, with all essential settings organized. A preview mode is available, allowing users to see what the site will look like before it goes live, which is a helpful feature for all users.
When it comes to support, WordPress doesn’t offer dedicated customer support, as it’s a free platform. However, it has a large, active community where users can find answers to questions. Additionally, numerous helpful guides, tutorials, and online resources for learning the system thoroughly make WordPress hard to beat in this regard.
Jimdo: User-friendly for all users
Jimdo has gained popularity for its user-friendly approach, especially aimed at beginners. As a website builder designed for non-coders, it offers an intuitive experience through a drag-and-drop interface in the What-You-See-Is-What-You-Get mode.
The platform operates without coding requirements unless users utilize the built-in HTML/CSS template editor. While this editor is cohesive, it lacks distinct sections for managing website settings (domain names, billing, SEO, and contributors) and content editing, which could enhance the user experience for newcomers.
Compared to WordPress, Jimdo offers an advanced AI-based tool. Users can create a project in automated mode simply by answering questions related to their business or website specialization, making it an excellent feature for beginners or anyone looking to save time and effort on their projects.
Jimdo also provides robust user support. Its Support Center is well-equipped and offers a variety of customer assistance options, including comprehensive user guides and 24/7 live chat. Additionally, Jimdo has a YouTube channel filled with regularly updated video tutorials.
However, the level of customer support available is contingent on the subscription plan. Users on free accounts cannot access customer support, while those on paid plans receive assistance based on their chosen subscription level.
The Winner: Jimdo
Jimdo is perfect for beginners
Jimdo comes with more ease of use for different users, whether you’re a professional web developer or a beginner. You don’t need to worry about any coding-related issues. However, if you know codes, you’ll like WordPress better due to its customization.
2. eCommerce features
Nowadays, people aren’t building casual websites to create a portfolio. With the rise of eCommerce platforms, business owners focus on selling their products and services online. Then comes another important part of WordPress vs Jimdo.
Creating a superb eCommerce website will help you stand apart from the crowd, so the website builder must have eCommerce features.
WordPress: You won’t get any built-in eCommerce features
WordPress does not have built-in eCommerce capabilities; instead, it relies on plugin integrations to support online selling. Users can choose from several popular eCommerce plugins to add these features, such as Cart66 Cloud, WP eCommerce, Ecwid eCommerce Shopping Cart, BigCommerce WP Plugin, and WP EasyCart.
Among these, WooCommerce stands out as the leading option. Specifically built for WordPress, WooCommerce is an open-source shopping cart plugin that allows users to create and manage feature-rich online stores. WooCommerce is currently the most popular plugin, with more than 220 million downloads.
While WooCommerce is free to download and install, certain advanced features require additional paid extensions to enhance store functionality. WooCommerce includes a user-friendly setup wizard and robust built-in eCommerce features.
These include options for discounts and special promotions, geolocation support, mobile optimization, the ability to sell both physical and digital products, coupon creation, product reviews, multiple checkout options, intuitive product categorization, secure inventory management, and more.
Jimdo: Comes with various eCommerce functionalities
Jimdo includes a capable eCommerce engine, allowing users to build customizable online stores for small businesses. However, the platform has limited flexibility for large-scale eCommerce, so it’s best suited for simpler stores rather than extensive hypermarkets.
Jimdo’s built-in eCommerce tools let you set product display options, configure tax and shipping details (including individual tax rates for specific products), connect Stripe and PayPal for payments, manage order returns and cancellations, customize email confirmations and checkout messages, and handle other essential eCommerce settings.
Additionally, Jimdo offers a variety of eCommerce templates with click-to-edit tools for easy customization to match your brand’s style. Launching a web store with Jimdo is quick, often taking just a few minutes.
The Winner: Jimdo
Jimdo is made for eCommerce businesses
Unlike WordPress, Jimdo was made with eCommerce businesses in mind. You can easily connect to payments gateways, which will allow you to receive payments from your customers. You may get the same from WordPress, but you need to install plugins from the store.
3. Blogging features
Now comes the blogging part. The blogs you upload will have a solid impact on your website’s visibility and organic traffic. But that’s not the main question.
You cannot just open your website and upload blogs. The website builder must come with proper blogging features. Otherwise, there’s no way you can upload blogs.
WordPress: Excellent blogging templates and styles
Originally designed as a blogging platform, WordPress offers extensive features and tools tailored to create a standout blog.
