Why Choose WordPress? My Experience, Recommendations, and Nuances
As a freelance web developer, I often get the question: "Why do you recommend WordPress?" And even more importantly: "Is it the right choice for me?"
Let me give you an honest answer – with both advantages and situations where WordPress might not be the best choice.
Why Choose WordPress?
After years of working with WordPress, here are the four main reasons I still recommend it to most people:
You Own Your Website
Open Source Freedom
WordPress is open source. This means you don't pay license fees, and you're not locked into one provider – unlike Wix, Squarespace, or Shopify.
With WordPress you can:
- Move your site to any host
- Export all your content
- Customize everything without restrictions
- Never lose access due to price changes
Flexible and Future-Proof
WordPress can handle everything from simple blogs to complex member portals and booking systems. Start with a simple website, and it can grow with your business.
It's no coincidence that over 40% of all websites on the internet use WordPress.
User-Friendliness
With the right tools, you can update your website yourself without having to contact a developer every time. I use Bricks Builder for my projects, which provides an intuitive editing experience.
SEO and Performance
WordPress is built with SEO in mind. With the right plugins and setup, you can get a lightning-fast, well-optimized website that ranks well in Google.
But When Does WordPress NOT Make Sense?
I'll be honest: WordPress isn't always the right choice.
1. Very Simple Landing Pages
If you only need one simple page without further development, a page builder like Carrd or a simple HTML page might be sufficient.
However, consider whether you might need more pages or features in the future. Then WordPress can still be smart from the start.
2. No Interest in Maintenance
WordPress requires ongoing updates for security and functionality. If you absolutely don't want to think about your website after launch, a hosted solution like Squarespace might be better.
But remember: With a service agreement with me, I handle all maintenance for you.
3. Very Advanced Application Logic
Need to build a complex web application with advanced user interaction? Then a framework like Next.js or Laravel might be more appropriate than WordPress.
Advantages vs Disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Open source – you own everything | Requires updates |
| Extreme flexibility | Can be complex to set up |
| Large selection of plugins | Too many choices can confuse |
| SEO-friendly | Poor hosting affects speed |
| Can grow with you | Security requires attention |
WordPress vs Alternatives
WordPress vs Wix/Squarespace
WordPress gives more control and flexibility but requires more setup. Wix/Squarespace is easier to start with, but you're locked to their platform.
WordPress vs Shopify
For pure e-commerce, Shopify can be simpler. But with WooCommerce on WordPress, you get more flexibility and avoid the ongoing transaction fees.
WordPress vs Custom Development
Custom development gives maximum freedom but costs significantly more. WordPress is the good compromise for most.
Why I Still Recommend WordPress
For most small businesses and self-employed professionals, WordPress is still the best choice because:
- You own your platform – no vendor lock-in
- It grows with you – start simple, build out
- Plenty of options – almost anything can be built
- Good value for money – professional results at a fair price
My Recommendation
Don't choose WordPress just because everyone else does. Choose it because it fits your needs and future plans.
Conclusion
WordPress isn't perfect for everyone, but it's perfect for many. It's about choosing the right tool for the job.
My key points:
- Ownership – you control your own website
- Growth – the platform grows with your business
- Future-proofing – large community and constant development
Unsure if WordPress is right for you? Contact me for a non-binding chat about your project.
