Which type of website is right for you?

By Susan Metoxen | May 1, 2019

WordPress

Image of woman working at a computer — I love to write! I would use a website to stay in touch with my customers.

A WordPress website will give you the ability to modify content on your own. WordPress installations include a Content Management System (CMS) that allows administrators to add or change content without knowing how to code.

You and your staff can add content to the website without engaging a web programmer.

WordPress is the most established content management system for websites and is powering over 30% of websites. Because it is so well established, there is an enormous code base available, most of it for free. What that means is that when you see a cool widget on a website and you want to add it to your website, it is likely you can do that.

There aren’t a lot of downsides to WordPress, but there is one important one. WordPress websites require ongoing maintenance. It is important to update plugins and your theme regularly. More rarely, you will need to update the version of PHP that your website is running. Updating plugins and themes is something that you can learn do yourself. However, neglecting regular updating increases the chances of a website disaster so it is important to have a plan for updates.

eCommerce

Image of man in a workshop — I need to get my products out to the world!

White Buffalo uses WordPress WooCommerce for it shopping websites. Because its code is open source, WooCommerce is the lowest cost option and it is rich with features.

Includes full shopping cart functionality.

There are no ongoing costs, although some clients pay annual fees to WooCommerce for premium services.

You will be to add products and change prices anytime.

Website in HTML/CSS

Image of couple with plates of food — I know I need a website, but I don’t want to spend time at a computer. I want to focus on my business.

You can also make a website directly in HTML and CSS. Our websites are made with PHP using the Twitter Bootstrap and jQuery frameworks. While it is easier to add bells and whistles to a WordPress website, a website made directly in code will not need regular maintenance and is a valid option.

One problem with this approach is that you need to know how to edit HTML and CSS and how to FTP websites in order to make changes. You will need to rely on a developer to make changes. If you plan frequent changes and upgrades to your website, then WordPress will be a better choice for you.

Not sure? No problem. We can help you decide.

White Buffalo specializes in WordPress and eCommerce websites. Unlike most website agencies, we are still running websites outside of WordPress, made directly in code.

Posted in eCommerce, Getting Started, Website Costs, WooCommerce, WordPress