We do not build WordPress sites, so we have an interest. That is why below you will first find where WordPress genuinely wins — and then where it costs you money long term. Judge for yourself.
THE HONEST PART FIRST
Why WordPress is so popular
Well over forty percent of the web runs on it, and not without reason. Anyone claiming WordPress is always the wrong choice is selling something.
ADVANTAGE 01
Enormous ecosystem
A plug-in exists for almost any wish. Want an events calendar, a members area or an integration with a specific package tomorrow? Chances are it already exists.
ADVANTAGE 02
Many people can work with it
You can find someone who knows WordPress anywhere. That lowers the risk of being stuck with one supplier — provided you avoid an exotic theme.
ADVANTAGE 03
Fast and cheap to start
Buying and setting up a theme takes days instead of weeks. For a blog or a simple site that is a perfectly good route.
THE COMPARISON
Where the differences are
Neither is universally better. It depends on what you do with the site and how long you use it.
| WordPress | Custom | |
|---|---|---|
| Project start-up speed | faster | slower |
| Site loading time | moderate to good | very good |
| Maintenance | weekly updates needed | barely any |
| Security risk | plug-ins are the weak spot | small attack surface |
| Editing content yourself | excellent | good, if built in |
| Adding functionality | find a plug-in | build it |
| Cost year 1 | lower | higher |
| Cost year 3 | often higher | flat |
| Dependence on third parties | high | low |
GENERAL COMPARISON · A WELL-BUILT WORDPRESS SITE OUTPERFORMS A BADLY BUILT CUSTOM SITE
THE HIDDEN COSTS
Where WordPress goes wrong in practice
Not during the build, but in years two and three. These are the patterns we encounter in sites we take over.
- Plug-in stacking. Every problem gets solved with a plug-in, until twenty-five are running, slowing each other down and occasionally breaking.
- Updates that wreck your layout. A theme update can make a page unusable; without monitoring you hear it from a customer.
- Paid licences. Premium themes and plug-ins need annual renewal, often €200–€600 a year combined.
- Slow loading on mobile. Especially with page builders. That costs Google rankings and visitors who give up.
- Security maintenance. WordPress itself is reasonably secure; outdated plug-ins are not, and they are the most common way in.
- Choose WordPress if: you publish often yourself and want lots of separate functionality.
- Choose WordPress if: you want to start fast on a limited budget.
- Choose WordPress if: a plug-in exists that solves exactly your niche problem.
- Choose custom if: speed and findability directly affect your revenue.
- Choose custom if: your site has to run processes, not just display things.
- Choose custom if: you have no appetite for weekly maintenance.
FREQUENTLY ASKED
About the choice
I already have a WordPress site. Should I switch?
Only if it bothers you. If it works, loads fast enough and produces enquiries, switching is wasted money. If you are hitting speed, maintenance or capability limits, it is worth considering — we measure first.
With custom, can I edit my own copy?
Yes, if it is built in up front. Our Growth package includes an admin environment for copy, blog articles and images. The difference with WordPress is that you only get what you need, instead of a system that can do everything.
Is custom not much more expensive?
In year one usually yes. Over three years often not, because licences, maintenance and repair work disappear. Calculate both options over three years; see also what a website costs.
Does custom not lock me into you?
It would if we built in something exotic. We write ordinary HTML, CSS and JavaScript, and you get the source code plus documentation. Any developer can take it over — see ownership.
Which route fits your plan?
Tell us what your site has to do. We will say honestly which route is wiser — including when that is WordPress and we lose the job.