Switch from Elementor to Gutenberg: Unlock Faster & Simpler WordPress Design!

Are you considering switching from Elementor to Gutenberg? Making this transition can unlock faster load times, improved performance, and a more streamlined WordPress editing experience.

Maybe you’ve heard whispers about Gutenberg’s speed, or perhaps you’re curious about embracing a more native WordPress experience.

This article is your guide to understanding the ins and outs of migrating from Elementor to Gutenberg. We’ll explore the reasons why this switch is gaining traction, weigh the pros and cons of each platform, and equip you to make the best decision for your WordPress website.

Why Migrate from Elementor to Gutenberg?

Let’s face it, Elementor is a popular page builder for a reason—it’s powerful and offers a ton of design flexibility. But, as your website grows, you might start noticing some drawbacks, particularly with site speed.

Gutenberg, being deeply integrated into WordPress’s core, often translates to faster loading times. And in the world of SEO and user experience, speed is king! A faster website means happier visitors and potentially higher search engine rankings.

Gutenberg is constantly evolving. With each WordPress update, it’s becoming more intuitive and feature-rich, closing the gap with page builders like Elementor.

1. Speed & Performance

Gutenberg’s Leaner Code: Gutenberg is deeply integrated into WordPress core. This means less code bloat compared to Elementor, which relies on external plugins and scripts. Less code often translates to faster page load times.

Reduced Server Requests: Every element, style, or script Elementor loads adds an HTTP request, slowing things down. Gutenberg streamlines this by being baked into WordPress, potentially leading to fewer requests.

Core for a Reason: Because Gutenberg is core to WordPress, the developers are highly invested in ensuring its performance is top-notch. This tight integration usually results in better optimization within the WordPress ecosystem.

2. Future-Proofing Your Website

WordPress’s Evolution: Gutenberg is the future of WordPress editing. It’s constantly evolving with new features and improvements directly from the WordPress team. Staying ahead of the curve ensures long-term compatibility and access to the latest innovations.

Elementor’s Uncertain Future: While still popular, relying solely on a third-party plugin like Elementor carries a small risk. Changes in WordPress core could lead to conflicts, and you’re at the mercy of the plugin’s own development cycle.

3. Clean & Bloat-Free WordPress

Goodbye, Plugin Dependency: Elementor, especially with add-ons, can make your site reliant on multiple plugins. This can create compatibility issues, security vulnerabilities, and make your site harder to manage.

Greater Control & Stability: With Gutenberg, you have a cleaner WordPress backend with less reliance on external factors. This often leads to a more stable website that’s easier to update and maintain.

4. Cost-Effectiveness

Gutenberg is Free: While Elementor has a free version, many advanced features require Elementor Pro (paid). Gutenberg offers its full functionality out of the box, saving you potential subscription costs.

Potential Plugin Savings: The features you might pay for with Elementor add-ons are often achievable with free or more affordable Gutenberg-focused plugins.

5. Embracing the WordPress Philosophy

Native Is (Often) Better: Gutenberg aligns with WordPress’s philosophy of simplicity and ease of use. It provides a more native experience that feels like a natural extension of the platform.

Growing Community & Support: As Gutenberg matures, the community surrounding it grows. This means more resources, tutorials, and support available should you need assistance.

Gutenberg vs Elementor: Which One is Better for Your Website?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. Both Gutenberg and Elementor have their strengths and weaknesses. The “better” option truly depends on your specific needs and priorities.

Elementor shines when

• You need extensive design customization without touching code.
• You want a vast library of pre-built templates and elements.
• You’re comfortable working with a third-party plugin.

Gutenberg excels when

• Site speed and performance are top priorities.
• You prefer a clean and bloat-free WordPress environment.
• You value a native WordPress experience that evolves with the platform.

Gutenberg Editor vs Elementor: A Feature Comparison

While Elementor offers unmatched design flexibility, Gutenberg keeps things lightweight and efficient. If you want more features in Gutenberg, you can enhance it with add-ons like GenerateBlocks or Kadence Blocks.

Explore the simplicity and power of the Gutenberg editor with our wordpress official demo, and see how it can transform your WordPress editing experience.

Is Gutenberg Faster than Elementor? A Performance Comparison

In most cases, yes, websites built with Gutenberg tend to load faster than those heavily reliant on Elementor or other page builders. This is largely because Gutenberg is integrated into WordPress core, resulting in less code and fewer external requests.

However, it’s crucial to remember that other factors influence website speed, including hosting, image optimization, and caching plugins.

The Need for Speed (and What Impacts It)

It’s Not Just About Gutenberg: While Gutenberg starts with a speed advantage, other factors are at play. Large images, poorly configured caching, and slow hosting can negate any gains from using Gutenberg alone.

