Why I Choose ExpressionEngine Over WordPress (And Why You Might Want To, Too)
When people ask me why I use ExpressionEngine CMS, I could rattle off a long list of technical reasons. But that's probably not what you care about.
What you really want to know is:Is ExpressionEngine a smart, secure, and flexible choice for my website?
The short answer is yes—and here's why.
A Modern CMS That's Built to Grow With You
ExpressionEngine (EE) has been around since 2003, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's outdated. I've been building custom CMS websites with EE since 2010, and the last few years have been the most exciting yet.
Since version 7 launched, the platform has seen major updates in performance, usability, and customization. If you've only read reviews from before 2020, you're missing out on what EE can do today.
Why I Recommend ExpressionEngine to My Clients
1. Lightweight, Fast, and Clean Code
Unlike WordPress, which often relies on bulky themes and heavy plugin stacks, EE has a small footprint. That means faster page loads, better performance, and fewer moving parts to break. Developers love it because:
- It's easier to maintain and scale
- It's not dependent on proprietary plugins
- It uses clean, standards-based code that's easy for others to follow
Even if I'm not available, any competent developer can step in and work with the system. EE's thorough documentation makes onboarding a breeze.
2. Flexibility Without Bloat
EE doesn't force you into cookie-cutter solutions. We build exactly what your business needs—nothing more, nothing less. Whether it's custom forms, advanced filtering, or third-party API integrations, we code it directly using frameworks and tools that scale cleanly.
No plugin overload. No duct-taped fixes.
3. SEO That's Built In, Not Bolted On
Many people assume WordPress is the king of SEO. But that's more about marketing than reality. EE can be configured natively to follow SEO best practices—and we've done it time and time again.
Want to use SEO plugins? EE has those too. But in many cases, you won't need them. That's the power of a flexible CMS built around your goals.
4. Secure by Design
ExpressionEngine has never suffered a major security breach in its 15+ year history. It supports:
- 2-factor authentication
- Role-based permissions
- Secure control panel access
- Regular updates and support for modern PHP & MySQL environments
With EE, you're choosing a CMS built from the ground up for security-conscious organizations.
5. Content Editing That Just Makes Sense
Your team shouldn't need a degree in computer science to update your website. ExpressionEngine makes content management intuitive with features like:
- Live Preview – See updates in real time before publishing
- Entry Cloning – Easily duplicate and tweak existing pages
- Front-End Editing – Update copy and images directly on the site
- Customizable Entry Layouts – Organize fields into tabs that match your workflow
6. A Supportive Developer Community
ExpressionEngine has a passionate and growing community, with resources and support available through:
- EE's official forums
- EE Answers on StackExchange
- Slack communities
- Social media groups on X (Twitter) and beyond
And you're not just relying on me. I have a trusted bench of fellow developers and designers I collaborate with when needed. I can even refer you to other EE pros as a backup plan, so you're never left stranded.
Thinking About Moving Away from WordPress?
If your current site is bloated with unnecessary plugins and sluggish load times, ExpressionEngine might be exactly what you need. I've helped clients:
- Reduce file size and improve speed
- Eliminate plugin dependency
- Improve SEO performance
- Gain more control over their content
ExpressionEngine is a tool—and a powerful one. It doesn't try to do everything for everyone. But when used well, it does exactly what you need, better.
No CMS is magic. But ExpressionEngine gives us the clean, customizable foundation we need to build powerful, secure, and high-performance websites.
If you're ready for a smarter, lighter, and more flexible alternative to WordPress, let's talk.