WordPress, Custom .NET, and More—Pros & Cons Explained
Whether you’re launching a brand-new business or looking to upgrade your current site, choosing the right website platform is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. The platform you select will impact everything from your site’s performance and scalability to ease of management and future growth.
At MaKe7 Consulting, we help businesses navigate these choices every day. Here’s our breakdown of today’s most popular options—including WordPress and custom .NET—so you can make an informed decision for your business.
WordPress
WordPress powers over 40% of all websites online, and for good reason.
Pros:
- User-Friendly: Manage content, add pages, and update your site with little to no technical experience.
- Flexible & Extensible: Thousands of themes and plugins allow you to customize design and functionality.
- Cost-Effective: No licensing fees; most plugins and themes are affordable.
- SEO-Friendly: Built-in features and plugins help you optimize for search engines.
- Large Community: Plenty of support, tutorials, and professional help available.
Cons:
- Security: Popularity means more targeted by hackers—regular updates and security plugins are a must.
- Plugin Overload: Relying on too many third-party plugins can slow your site or cause conflicts.
- Scalability: While great for small to medium sites, very large or complex applications may outgrow standard WordPress.
Custom .NET Solutions
A custom .NET website is a fully tailored solution built on Microsoft’s powerful framework. Ideal for businesses with specific needs or complex workflows.
Pros:
- Highly Customizable: Build any feature or integration you need, no limits.
- Enterprise-Ready: Scalable, secure, and robust for mission-critical applications.
- Performance: Optimized for speed and high-traffic volumes.
- Integration: Seamlessly connect with other Microsoft products, databases, or external systems.
Cons:
- Higher Cost: More expensive upfront due to custom development.
- Longer Timeline: Requires more time to design, build, and test.
- Ongoing Maintenance: Needs a professional team for updates and support.
- Less DIY: Not as simple for non-developers to manage without training.
Other Popular Options
Depending on your needs, you might also consider:
Wix or Squarespace
- Pros: All-in-one platforms with easy drag-and-drop editors, hosting included.
- Cons: Limited customization and scalability compared to WordPress or custom builds.
Shopify or Etsy
- Pros: Excellent for eCommerce; built-in payment processing and inventory management.
- Cons: Best for product-based businesses; monthly fees apply.
Square
- Pros: Good for basic eCommerce; built-in payment processing and inventory management; free.
- Cons: Best for product-based businesses.
How to Decide: Key Questions to Ask
- What is your budget?
- Open-source solutions like WordPress are cost-effective. Custom .NET is a bigger investment but offers more power.
- How much customization do you need?
- If you need features that aren’t available “off the shelf,” a custom solution may be the answer.
- Who will manage your site?
- If you want to update content yourself, choose a user-friendly CMS like WordPress.
- Do you need integrations with other tools or platforms?
- Custom .NET can be built to integrate with almost anything.
- How much do you expect your business to grow?
- Plan for scalability—better to invest a bit more now than to start over later.
The MaKe7 Consulting Approach
At MaKe7 Consulting, we work with a variety of platforms to match each client’s unique needs and goals. Whether you’re looking for a beautiful, easy-to-manage WordPress site or a powerful, custom-built .NET application, we’ll help you make the best choice for your business today—and for the future.
Ready to build your new website or upgrade your current one?
Contact us today for a free consultation!