Optimization is Key: Even with Elementor, a well-optimized site can still perform well. It’s about finding the right balance between design flexibility and performance.

Gutenberg Alone Isn’t Enough (And That’s Okay!)

You’re right, while Gutenberg is a solid foundation, relying solely on its basic blocks might leave you wanting more design-wise. That’s where the beauty of the WordPress ecosystem comes in.

• Extending Gutenberg’s Power: Plugins like Kadence Blocks, GeneratePress Blocks, and Astra Blocks (and many others!) supercharge Gutenberg with:
  • Advanced Design Options: More control over layouts, typography, colors, and responsive design.
  • Pre-built Templates and Sections: Jumpstart your design process without starting from scratch.
  • Specialized Blocks: Add features like testimonials, pricing tables, and image galleries with ease.

Gutenberg generally leads to faster websites due to its leaner nature. However, leveraging plugins to enhance Gutenberg’s capabilities is often the winning strategy — giving you both speed and design freedom.

Pros and Cons of Using Gutenberg Over Elementor

Pros

• Faster loading times
• Seamless integration with WordPress
• Free and open-source
• Continuously improving with WordPress updates

Cons

• Steeper learning curve for advanced designs
• Might require additional plugins for specific features

SEO Impact: Elementor vs. Gutenberg for WordPress Websites

When it comes to SEO, speed and user experience are crucial ranking factors, and this is where the Elementor vs. Gutenberg debate gets interesting.

Gutenberg’s SEO Edge

Faster Loading Times: As we’ve discussed, Gutenberg’s lightweight nature often translates to faster page load speeds. Google considers site speed a ranking factor, so a faster Gutenberg site has a head start.

Clean Code, Happy Crawlers: Search engines “crawl” your site’s code to understand its content and structure. Gutenberg’s cleaner code, with fewer external dependencies, can make it easier for search engine bots to do their job effectively.

Mobile-First by Design: Google prioritizes mobile-friendliness. Gutenberg is built with a mobile-first approach, ensuring your content looks good on all devices — a key ranking factor.

Elementor’s SEO Considerations

Performance Optimization is Crucial: Elementor’s design flexibility can lead to code bloat if not used carefully. It’s essential to optimize images, use caching plugins, and choose a fast host to mitigate potential slowdowns.

Plugin Choices Matter: Some Elementor add-ons might add unnecessary code or slow down your site. Choosing well-coded and performance-optimized plugins is essential.

Gutenberg generally has a slight SEO advantage due to its speed and clean code. However, Elementor can be equally SEO-friendly with proper optimization and plugin choices.

Cost Comparison: Elementor Pro vs Free Gutenberg Add-ons

When it comes to cost, Gutenberg has a clear advantage:

• Elementor Pro: The paid version starts at $59/year for a single site and scales up to $399/year for 1,000 sites. It includes advanced design tools, premium templates, and support.
• Free Gutenberg Add-ons: Most Gutenberg plugins, like GenerateBlocks or Kadence Blocks, offer free versions with plenty of features. Premium versions, if needed, usually cost around $50/year per site but are often optional.

If you’re on a tight budget or prefer a cost-effective solution, Gutenberg with free add-ons can provide excellent functionality without recurring fees.

When to Choose Gutenberg Over Elementor (And Vice Versa)

Content is King: Regardless of the platform, high-quality, relevant content is paramount for SEO success.

Choose Gutenberg – The best choice often depends on your technical skills and priorities. If you prioritize speed and a lean website, Gutenberg might be the winner. Demo Gutenberg Editor

Choose Elementor – If you need more design flexibility and are willing to invest in optimization, Elementor can be a powerful tool.

Both Elementor and Gutenberg sites benefit from sound technical SEO practices like keyword optimization, image alt tags, and proper website structure.

How to Convert Elementor to Gutenberg

Switching from Elementor to Gutenberg requires careful planning. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth migration:

• Back Up Your Website: Always create a full backup before making significant changes.
• Audit Your Content: Review pages built with Elementor and identify the ones to migrate.
• Recreate Pages in Gutenberg: Use Gutenberg blocks to rebuild pages, ensuring they look and function as intended.
• Optimize Design: Use block-based plugins to match your Elementor designs if needed.
• Test Your Website: Verify that all pages and functionalities work correctly.

Final Thoughts

Switching from Elementor to Gutenberg can significantly boost your site’s speed and simplify your workflow. By migrating from Elementor to Gutenberg, you’re embracing a future-proof editing experience that integrates seamlessly with WordPress.

Are you ready to make the switch? Start today and unlock the full potential of your WordPress website!

Looking to streamline your migration project? Contact us! We offer personalized support designed to simplify your transition and optimize both costs and timelines. Let us help you achieve a smooth and efficient migration. We’re here to assist you every step of the way!