Do I really need a bespoke WordPress website? Here’s the honest answer from the experts.

Use a website builder for speed, simplicity and out-of-the-box features

Platforms like Wix, SquareSpace and Shopify are user-friendly all-in-one solutions for building websites and e-commerce stores. Getting started takes minimal technical knowledge and they come with a range of features out-of-the-box.

Here is a round up of the main advantages of using these platforms

Intuitive and easy to use
Wix, SquareSpace and Shopify are all based on drag-and-drop editors and pre-built templates, which make it easy for non-technical users to create functional websites.

Build and go live fast
With a pre-built platform, all the templates and features are available immediately. You can get up and running within days – or even hours – of creating an account.

Managed hosting done for you
You don’t need to set-up, manage or maintain the site yourself. Security, updates and hosting are all handled by the platform, taking the burden completely off you.

Built-in features, ready to go
E-commerce functionality, payment gateways, and integrations with tools such as social media and email marketing are included – or can be added easily by upgrading your subscription.

Basic customer support
DIY website platforms typically offer basic customer support as standard. You can also search their forums for FAQs or use the chat function for help with common problems.

Don’t do it yourself if you want customisation or advanced capability

There are, however, limitations with relying on mainstream website builders. Businesses that need specific functionality or have complex requirements will find these frustrating. People who are less technically minded or time-poor may struggle too.

Here are the main drawbacks of using a DIY website builder

Limited scope for customisation
Although these platforms offer themes and templates, the quality of design and level of functionality customisation is limited compared with a bespoke solution.

Inflexible core infrastructure
With builders like Wix, SquareSpace and Shopify, you are tied to the platform’s ecosystem so have less flexibility with hosting, database management, and adjusting core functionality.

Struggles with scalability
DIY platforms are built for ease of use, not high levels of scalability, so they can struggle with large or complex websites. If you have ambitions to grow your business, look elsewhere.

Lack of specialist guidance
If you have problems during the build, you won’t have a direct point of contact to help you solve them. You could wait days to hear back to requests and even longer to get updates made.

Fixed pricing structures
Website builders charge monthly fees that may increase as you add features, bandwidth, or products. For example, Shopify takes transaction fees unless you use Shopify Payments.

For flexibility, scalability and control, you need a bespoke website

If you want a high-performance website, with exceptional user experience and superior digital accessibility standards, then you need a bespoke WordPress or WooCommerce website built for you by a specialist developer.

Here are the benefits of choosing a bespoke solution

Superior Customisation
Working with an expert gives you control over the design, functionality and features of your website. If your business needs custom code or an unusual integration, you can add it easily.

Limitless Scalability
A bespoke WordPress solution can handle e-commerce sites with thousands of products. And WooCommerce can be tailored to handle complex inventory, shipping, and tax configurations.

Infrastructure control
With WordPress, you make the decisions about hosting, backups, and content. You’re not locked into any one platform’s ecosystem, so you can even move your site to a different hosting provider.

Excellent usability
Your developer will build the backend editor functions so that they are easy to use, robust and reliable, so that you can easily update your website without needing technical ability.

Advanced SEO
WordPress is SEO-friendly by design and offers more control over technical SEO features like URLs, meta tags, and sitemaps, when compared with pre-built platforms.

Flexible integrations
If your business needs to integrate with third-party systems, such as CRM software, inventory management, or custom APIs, you can do so easily with a bespoke WordPress site.

Highly cost-effective
WordPress is often more cost-effective in the long run compared to subscription-based platforms, even taking hosting fees and the cost of premium plugins into account.

Tailored tech support
A specialist developer will provide a “white glove” service through a dedicated support desk, and can offer responsive ongoing support with bespoke Service Level Agreements.

Still not sure which route to take? Give us a call.

Want a straight answer about whether you need our help or would be better building on a website platform? Just ask us. We’ll always give you our honest opinion – even if it means recommending that you do it yourself or suggesting another local company who is a better match.

Give us a call on 01903 654 036 or email your enquiry to info@castlegateit.co.uk

Do I really need a bespoke WordPress website? Here’s the honest answer from the experts.