Find out why we use WordPress to design and build all of our client's sites:
There is a minefield of website building software available for amateurs and professionals alike. I made the decision to use WordPress to design and build all of ShortTech’s client’s sites.
The reason I chose to use WordPress:
Curious about why? I chose to use WordPress to design and build my client’s websites because it is an open-source [free] platform that is continually evolving and improving. There is also an enormous community to reach out to for support, advice and recommendations. I far prefer this to relying on one support team.
If you’re just starting out and are new to the world of website building, names like Wix, Squarespace, WordPress, Shopify, Google Sites, Domain Host website builders etc. It can seem quite a daunting prospect having to choose one to go with. The important thing is to work out and weigh up which is most suitable for you.
WordPress makes sense:
- Wordpress is scalable. It suits sole traders and startups who only want a one-page brochure site or a coming soon landing page – to some of the most advanced, dynamic websites for larger businesses. This works well for me considering that most of my clients are sole traders and small businesses who then aim to become larger businesses.
- You own and manage the site, unlike with Wix or Squarespace for example. For example, with a WordPress site, you can chose your hosting company and web designer / support company. Does that make sense?
- You can move your site. If you decide to move your website to another hosting company or to be managed by another website support company then you have the freedom to do that.
- WordPress is hugely popular. It is the top content management tool on the internet.
- There are almost endless possibilities with WordPress. From the dozens of plug-ins, page builders, widgets and themes to choose from, you can create the simplest of websites with ease or create a really show-stopping, functional and dynamic website of dreams.
Are there any negatives?
From an experienced designers point of view, there are very little negatives I could associate with WordPress. However, for the average person, I feel it is important to point out a couple of potential cons – although, bare with me, that is where ShortTech comes in!
- Wordpress can be tricky to set up and confusing to navigate. Although there are thousands of tutorials available for WordPress, the actual navigation of WordPress and creating your own site can seem quite difficult. The learning curve is steep for the DIY website creator but the outcome is better. In particular with regard to SEO (this is what helps your site appear in the search results). It is a more technical and professional platform than Wix and Squarespace, and that is perhaps half of the appeal of these as they appear more ‘user friendly’. I wouldn’t upskill myself to re-plumb the bathroom – I’d get a plumber in. So why would you put in hours of learning to build a website.
- There is A LOT going on! With so much to discover, so many options to explore and things to try this can often put people off. It can also lead to distraction when trying to build your own site, things might seem shiny and exciting and will take up hours of your time fiddling with, trying to set them up – just aren’t necessary.
