WordPress or a hand-coded website?
WordPress runs a huge share of the web, and for good reasons. A hand-coded website is built from scratch for one business. Both can be the right choice. Here is an honest comparison to help you decide.
What each one is
WordPress is a content management system: a ready-made engine, usually dressed with a theme and extended with plugins. A hand-coded website is written specifically for your business, with only the code it needs.
Side by side
| What matters | WordPress | Hand-coded |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Can be fast, often slowed by themes and plugins | Usually very fast: only the code you need |
| Security | Needs regular updates to core, themes and plugins | Small and simple, so less to attack and update |
| Editing | Easy editor built in | Edited by your developer, or a simple editor added |
| Upfront cost | Often lower with a ready-made theme | Similar for small sites; depends on the design |
| Upkeep | Ongoing plugin and theme updates | Very little routine maintenance |
When WordPress makes sense
- You publish lots of articles yourself, every week
- You need a specific plugin that does exactly what you need
- You have someone who will keep it updated
When hand-coded makes sense
- Speed and search rankings matter to you
- You want something that does not need constant updates
- You want a design that is yours, not a theme other businesses share
- You need it connected to bookings, a CRM or other systems
We hand-code our websites, because for most small businesses speed, security and low upkeep matter more than a built-in editor. If you would be better on WordPress, we will tell you. See our web design service.
Need a hand with this?
From a sharp one-pager to a full online shop or booking site. Designed for you, hand-coded, quick on every phone.