When building a brand new website or considering an upgrade, the first big decision you need to make is choosing the right platform to build it in for you. With so many options available, it can feel a bit overwhelming. Your choice will depend on your budget, and long-term plans for the site.
Platforms like Wix and Squarespace are hugely popular among people who want to build their websites without any coding knowledge. Their main selling point is how easy they are to use, with intuitive drag-and-drop editors that let you create a website without the need for technical expertise.
The Benefits of Drag-and-Drop Builders
Simplicity and Ease of Use
Wix and Squarespace are built for beginners. With pre-built templates and a user-friendly editor, it’s possible to get your site live in a matter of hours. You can drag text boxes, images, forms, and other elements right where you want them. Everything is laid out step by step, which makes the whole process less intimidating.
If something goes wrong or you get stuck, both Wix and Squarespace offer customer support to help you get back on track.
The Drawbacks of Drag-and-Drop Builders
Despite their ease of use, these platforms do come with limitations, which can be restrictive as your website grows.
What you gain in that easy to use drag and drop builder, you lose in flexibility. You are confined to the templates and tools that the platform provides. If you’re aiming for a unique design or have specific technical requirements, you might find these platforms limiting. There is an option to make your own custom coded solutions in platforms like Shopify, but at that point you’d need a developer that specialises in that system anyway.
Hidden Costs
While it may seem affordable upfront, additional costs can add up. Basic plans often don’t include advanced features like e-commerce or premium plugins, and you may need to pay extra for things like custom email addresses, domain registration, and marketing tools.
Locked Into the Platform
One of the biggest downsides is that once your site is built on Wix or Squarespace, you’re pretty much stuck there.
If you ever want to move to another platform it can be done, but again you’re jumping through their hopes tog et access to your website. The migration process can be tricky if you’re not confident in what you’re doing and some parts of your design or content might be lost in the transition.
WordPress: Power and Flexibility for the Future
On the other end of the spectrum is WordPress, an open-source platform that powers over 40% of the web. WordPress gives you full control over your site and offers virtually unlimited possibilities, whether you’re building a simple blog or a complex e-commerce platform.
The Benefits of WordPress
Complete Control
With WordPress, you own your website entirely. You can modify any aspect of it, from the design and layout to how it functions. You’re not locked into a pre-set structure or design limitations. This level of freedom allows you to create a website tailored exactly to your needs.
Developer Support Available
While WordPress offers flexibility, it’s important to know that you may need developer help to build more complex features or customise your site beyond the basic setup. We’re here to handle anything you need from your website. Whether you need a tailored booking system, shop set up or to connect your website to a CRM we’re here to help.
Future-Proof Your Website
WordPress is scalable, meaning that it can grow with your business. Whether you want to add new features or completely redesign your website in the future, WordPress offers the freedom to do that without having to start from scratch.
Which Platform Should You Choose?
Choosing the right platform depends largely on what you need from your website. If you’re looking for something quick and easy to set up with minimal fuss, drag-and-drop builders like Wix and Squarespace are great options. They provide a simple way to get online, but with some trade-offs in flexibility and scalability.
If, however, you need a website that can grow with your business, is fully customisable, and offers complete control, WordPress is the best choice. It’s a bit more complex upfront but gives you far more freedom and flexibility in the long run. WordPress also allows you to keep your site future-proof and SEO-friendly, which can be the deciding factor for your business’s online success.
Need Help with WordPress? We’ve Got You Covered.
Building a WordPress site can be daunting if you’re not familiar with web development, but that’s where we come in. We offer professional WordPress development services to help you create a site that’s secure, optimised, and tailored to your business needs. Whether you’re starting from scratch or want to migrate your site from another platform, we can provide the technical expertise and ongoing support to help you succeed online.
We’re here to guide you every step of the way, no matter which option you choose. Contact us for a website consultation and to arrange your free quote.
Mon, 14 October 2024