10 things to consider when selecting WordPress vs. a custom built website
Why should you, or your client, consider WordPress? Isn’t WordPress that free blogging thing?
I need a commercial, industrial-strengthed website, none of this freebie nonsense!
Here are the top 10 things to consider about a WordPress vs. a custom built site (actually there are so many reasons I could only whittle this list down to 13).
1. WordPress runs on 23.9% of the Internet’s websites. It has been ATTACKED AND DEFENDED against every imaginable type of threat. Battle hardened, Woordpress’ security provisions and security plugins are constantly updated by thousands of developers, as long as you keep your security patches up to date you will be (as) protected (as possible).
2. There are tens of thousands of WP developers. IF WE PART WAYS tomorrow you will be able to find a developer THE SAME DAY. Not necessarily so with a .php developer tasked with modifying another developer’s website. If you’re more comfortable once we sign our agreement, I can supply the contact info for 3 top WordPress developers for your files, just is you’re covered.
3. WordPress themes support professionally developed plugins which provide style & design enhancements, security, unique mobile functionality, commerce, near endless list. “CAN I DO ____________ WITH MY WEBSITE?” the answer is probably yes given the right plugin.
4. WordPress is MOBILE FRIENDLY out of the box using a responsive theme. 61% (or whatever) of your visitors come from mobile devices. Google considers the availability of a website on mobile as it determines search rankings.
5. WordPress SUPPORT is available from a gigantic number of places. Whether WP support from the hosting company, support from the theme vendor or from countless online forums, it’s hard to imagine a question that can’t be answered within hours.
6. CONTENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM: Using a CMS allows division between style/visual design and it’s content. This allows non technical users to make updates without upsetting the design.
60% of all websites using a CMS, run WordPress
Updates can be made any anytime by someone, with the correct permissions, which means no waiting until Monday morning for the .php developer to return to the office.
SEO best practices can be enforced (page titles, metadata, URL structure)
Data is stored in a database system providing a better layer of security
7. SEO Friendly – GOOGLE LOVES WordPress. Google is King of search engines it’s VERY important to understand that Google Loves WordPress
Google loves logical architecture in a website and WordPress is designed logically.
Google loves text based websites – WordPress is text based.
WordPress has very specific SEO functionality that allows you to tend to your SEO
Google loves mobile-friendly websites – WordPress are Responsive for all smart devices!
Google loves blogs – WordPress was originally created as the ultimate blogger’s tool! (so go post something!)
8. WordPress is highly SCALABLE. CNN, Fortune, BestBuy, Coca-Cola France (very long list of well known companies) all use WordPress as their CMS
9. WordPress is highly CUSTOMIZABLE. WordPress supports Themes which determine the look & feel of your site, you can swap out a block of text for an image or a video utilizing a theme’s functionality in seconds. If you tire of your theme, you can even change your theme.
10. Since you’re using WordPress for your business, you can fairly quickly ADD COMMERCE TO YOUR SITE. There are a number of WordPress plugins that allow you to offer a digital store safely and efficiently.
11. COMMITMENT ISSUES? You’re not committed to one hosting provider. If you need to switch a provider or host, either because they can’t handle traffic or you’re just frustrated with them, you can do it without experiencing much downtown. This is because WordPress works with pretty much every server.
12. Add testimonials. Customer / Client / Patient REVIEWS ARE CRITICAL TO YOUR BUSINESS! You can add specific plugins to WordPress that allows you to quickly add customer reviews to your website.
13. WordPress is MATURE, WordPress is over 10 years old (that’s pretty good for software)
14. You want to work with me and I don’t know how to create a website with .php!