Users can select from a vast library of templates and utilize extensive customization options to develop a unique blogging style. The admin panel has settings and elements that allow users to create an ideal blog layout.
WordPress also supports a variety of plugins that enhance blogging functionality, including popular options like Jetpack, Everest Forms, Akismet, User Registration, WPDiscuz, UpdraftPlus, NextGEN Gallery, Easy Social Sharing, and Maintenance Page. These plugins enable effective blog development and optimization.
Jimdo: Can take your blogging to a next level
Jimdo includes a versatile blogging engine, enabling users to set up and manage a themed blog with ease. With Jimdo, you can create and edit dynamic posts and integrate media files, widgets, HTML elements, online forms, animations, and Google Maps.
The platform also supports responsive design customization, allowing users to choose from various eCommerce templates, categorize and tag blog posts, and set SEO parameters.
However, it does not offer a scheduled publication feature; instead, you can create article drafts to save, publish, and share whenever needed.
The Winner: WordPress
WordPress has more effective blogging
While Jimdo has some great blogging functionalities, WordPress is clearly a winner here. I’ve been using WordPress for the past 4 years and I know how effective its blogging features are.
4. Integrations
I must emphasize this point: Third-party integrations are a lifesaver. Whether you use Jimdo or any other website builder, these integrations will play a key role.
This is because no website builder can prove 100% effective. There will be some shortcomings, and the integrations are the best way to address them.
WordPress: Powerful integrations and plugins
WordPress distinguishes itself with its extensive and versatile integration options. For nearly any feature you want to add to your website, there’s likely a WordPress-compatible plugin available.
The CMS includes a set of plugins by default, with hundreds more, free and paid, readily accessible online. This variety allows users to select plugins that match their website’s unique requirements and industry focus.
The range of external integrations is vast and varied, covering areas like SEO, marketing, eCommerce, blogging, business, portfolio creation, project promotion, anti-spam protection, and analytics tracking. Free and premium versions are available, with paid options generally offering enhanced security and reliability.
Remember that WordPress plugins often require regular updates to remain compatible with the latest WordPress version and match specific project needs.
This can be challenging for those without technical expertise. However, if you use Bluehost for hosting, the installed plugins will update automatically, which is an excellent advantage for non-coders.
Jimdo: No in-built app store for integrations
Jimdo does not feature a built-in app store, but it provides access to a wide array of third-party widgets that can be integrated into your site through the Widget/HTML element.
These options include tools like MailChimp, LinkedIn, Yelp, Fotomoto, Disqus, Eventbrite ticketing, Tidio Live Chat, popular social media platforms, Infogram for infographics, and Google Calendar.
Additionally, Jimdo supports embedding YouTube videos and offers a robust photo gallery, allowing users to choose high-quality images to enhance their website’s visual appeal.
The Winner: WordPress
WordPress has more reliable integrations
In terms of integrations or plugins, WordPress has a clear edge over Jimdo. This is because you won’t get any built-in app store in Jimdo, whereas WordPress has a dedicated plugin store with hundreds of different plugins.
5. Template editing
The templates will also impact your website building process. I usually like using templates rather than designing something from scratch. It’s easier and less hectic than a manual process.
However, the templates must be highly customizable. If you can’t edit those templates, there’s no point in using that website builder.
WordPress: Templates are extremely customizable
WordPress offers a vast library of templates, with hundreds more available from third-party developers specifically designed for the platform. These templates come in both free and paid versions; however, free themes tend to be less secure and unreliable than premium options.
Some themes support drag-and-drop editing, while others require customization through code, which may need programming skills or basic web design knowledge base. WordPress themes are also easily switchable, allowing flexibility in design changes.
The simplified Gutenberg block editor has been introduced with the latest WordPress update. This editor offers an experience similar to that of traditional website editors in terms of content and layout customization.
The Gutenberg Editor allows users to add and configure functional blocks to create the website’s layout. Available blocks include titles, paragraphs, lists, quotes, images, galleries, video/audio files, layout elements, code, popular add-ons, and widgets. Each block is individually customizable, helping users create a distinctive website design.
Jimdo: Easier to use for beginners
Jimdo offers two editing modes to cater to different user needs. The first option is the Creator Editor, which is ideal for users with coding knowledge. It includes 15 pre-designed, free, and responsive templates optimized for mobile and tablet viewing.
