How to Choose the Right Website Development Platform for Your Business?

In this increasingly digitized world, every business needs a website.

It’s no wonder there are 201,045,211 active websites worldwide, with 10,500 new websites created every hour. But every business has different needs, and you need a website that perfectly caters to your business needs, products, services, and goals. In other words, you need to choose your website development platform more carefully.

As of now, WordPress is the most popular website development platform on the planet. Nearly 30% of the top 1 million sites run on WordPress. That’s how much web developers, business owners, and end users love this platform. But it may not necessarily be the best choice for you. Plus, there are plenty of options out there.

However, you will need to consider a few things to make the right choice.

Questions to Ask Upfront

What Do You Need Your Website to Do?

The choice of your website development platform will depend on what you need your website to do. Are you going to sell products online? Or do you need a website to showcase your services and business information? Are you going to collect customer information such as names, addresses, and contact details?

These factors will decide which website development platform is the best for your business needs. For example, a WordPress website is more than enough if you just want to put up your company and service information on the web.

But if you are going for a customized online store, most web developers would recommend using platforms like Shopify. Alternatively, you can go for a completely customized solution using different web development technologies. In such a case, it’s best to consult a website development expert.

How Much Technical Expertise Do You Have?

Not all website development platforms are made equal. Platforms like Wix allows users to create HTML5 websites and mobile sites through their drag-and-drop tools. You do not need to be a web developer or technical expert to build such websites. However, these platforms often lack customizations.

On the other hand, there are content management systems (CMSs) like Shopify, WordPress, and Joomla, where customizations are possible. These platforms also offer better scalability. But you will need to hire professional website development services, which will increase your development costs.

However, this cost is usually worth it because professional web developers allow you to leverage the full potential of a platform. It can significantly impact the success of your business. So, it’s best to understand your technical skills and business needs and choose a platform accordingly.

How Customizable Is the Website Development Platform?

You are going to need customizations. No matter how great a website development platform is, it needs customization in terms of designs and features. This is particularly true if you want the website to reflect your brand, its voice, and your business ethics.

The good news is most platforms now offer some degree of customization. For example, Shopify offers several paid themes, which you can customize as you need. But the more customizations you need, the more you will have to rely on professional website development services. Only they can help you bring your website design to life.

How Proactively Can the Platform Provide Support?

Maintaining a website is not as easy as it sounds. Plus, you never know when you will face a potential issue. It could be today, next week, or next month. You will need support as soon as you encounter a problem. So, make sure you can reach the website development platform quickly and efficiently.

It’s best to choose a platform with a toll-free contact number. That’s the fastest way to call for help when you need it. You can also check user reviews about the website development platform, particularly those related to customer support.

How Scalable Is the Platform?

Scalability is a factor you can’t ignore. You may have only 100 products listed on your website right now. But, as your business grows, your website will need to list more products and higher traffic. The question is, can your website development platform supplement this growth?

Scalability helps solve performance-related problems head-on. You can tackle these issues before they turn into a disaster. And more importantly, you can keep your code organized, reducing the risk of sudden breakdowns. It also makes it easy for your web developers to add new pages, features, and cybersecurity reinforcements as and when needed.

How Secure Is the Website Development Platform?

Security is another critical factor you must consider. A cyberattack can hit your business hard. For starters, it is often very expensive to recover from a crippling cyberattack. According to Cybersecurity Ventures, the global annual cost of cybercrime is predicted to reach $10.5 trillion by 2025.

The good news is many leading platforms, like Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify, have built-in security features. But, you will need additional security for platforms like WordPress, depending on your hosting provider. Be sure to check these details when shortlisting a website development platform.

Compare the security features of shortlisted platforms. It is critical to have 24/7 customer support. Moreover, having a large community of web developers, designers, and website owners can also help. They can help you find suitable solutions should you encounter any problems.

How Easily Can You Update Your Website?

Regular updates are necessary to protect your website from potential cyberattacks. Updates often provide your website with the security patches needed to prevent hacks. So, focus on a website development platform offering regular automated updates.

Apart from the core platform, the themes you are using on the platform must also receive regular updates. Even leading website development platforms like WordPress get targeted through vulnerable themes, widgets, and other add-ons. For example, in 2023, WordPress had 58 plugin vulnerabilities with security patches available.

