One of the first technical decisions in any website project is the platform. For most business websites the choice comes down to WordPress or a custom-coded build. Both can produce excellent websites; the right answer depends on your content, features and who will maintain the site.
The two options
WordPress is an open-source content management system used by a very large share of websites worldwide. It provides an admin panel for editing pages, posts and media, and thousands of plugins for extra features.
Custom development means the website is coded specifically for your requirements, usually in PHP, with or without a framework. There is no general-purpose CMS unless one is built for you.
Side-by-side comparison
| Consideration | WordPress | Custom |
|---|---|---|
| Initial cost | Usually lower for standard websites | Usually higher; everything is built from scratch |
| Content editing | Easy, familiar editor for staff | Only what is built; simple sites may need a developer for edits |
| Unusual features | Possible with plugins or custom code; can become complex | Built exactly to the requirement |
| Speed | Fast if built carefully; slow with heavy themes and plugins | Very fast when coded well |
| Security | Needs regular updates; popular target for automated attacks | Smaller attack surface, but depends on code quality |
| Maintenance | Monthly updates of core, theme and plugins | Fewer updates; changes need a developer |
| Changing provider | Easy to find other WordPress developers | Depends on code quality and documentation |
When WordPress is the better fit
- You publish news, blogs, products, jobs or events regularly
- Several people in your team need to edit content
- Your features are common ones: forms, galleries, catalogues, WooCommerce
- You want flexibility to change agencies in future
Read more about our WordPress website development.
When custom development is the better fit
- Your website includes workflows that standard plugins cannot handle cleanly
- You need integration with in-house systems such as ERP, CRM or inventory
- Performance and security requirements are strict
- The website is really a web application: portals, dashboards, calculators
See our custom website development service.
A third option: static websites
For small business websites that change a few times a year, a static HTML website is often fastest, most secure and cheapest to host. The trade-off is that edits are made by the developer. Many company profile sites fit this model well, and a static site can move to a CMS later if needs change.
