Why WordPress is Probably Not the Best Choice for Your Small Business Website
Lori Osborne • March 6, 2024
Why do I say this and what do I recommend instead? Read on...
In today's digital age, establishing a strong online presence is paramount for small businesses to succeed. However, selecting the right website platform can be a critical decision that shapes your online identity. While WordPress has long been a popular choice, it may not always be the optimal fit for small businesses. Let's delve deeper into why, and explore alternative platforms like Duda (the platform I primarily use and recommend), Wix, and Squarespace that could better suit your needs.
- Ease of Use: Small business owners typically juggle multiple responsibilities and may not have the time, resources, or desire to master a complex website platform. WordPress's learning curve can be steep for beginners, requiring understanding of how WordPress works, how to build the website within a specific WordPress theme, and familiarity with concepts such as hosting, domain management, plugin configuration, plugin functionality, and how it all works together. In contrast, platforms like Duda, Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify (for e-commerce sites) offer user-friendly interfaces and drag-and-drop editors that empower even the most novice users to create professional-looking websites with ease. By streamlining the website-building process, these platforms enable small businesses to focus on delivering value through their websites rather than grappling with technical complexities.
- Complexity and Maintenance: WordPress offers unparalleled flexibility and customization options, making it a favorite among developers and large enterprises. However, this complexity can be overwhelming for small business owners who lack technical expertise and do not want to pay someone to fully support their website. Below are some of the areas where WordPress is unique and potentially challenging for the average small business:
- Hosting: Every piece of software has to be housed on a server somewhere to function. Websites are no different. What IS different about WordPress is that it requires hosting outside of the actual platform. And though this hosting is critical for the reliability, security, support, and performance of the website, it is often the least considered factor when building a WordPress website. There are a multitude of companies that offer WordPress website hosting, ranging in starting prices from $4 per month to over $100 per month, the cost typically driving the overall performance and speed. All too often, business owners look at cost first and end up with shared hosting where multiple websites compete for resources on the same server. While shared hosting is affordable, it can often lead to slower performance and limited scalability, especially during peak traffic periods when resources are stretched thin. Popular shared hosting providers for WordPress include Bluehost, HostGator, and SiteGround. It is important to note, as I said in the beginning, that all websites requires some sort of hosting. The difference for non-WordPress sites is that the website and hosting are on the same platform; therefore, Duda sites are hosted by Duda, Wix sites are hosted by Wix, Squarespace by Squarespace, etc.
From my experience: One of the biggest issues we saw when managing WordPress sites built by other developers was lack of speed. The ideal speed for a website to load for optimal visibility is 2 seconds or less. I did not have a single website load in under 3-5 seconds, with a few taking more than 10 seconds!
- Plugins: WordPress operates using a base platform with the design typically coming from WordPress themes and the vast majority of capabilities and features coming from plugins. For every piece of functionality you want to add, there are typically multiple plugins to choose from, all from different software vendors. With this diverse selection of providers, websites can occasionally have conflicts between the plugins, affecting reliability and usability, issues that are difficult to troubleshoot. Additionally, many plugins have a one-time or annual cost, costs that can add up. And, finally, is another speed concern. Quite often WordPress websites can get bogged down with plugins that drain resources or have too many plugins, causing the website to load more slowly. Selection, payment, and management of these plugins can definitely be overwhelming, especially for a business owner or team that does not have WordPress experience. In contrast, platforms like Duda, Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify function completely on their own platform. Though there may be a few add-on options, you are not responsible for the integration, maintenance, or any of the updates with these platforms, allowing you to focus on growing your business rather than managing technical details.
- Updates: Managing a WordPress website entails regular updates to the core software, themes, and the plugins due to new versions being released to fix bugs or security holes, improve functionality, and/or add features. Failure to stay on top of these updates leaves your site vulnerable to security breaches and compatibility issues, potentially rendering your site worthless. At times, these updates can also be highly complex in nature, often requiring a highly technical WordPress expert to make sure functionality stays intact once the update is done. With platforms like Duda, Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify, no updates are required. They work as a single system with software updates done behind the scenes.
From my experience: I have talked with many business owners with WordPress websites that do not regularly update their plugins nor pay someone to do it for them. I have also taken over management of several websites that no longer functioned because they were hacked (due to a critical update being missed that left an open door) as well as websites that simply stopped working because the plugins, theme, or WordPress itself were too far out-of-date. If you already have a WordPress website, I strongly recommend you make sure all of the updates are done regularly and correctly, ideally by a WordPress professional!
