Making the ultimate commitment… Which web platform is right for you?
When it comes to choosing the right web platform, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. There is SO MUCH to know about each different platform and, without doing oodles of research, how are you supposed to know what will be the best solution specifically for you?
In order to choose the right platform for your business, there are some important things you need to think about. Your budget, the purpose of your website, and what technical skills you’ll need to maintain it, are all important considerations. On top of that, as you work through your options, always remember:
Your decision does not have to be final
like with basically everything in life, nothing is permanent. The web platform you chose isn’t working for you? It’s ok to switch when, and if, you need but be aware that this can be a costly exercise, especially if you have a lot of content to transfer.
Your website will grow and change over time
kinda like I said above, nothing is permanent. Your business will inevitably change, and you need to ensure your website can do the same. Go for a platform you are comfortable working with so it can be easily updated or, allow room in your budget to enlist your web agency partner as needed.
Websites take time to build
well, the ones which will actually sell your products or services do anyway! Some advertisers say their product will help you build a website in an hour <insert eye roll>. However, the real truth is that a well-built, functional website will take A LOT of time and effort to create, and to get right. Whether you choose to go it alone or to hire someone else to build it, don’t get conned by anyone promising the earth. If it seems too good to be true, it is and, they won’t do your business (or image) any favours.
And, now for the good news! That oodles of research I mentioned you’d probably need. Well, I’ve done it for you!
I’ve worked with several different platforms (in Australia) over my years in the business. From my years of experience, I’ve put together a cheat-sheet, containing all my findings of the pros and cons of each.
So I know the first thing that you are going to want to know is… How much does each platform cost?
ARGH! This is a loaded question, if ever I saw one.
Pricing will be highly dependent on:
final site quality
your requirements – including functionality and amount of content
level of strategy implemented
level of service required
Essentially when you opt for a lower price, you’ll have to compromise on, at least, one (if not all) of the things above. For example, a quote may be temptingly low, but you could find yourself with a templated site with terrible design and or imagery that will help to repel, not attract your clients, OR you will find there’s little strategy implemented so your information will not be clear for your clients which will effect both your image and sales OR worst of all 6 months on you will still have no website from poor service.
From my experience, the prices below are what you could expect to pay, in Sydney, for a site-build. You can of course DIY all options yourself as well.
Shopify | Wordpress | Squarespace | |
---|---|---|---|
Cost to build with a developer* |
Low-End, templated solution - $2.5K |
Low-End, templated solution - $500+ |
Low-End, templated solution - $0+ |
Cost per year* | FROM $29USD p/m for a basic plan and initial template purchase ($0-300)Some paid plugins may be necessary for special integrations. |
Varies dependent on your needs. |
Business Plans start from $25AUD p/m (billed annually |
Hosting + security updates | Included. |
Extra cost.
|
Included. |
Additional costs | 2.9% + 0.3c transaction fee each sale | Paid plugins + developer costs if they’re building and maintaining your site | Paid plugins can be extra |
Suitable for (business type) |
· Dedicated E-commerce |
· Business |
· Business |
We wouldn’t recommend for |
Anything that isn’t E-comm. |
E-commerce, UNLESS you ave either solid wordpress skills or the budget to pay for premium hosting and security to manage the backend of your site. |
Large E-comm store. |
Support | Good phone and web support in Australia. Help available as required. |
Being an open source platform, means no central place for support so this can often be tricky and time consuming to navigate. |
Good web support in Australia. |
Technical Skill required to create + launch | Moderate + | Moderate > Advanced | Novice |
Technical Skill required to manage + update after training | Novice | Moderate | Novice |
Adding on extra functions after the initial build |
Easy add-ons include: |
Fairly easy to: |
Easy add ons include: · Membership · Payment Gateways |
Customisation |
Basic customisation of templates is easy, including: |
Basic customisation of templates is easy, including: |
Templates can be customised BUT there are limits.Great visual customisation available through advanced tweaks – SS web designer required. |
SEO functionality |
· good |
· superior - 100% full control. |
· easy to use editor for SEO titles and meta-descriptions |
3rd Party apps + plugins | · plugins for specific functions can be added, normally at an extra cost |
· Integrates with pretty much anything required. |
|
In summary, we would recommend:
Shopify for larger E-commerce solutions – especially for those who want an easy plug and play experience.
SquareSpace for smaller business who want a plug and play option.
WordPress for advanced customised websites where you have budget for quality hosting and maintenance.
If you’d like to chat through any of this or, you’d like to know more about which platform would best suit you, please get in touch!
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