There is no single best platform
Anyone who says one platform is always best is selling that platform. The right answer depends on what your site needs to do and who will run it day to day. We specialize in custom code, and we build on WordPress and Shopify when those are the better fit.
WordPress: the content workhorse
Great for: blogs, content-heavy sites, teams that want a familiar editor. Watch out for: plugin bloat, security updates and theme weight that slows mobile pages. A lean, well-built WordPress site can be fast. A plugin-stuffed one rarely is.
Shopify: built to sell
Great for: real ecommerce with products, inventory, payments and shipping. Watch out for: app fees that add up, theme limits, and the temptation to install an app for everything. For most product businesses, Shopify's checkout alone is worth it.
Custom code: fast and flexible
Great for: service businesses, lead generation, interactive tools and anything that must load fast. Watch out for: you need a developer for structural changes. Custom code ships only what the page needs, which is why our builds target 90+ on Google Lighthouse mobile. If you go with a JavaScript-heavy framework instead, make sure your developer understands JavaScript SEO, because search engines can struggle with pages that only render in the browser.
Side-by-side
| WordPress | Shopify | Custom code | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed potential | Good if lean | Good | Excellent |
| Self-editing | Excellent | Good | Limited without help |
| Ecommerce | With plugins | Excellent | Custom-built |
| Ongoing costs | Hosting, plugins | Plan and apps | Hosting |
| Best for | Content | Stores | Leads and speed |
Not sure? Tell us how you run your business and we will recommend a platform, even if it is not the one we make the most on. All three are available through our services.