- Security Concerns: WordPress's popularity also makes it a prime target for hackers. The vast ecosystem of plugins and themes introduces potential security vulnerabilities that can compromise your website's integrity. While WordPress offers security plugins and best practices, ensuring comprehensive protection requires constant vigilance and proactive measures. In contrast, platforms like Duda, Wix, and Squarespace prioritize security by implementing robust infrastructure and regular updates. By choosing a platform with built-in security features, you can mitigate risks and safeguard your business from cyber threats.
- SEO Performance: Search engine optimization (SEO) plays a crucial role in driving organic traffic to your website and increasing your online visibility. While WordPress offers numerous SEO plugins and customization options, optimizing your site for search engines requires ongoing effort and expertise. Moreover, the performance of WordPress websites in terms of SEO can vary depending on factors like hosting quality, plugin compatibility, and code optimization. In contrast, platforms like Duda, Wix, and Squarespace prioritize SEO by providing built-in tools and features that streamline the optimization process. From customizable meta tags and structured data to mobile-friendly designs and fast page load times, these platforms offer the essential elements for achieving higher search engine rankings and attracting more organic traffic.
Final Word
In conclusion, while WordPress remains a powerful and versatile platform, it may not be the most suitable choice for small businesses seeking simplicity, security, and ease of use. Platforms like Duda, Wix, and Squarespace offer compelling alternatives that cater to the unique needs of small business owners. By prioritizing factors like user-friendliness, maintenance requirements, and SEO capabilities, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your business goals and resources.
If you currently have a WordPress website that you would like moved to the Duda platform or you need a new website, let's chat! Click here to set up a free Discovery Call.
Beyoncé wouldn't step on stage without a spotlight. So why are YOU hiding behind a website that doesn't show your brilliance?
Let’s be real… Thought Leaders, Influencers, and Experts spend years building expertise, but their websites don’t always reflect that. And if your website isn’t clearly showing who you are, who you serve, and why you’re the trusted authority… it’s whispering when it should be commanding the room.
Your website is not a brochure. It's your digital stage!
Let’s talk about something that comes up a lot in conversations with experienced coaches, consultants, speakers, and experts: “I was told I don’t really need a website as long as I have great landing pages.” It’s a popular belief, and it makes sense why - it’s simple, focused, and easier to implement quickly. And for some businesses or product launches, that’s absolutely true. But for Thought Leaders like you , whose business is built on credibility, personal brand, and long-term relationships... landing pages alone just don’t tell the full story. The Real Job of a Thought Leader Website Your website is not just your “online business card.” It’s not a placeholder. And it’s definitely not just a prettier version of your Linktree. A strategic, authority-building website is your digital headquarters, the one place online that’s fully yours, designed to communicate your value 24/7, even when you’re not in the room. When it's done right, your website will: ✨ Tell your story and why it matters ✨ Speak directly to your ideal clients in their language ✨ Showcase your process, framework, or thought leadership ✨ Offer clear next steps for booking, connecting, or collaborating ✨ Position you as the go-to expert in your space So Where Do Landing Pages Fit In? They absolutely have a place! Landing pages are great for: ✨ Lead magnets or opt-ins ✨ Launches for a specific course, program, or event ✨ Paid ad campaigns with a singular CTA ✨ Narrow-focus promotions where distraction-free content is key But landing pages are focused tools , not foundations. They are like the guest house while your website is the home. Your website is the place your audience comes to get the full picture of who you are, what you offer, and why you are different. If a landing page is where someone says “Tell me more,” your website is where they say, “Okay, I’m ready.” Why This Matters, Especially for Thought Leaders You have most likely spent years building your expertise, speaking on stages, coaching clients, writing books, and creating powerful frameworks. That level of leadership requires a brand presence that communicates the depth of who you are. A basic landing page can’t do that. You need more than bullet points and a single opt-in to stand out in today’s noisy online space. Your audience is discerning. ✨ They want to feel connected. ✨ They want to know you understand them. ✨ And they want to know you're the real deal. Still Wondering If You Really Need a Website? Let me offer a quick checklist that may help. If you want to: ✨ Attract more aligned speaking gigs or media opportunities ✨ Position yourself as a thought leader (not just a service provider) ✨ Convert high-level clients who need to trust you first ✨ Own your platform, content, and audience without relying solely on social media ✨ Showcase multiple offers or audiences without confusion ✨ Future-proof your brand and grow beyond just launches... Then it’s time to move from “just a landing page” to a full authority platform that supports the depth of your work. You Don’t Need Just Any Website—You Need the Right One Not all websites are created equal. If yours is not built strategically - with messaging, SEO, visual branding, and user flow in mind - it can feel like a waste of time and money (and very likely is). That’s why I help Thought Leaders create websites that are: ✨ Clear – so visitors instantly understand your value ✨ Credible – with the right trust-building elements in place ✨ Compelling – so they want to take the next step ✨ Consistent – so your digital presence aligns with your voice and vibe ✨ Conversion-ready – not salesy, but designed to spark the right action Ready to Build a Brand Presence That Reflects the Real You? Whether you’ve been relying on landing pages alone, or you have a website that no longer represents the level you’re playing at, I’d love to help you create a digital home that amplifies your authority and supports your next-level goals. 👉 Book a free Strategy Session here. ✨ And if you know a fellow Thought Leader who's been leaning on landing pages alone, please forward this along. They may just thank you for the nudge!