These templates are organized by category, and users can switch between them without losing content. Within the Creator Editor, users can customize their site by creating navigation menus, online stores, portfolios, or other layouts, with the option to use HTML/CSS for added personalization.
For those looking for more customization, Jimdo provides a Standard Editor within the Creator Editor, suited for users with a design background who prefer independent editing. The Custom Template Interface also allows manual code editing for more granular design control.
The second editing option is an AI-powered editor designed for inexperienced users. This AI tool helps users quickly create a simple, personalized website by answering questions about their business.
Websites created with the AI tool come with preloaded images, text, and content, giving them an appealing and functional design. Users can also connect social media accounts like Instagram and Facebook, allowing integration of social media images for a more personalized and visually engaging website.
The Winner: WordPress
WordPress templates are highly editable
Jimdo’s templates are good, don’t get me wrong here. But WordPress’s templates are more customizable and unique. Even though you might need to spend a few dollars, the end results will always be worth the money and effort.
6. SEO
Search engine optimization will always boost your website’s visibility and SERP rankings. Thus, you need to pay close attention to the SERP capabilities of a website builder. Some come with excellent SEO options, while others fail in this criteria.
WordPress: Can take your site to higher SERP rankings
WordPress performs well in search engine optimization, leveraging the power of specialized plugins to enhance SEO capabilities. Many plugins are available, allowing users to select options that match their site’s needs, SEO objectives, and budget.
Some of the most popular and effective SEO plugins include Yoast SEO, SEMRush, Google Search Console, All In One SEO Pack, Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, SEO Press, Rank Math, and Broken Link Checker.
These tools provide a range of features to support on-page optimization, keyword tracking, link analysis, and more, helping users improve their website’s visibility and performance.
Jimdo: Sites are optimized for SEO
Jimdo enables users to create projects that are optimized for search engines from the outset. It offers various options for independently enhancing a website’s SEO performance.
Users can add or edit meta tags (titles and descriptions), customize page URLs, and, for premium plan subscribers, modify automatically generated page names. If necessary, these subscribers can also specify exact web page URLs and adjust additional SEO settings, such as robot meta tags.
Additionally, Jimdo supports URL redirects and assists beginners in managing standard SEO settings through the RankingCoach add-on.
The Winner: Jimdo
Jimdo can boost site rankings
While WordPress website is good for SEO, Jimdo takes it to a whole new level. It comes with in-built options that will boost your site rankings. You never have to worry about poor SERP rankings for your website.
7. Pricing
Now, let’s talk a thing or two about the pricing plan. I personally belive that a high pricing structure will put a lot of toll on the financial budget. This is especially true for small businesses as they have to run on a very tight budget.
WordPress: Not too affordable
While WordPress is one of the best platforms to create a website, unfortunately I couldn’t say the same for the pricing structure. You will get a free plan. but that’s all. The rest of them are paid and they are not quite cost-effective.
WordPress pricing structure
1. Free: $0
2. Starter: $5/month
3. Explorer: $11/month
4. Creator: $35/month
3. Entrepreneur: $63/month
The free plan is completely useless. Even if you want to create a personal portfolio using the free plan, it would still look unprofessional. You cannot connect to a domain name or hosting or SEO plugins. That’s why I recommend upgrading to a premium plan.
Jimdo: Affordable pricing
Jimdo kept the user affordability in mind. Therefore, the pricing structure of Jimdo will undoubtedly prove beneficial for small businesses. You can even use the free plan to create basic website and showcase your portfolio.
Jimdo pricing structure
1. Free: $0
2. Start: $11/month
3. Grow: $17/month
If you want to create an eCommerce store, Jimdo provides a separate plan for that. However, there won’t be any free plans like the basic website creation plans. You need to upgrade to a premium one and test the features yourself.
The Winner: Jimdo
Jimdo’s pricing is more affordable
As you can see from the comparison above, Jimdo has a more affordable pricing structure. While WordPress may look cost-effective, don’t forget to consider the additional costs associated with domains, paid themes, paid plugins, etc.
Which website builder should you choose?
As you can see, Both WordPress and Jimdo have excellent features and capabilities. They also share some unique advantages and drawbacks.
Now, the choice depends on you and your business’s unique needs. Sometimes, WordPress will benefit you, and sometimes, you’ll find the Jimdo website more attractive. However, a WordPress website will always look more professional than Jimdo.
What’s your opinion on my WordPress vs Jimdo blog? Did you find it informative? Let me know in the comments below.