How Much Is It Going to Cost You?

Cost is a big consideration when choosing a website development platform. There are several recurring costs associated with maintaining a website. Most platforms will charge you a monthly subscription fee. In addition, you may have to pay for web hosting, paid themes and features, payment service provider, and domain.

Take these recurring and one-time costs into account. And remember, these costs will vary depending on the size of your website and a few other factors. So, make sure to compare the shortlisted website development platform. It’s best to find something that you can easily manage, needs lower maintenance, and is easy to scale.

How to Make Your Decision

1. Define Your Website Goals & Requirements

Begin by clearly outlining the primary goals and functions of your website. This includes determining whether you need a simple informational site, an e-commerce platform, a blog, or something more complex.

During this step, you should also focus on identifying your target audience and key functionalities. This will help you choose a platform that aligns closely with your overarching business objectives.

2. Assess Your Technical Capabilities

Once you know your goals, evaluate the technical skills available within your team, including familiarity with coding languages, content management systems, and design tools.

If your team lacks advanced technical expertise, you’ll need to consider platforms that offer user-friendly interfaces and drag-and-drop builders. Complex needs might require a flexible platform with extensive customization options, but keep in mind that it will require more technical know-how.

3. Research and List Your Platform Choices

Conduct thorough research to identify potential website development platforms that match your requirements. Create a list of options, taking note of each platform’s features, strengths, and weaknesses. Pay attention to factors such as ease of use, scalability, and the availability of support and resources.

4. Evaluate Ease of Updates & Maintenance

Consider how easy it will be to update and maintain your website on each platform. We recommend looking for platforms that offer straightforward update processes, including automatic updates for software, plugins, and themes.

5. Consider the Costs & Budget Constraints

Next, analyze the cost structure of each platform, including upfront costs, subscription fees, and potential additional expenses for themes, plugins, and professional services.

Be sure to factor in ongoing costs for maintenance, updates, and scaling as your website grows. The total cost must align with your budget and provide good value for the features and support offered.

6. Test & Trial the Shortlisted Platforms

Take advantage of free trials and demos to test the shortlisted platforms. Hands-on experience will help you assess the user interface, customization options, and overall ease of use. It might also be a good idea to engage your team in the trial process to gather feedback and ensure the platform meets everyone’s needs.

7. Make an Informed Decision Based on Your Findings

Finally, it’s time to compile all the information gathered from your research, assessments, and trials to make a well-informed decision.

Consider which platform best meets your website goals, technical capabilities, budget constraints, and maintenance requirements. If you’re still not sure, reach out to web development experts who can help you make a smart decision.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Platform

In our many years of web development experience, we’ve seen companies make countless mistakes when it comes to choosing a platform. Here are some of the most common blunders we’ve witnessed, time and time again:

Ignoring Future Scalability Needs

One common mistake is ignoring how your business (and website) will grow. While it might be tempting to choose a platform that meets your immediate requirements, it’s crucial to consider your website’s potential.

Opt for a platform that can handle increased traffic, additional content, and more complex functionalities as your business expands. This foresight will save you from the costly and time-consuming process of migrating to a new platform later.

Underestimating the Importance of Security

Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and a secure platform is essential to protect your website and user data. Ensure the platform you choose offers robust security features such as SSL certificates, regular updates, and active monitoring.

Additionally, prioritize platforms that provide ongoing security support and updates to stay ahead of potential vulnerabilities.

Choosing a Platform Without Proper Technical Support

Choosing a platform without strong technical support can lead to significant challenges. Reliable customer support and a strong community are vital for troubleshooting and maintaining your website.

Research the level of support available, including response times and the quality of resources such as forums, documentation, and tutorials. A lack of support can result in prolonged downtime and unresolved issues, negatively impacting your business.

Failing to Consider the Total Cost of Ownership

Beyond the initial setup costs, account for ongoing expenses such as hosting fees, premium themes and plugins, and maintenance costs. Unexpected costs can strain your budget, which is why you need a clear understanding of all potential expenses.

Overlooking the Ease of Use and Update Capabilities

Lastly, overlooking the ease of use and update capabilities can create long-term headaches.

A platform that is difficult to manage or update will hinder your ability to keep your website current and functional. Choose a platform with an intuitive interface and straightforward update processes to streamline management and reduce the risk of errors. This ensures your website remains efficient and effective without requiring extensive technical expertise.