🌺Spring is a season of renewal , a time to clear out the clutter, refresh what’s outdated, and make space for new opportunities. Just like your home, your website needs a spring cleaning, too. Your website should work for you 24/7, building trust, showcasing your expertise, and engaging the right audience. But if it’s outdated or ineffective, it could be quietly diminishing your authority and impact . “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” ~ Leonardo da Vinci If your website feels cluttered, disconnected, or outdated, it may be working against you instead of amplifying your influence. Here are five key signs it’s time to refresh your site before it holds you back. 1. Your Website No Longer Reflects Who You Are Today ✨ Your business has evolved, but your website hasn’t. ✨ Your messaging is outdated, and your brand no longer feels aligned. ✨ You’ve shifted your focus, but your site still speaks to the past. Just like nature renews itself in spring, your online presence needs to evolve , too. If your website no longer represents your voice, mission, or expertise, it’s time for a refresh. 2. You’re Not Seeing Meaningful Engagement from Visitors ✨ Your website isn’t sparking interest or attracting the right audience. ✨ You are not receiving inquiries, messages, or responses to your Call to Action. ✨ Visitors aren’t spending time exploring your site. Engagement is about connection, not just numbers. A great website should make visitors feel like they’re in the right place and eager to learn more about you. If your website isn’t inspiring interaction, it may need clearer messaging, fresh content, or a better user experience. 3. Your Website Looks and Feels Outdated ✨ Your design no longer matches your brand’s personality or style. ✨ The fonts, colors, and layout don’t reflect your level of professionalism. ✨ Your site runs slow, feels clunky, doesn’t function properly, and/or has an outdated look. First impressions matter. Research shows it takes ONLY 0.05 seconds (Yes, that’s only 50 milliseconds!) for someone to form an opinion about your website! And if it looks outdated, visitors may assume your expertise is outdated, too! “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” ~ Maya Angelou How does your website make visitors feel? If the answer isn’t clear, professional, and inviting, it’s time for a refresh. 4. You’re Hesitant to Share Your Website ✨ You don’t feel confident sending people to your site. ✨ You rely more on social media than your website to build your online presence. ✨ You feel like your competitors’ websites look and feel more professional. Your website should be a powerful extension of your brand and authority, something you’re proud to share. If you find yourself apologizing for your website or avoiding it altogether, that’s a clear sign it needs an update! 5. Your Content Isn’t Sparking Conversations ✨ Your blog or thought leadership content feels stale or inconsistent (or is missing altogether). ✨ Your website isn’t encouraging visitors to engage with you beyond their visit. ✨ There is no clear next step for people to continue the conversation (no Call to Action!). A strong online presence goes beyond having a website—it’s about building relationships. When your site is fresh, insightful, and aligned with your brand, it keeps visitors engaged and encourages them to take the next step in connecting with you. Spring Forward with a Website Refresh! If any of these signs sound familiar, now is the perfect time for a website refresh . Spring is a season of new growth—let’s make sure your website reflects the Thought Leader you are today. 👉 Click Here to Book a Free Strategy Call Today! "Can't say enough good things! Lori and the team at BizBolster Web Solutions are great to work with. Her creativity when creating our site for us and her knowledge of the online marketing arena are priceless…” ~ Stacy Summerlin, Summerlin Benefits Consulting
