Choosing the Right Platform for Your Needs
When it comes to building a website that's easy to update, the first important decision is choosing your platform. There are tons of options out there, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Your choice should depend on the type of website you want and the functionality you need. Consider questions like:
- Will you be uploading blogs?
- Do you need e-commerce functionality?
- How frequently will you update your design?
- What is your team's technical experience with web platforms?
Although most platforms are user-friendly, some can still be tricky without the right knowledge! Let's go through the pros and cons of each major platform:
Webflow
Pros:
- Design Flexibility – Webflow has no design limitations, making it ideal for custom and visually unique websites.
- User-Friendly CMS – Updating blog posts, team profiles, products, or projects is as simple as filling out a form.
- All-in-One Platform – No third-party plugins, hosting providers, or software updates are needed. Webflow handles everything automatically.
Cons:
- Learning Curve – While updating a Webflow site is simple, building one requires web design knowledge.
- Cost – Webflow’s plans are pricier than its competitors, so budget-conscious users may need to weigh the value of its premium features.
WordPress
Pros:
- User-Friendly Interface – Originally a blogging tool, WordPress is intuitive for content creators.
- Large User Base & Plugin Variety – Extensive resources and plugins make it easy to add functionality.
- Customizable Designs – With page builders like Elementor or Divi, you can create fully unique websites.
Cons:
- Plugin Compatibility Issues – Relying on multiple plugins can create security vulnerabilities and site errors if not updated properly.
- Maintenance Requirements – WordPress itself and its plugins require frequent updates.
- Variable Costs – While WordPress is free, premium themes, page builders, and security plugins can add expenses.
Shopify
Pros:
- Simple Interface – Build a functional store quickly, even with no technical experience.
- Strong Marketing Integrations – Built-in tools for social media, email marketing, and cart recovery.
Cons:
- Limited Design Capabilities – Customization is constrained unless using Shopify’s paid themes or hiring a developer.
- Higher Costs – Monthly fees, transaction fees, and required Shopify hosting make it pricier than other options.
Wix
Pros:
- Easy Drag-and-Drop Builder – No coding required, with templates optimized for mobile.
- Affordable Pricing – Offers a free plan and scalable paid options.
Cons:
- Limited Design Flexibility – Pre-built sections restrict custom layouts.
- SEO Limitations – Limited control over technical SEO settings, making ranking on search engines harder.
- Ads on Free Plan – The Wix logo is displayed on free sites.
Squarespace
Pros:
- Beautiful Templates – Pre-designed templates make creating a polished website easy.
- SEO-Friendly – Allows meta tags and descriptions to improve rankings.
- Mobile Optimization – Templates are automatically responsive.
Cons:
- High Cost – More expensive than competitors like Wix.
- Limited Integrations – Fewer third-party plugins mean functionality may be restricted.
Simplify Your Design
Compressing pages & content - A cluttered design can make updates difficult. Fewer pages and simplified layouts create a better user experience and make site maintenance easier.
Reduce the number of pages - Consider consolidating service pages. For example, listing all services on a single page can make it easier to add new offerings.
Limit your colour palette - A simple, consistent color scheme enhances branding and makes it easier to update the design without experimenting too much.
Minimise complex elements - While a unique design is valuable, ensure it remains easy to update. Overly complex elements can make small changes a time-consuming task.
Create a Content Architecture
A content architecture is a structured document outlining where content should go. This makes it easier to update the website while maintaining a logical flow.
Create & Use Templates
Using templates for each section of your website streamlines updates. Most platforms offer built-in templates, but creating your own ensures a unique layout.
Style Guide for Consistency
A style guide stores your core elements (e.g., colors, buttons, headings). Platforms like Webflow allow you to apply global classes, so updating the style guide automatically updates elements site-wide.
Final Thoughts
Your choice of platform depends on your needs. If you want a unique yet easy-to-update website, Webflow or WordPress are strong choices. If you need a simple, fast setup, platforms like Wix, Shopify, or Squarespace may be better. By structuring your website properly and using templates, you can ensure it remains easy to maintain and update in the long run.
Still unsure which platform is right for you? Let’s chat and find the best solution for your project!