Tips for Planning for Your Website’s Future

It’s not just about choosing the right platform for today – it’s about choosing a platform that will set your website up for long term success.

Here are some tips for ensuring this is the platform you want to use for many years:

• Evaluate how this platform stays up to date. Does it keep up with trends and release new features and elements regularly?
• Does this website platform seem secure? Make sure it’s focusing on protecting both your site and its users.
• Look for platforms with strong communities you can turn to for support, education, and networking.
• Think about future integrations. Your ideal platform should make working with new technologies easy and straightforward.

Above all else, look for a website platform that’s well-established and ever-improving. The last thing you want is to select a platform that will impress in 2024 but fail in the years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

What factors should I consider when choosing a website development platform?

When choosing a website development platform, the primary factors to consider include your technical expertise, the complexity of your website, and your budget.

If you have limited technical skills, you might prefer a user-friendly platform like Wix or Squarespace, which offer drag-and-drop interfaces and require minimal coding knowledge.

For more complex websites that require custom features or integrations, a more flexible platform like WordPress or Joomla might be more suitable. Moreover, consider the available themes and plugins, as these can enhance your website’s functionality and aesthetic appeal without extensive coding.

Lastly, evaluate the platform’s SEO capabilities, mobile responsiveness, and security features to ensure your website performs well in search engines, provides a seamless user experience across devices, and protects user data.

How important is customization for my business website?

It doesn’t matter what industry you’re in – customization is crucial for a business website. It allows you to create a unique online presence that reflects your brand identity and caters to your specific needs.

A customized website can enhance user experience by providing features and functionalities tailored to your target audience, which can lead to higher engagement and conversion rates. It also allows you to differentiate your business from competitors, providing a distinct look and feel that can make a lasting impression on visitors.

Furthermore, a high level of customization enables better integration with other tools and platforms your business might be using, such as CRM systems, marketing automation tools, or e-commerce solutions. This integration can streamline your operations and improve efficiency.

Can I change platforms later if my needs change?

Yes, you can change platforms later if your needs change, but the process can be complex and resource-intensive. Migrating a website involves transferring content, design elements, and functionalities from one platform to another, which may require technical expertise.

You might also need to recreate custom features and ensure that the new platform supports all necessary integrations. You also run the risk of downtime and disrupting your users’ experiences.

That’s why it’s important to put plenty of thought into your platform choice right now. IF you can avoid changing platforms later, you’ll save yourself from plenty of headaches.

What are the hidden costs of website development platforms?

There are many “hidden” costs that can be associated with website development platforms. Some of the most common costs can include additional fees for premium themes, plugins, and extensions that are often necessary to achieve the desired functionality and design.

While many platforms offer free versions, these are typically limited in features, requiring you to purchase add-ons to fully customize your site. Additionally, there may be costs associated with ongoing maintenance, such as updates, security patches, and backups, which are crucial for keeping your website secure and running smoothly.

How do I ensure my website stays secure?

Protecting your website involves a combination of proactive measures and regular maintenance.

First, choose a reputable hosting provider that offers robust security features, such as SSL certificates, firewalls, and regular backups. Keep your website’s software, including its content management system (CMS), plugins, and themes, up to date to protect against known vulnerabilities. Implement strong passwords and use two-factor authentication (2FA) to prevent unauthorized access to your website’s admin area.

You’ll also need to regularly monitor your website for security issues using tools that can detect malware and vulnerabilities. We recommend conducting periodic security audits to identify and address potential weaknesses.

Another important step is educating your team on best practices for cybersecurity, such as recognizing phishing attempts and handling sensitive data securely. Additionally, consider using a web application firewall (WAF) to block malicious traffic and protect against common threats like SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS).

By taking these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of security breaches and keep your website and its users safe.

In Conclusion

Choosing the right website development platform sets your business website for long-term success. You need a platform with scalability, regular updates, excellent cybersecurity, and 24/7 customer support. It also needs to have lower maintenance, higher stability, and a diverse set of features. Lastly, you would want it to be as cost-effective as possible.

Hopefully, this post will help you get your research started.

Are you looking for a new website, or need to upgrade an old one? Look no further than Wahha Design. Our website development services have transformed many businesses in industries like business, government, education, and health. For more information, call us today!