Many business owners often overlook that their website and email list are the only digital assets they truly control. Unlike social media, which can disappear in an instant, these resources are enduring. Therefore, establishing an online presence is crucial for solopreneurs and small business owners. Choosing the right platform for your website is vital for success. In my experience, WordPress excels as the premier tool for creating custom websites for my clients. My work and experiences consistently affirm this choice.
WordPress.com vs. WordPress.org
It’s crucial to distinguish between the two unique platforms WordPress offers. WordPress.com is a hosted service that takes care of updates and backups, yet it limits customisation and monetisation, much like platforms such as Wix, Showit, and Squarespace, which I will discuss later. You can consider WordPress.com as a similar offering. On the other hand, WordPress.org grants full control over your site and is the primary focus of this blog.
Why WordPress is Brilliant for Custom Websites
Unlimited Design Flexibility
I love WordPress for its flexibility and limitless design options. As a designer, I create my visual designs in Figma, and WordPress helps me bring these ideas to life effortlessly, ensuring the vision approved by my clients is exactly what they see in the final build.
Open-Source Benefits
Being open-source, WordPress offers endless possibilities. With a global community of developers tweaking it, there is a vast collection of plugins and themes available. This open-source magic allows me to craft websites tailored to each client’s needs.
Embracing AI Tools
WordPress’s open-source nature enables me to engage with my AI sidekick to enhance my development skills. In a recent project with Three Lanterns in Williamstown, AI assisted me in crafting custom code solutions. This collaboration enabled me to develop solutions that were once unimaginable or would have required months of learning to master. However, effectively leveraging AI requires knowing the right questions to ask and possessing strong troubleshooting skills.
Hosting Freedom
With WordPress, you can host your website on a server of your choice, offering greater flexibility and control compared to platforms like Wix, Showit, and Squarespace, which require you to host with them. This independence with WordPress reduces the risk of your site being taken down without your consent. However, it’s crucial to choose the right host for your website. Fortunately, I take care of this for my clients.
Case Study: Three Lanterns Website Rebuild
For Three Lanterns, I developed a custom toggle feature for their service offerings using tailored post types. This solution, easily editable by the client in their CMS, allows services to be displayed concisely while enabling users to expand for detailed views. AI was pivotal in coding this feature. Additionally, I customised the CMS, empowering the client to update all content without affecting the front-end design. To enhance user experience for Three Lanterns, I also created a bespoke dashboard offering easy access to billing, support, and tutorials. Solutions like these are not feasible with platforms like Squarespace, Showit or Wix.
The Perks of WordPress Integration
As an open-source platform, WordPress excels in collaborating with third-party tools, making it an ideal choice for businesses seeking seamless connectivity. Whether it’s CRM systems, email marketing, e-learning, or e-commerce, WordPress masterfully handles these integrations, ensuring smooth business operations and providing users with a seamless experience.
Boosting SEO with WordPress
SEO is crucial, and WordPress simplifies the process with powerful plugins like Rankmath and Yoast. I personally use Rankmath, which offers benefits such as advanced keyword optimisation, real-time SEO analysis, and easy integration with Google Analytics. By utilising these tools, you can effectively implement strategies, optimise your site with keywords, and boost visibility to attract more organic traffic.
Wrapping It Up
In short, I choose WordPress for my solopreneur and small business clients because of its unbeatable flexibility, customisation, and integration. It helps them stand out online effectively. A website crafted with quality branding and tailored to their specific needs will grow with them, lasting the life of their business and allowing for expansion as needed. If you’re considering a custom website but want to know more on how it can transform your digital presence, get in touch now.
