So you need a new website but you’re unsure whether to use WordPress or Webflow?
Which is better? Here’s the quick answer…
It depends
I know, I wish there was a clearcut answer but the truth is WordPress and Webflow both have their pros and cons.
I’ve built client websites in both Webflow and WordPress a both are great platforms.
Although, making the right choice when deciding between the two could save you a headache in the future.
Webflow vs. WordPress – how to decide
So how do you decide which platform to use?
It all comes down to your needs and specific goals and requirements for your website.
Once you have a clear list of goals and objectives for you website (I can help you with this!) you can then make decide if WordPress or Webflow best fits your project.
Whether you choose WordPress or Webflow comes down to your specific goals for your website
I can help you to choose the best platform for your needs
During my website discovery process, I’ll listen to your goals and objectives and based on them I’ll recommend that you use WordPress or Webflow for your website.
I think it’s fair to say not all web design and development agencies and freelancers do this.
They will recommend you build your website on their preferred platform (whether or not it’s the best fit for your website).
Wordpress vs. Webflow – pros and cons
So what some of the advantages of Webflow over Wordpress and vice-versa?
Here’s a short list of the pros of each:
Advantages of Webflow over Wordpress
Webflow hosting is super simple to setup. Powered by (AWS) Amazon Web Services and Fastly, meaning your websites hosting will always be lightening fast, secure and reliable.
Updating the content on your website is easy and intuitive for you or a team member to make – it most cases it will be easier to update your content using Webflow than WordPress.
The Webflow CMS (Content Management System) is powerful and quick to develop with – which saves development time if you need a complex site.
It’s easy to maintain – Webflow doesn’t depend upon 3rd party plugins and themes so regular maintenance and security updates are not required (unlike WordPress which will most likely 'break' if not regularly maintained)zp
Advantages of WordPress over Webflow
WordPress is an open source – The platform is not owned by a private company (unlike Webflow, Shopify, Wix and SquareSpace)
WordPress is the most popular CMS (Content Management System) on the web – In 2022 WordPress powered over 40% of all websites. So there is a massive community of experts and supporters available.
You’re free to choose who hosts your WordPress website (unlike Webflow)
You’re less ‘locked-in’ when using WordPress – Webflow is a closed platform whilst WordPress is open meaning you’re free to adapt the code how you wish.
WordPress is more flexible and adaptable than Webflow – with over 50,000 plugins and thousands of integrations available (there are far fewer integrations and third-party tools available for Webflow but the list is growing everyday)
If opting for WordPress, I'd recommend GeneratePress and GenerateBlocks
If we find the best fit for your website is WordPress, my default choice would be to build out the website with GeneratePress and GenerateBlocks as it's rock-solid basis for a scalable and performant and accessible WordPress website built with best practices.
Need help deciding whether to build your website with WordPress or Webflow?
Get in touch to discuss your website project and I’ll give my recommendations on which platform is best for you.
Is your website difficult to understand?
Read on to find out to why you should make your website clearer and and how to do it.
Given the choice between:
A. Spending an hour on the sofa watching Netflix B. Spending an hour on the same sofa trying to solve difficult maths problems
What would you choose?
I’m pretty sure you’d go for Netflix.
Why is that?
It’s because we humans have evolved to be inherently lazy creatures. We’re wired to take the path of least resistance.
Our brains want us to save energy when we can. If it’s not essential for our survival we tend to take the easy option.
So, what does this have to do with your website?
It means you need to MAKE IT EASY for your visitors!
When you’re evaluating the content of your website you should always be thinking:
How can I make this clearer and easier to understand?
If your visitors have to ‘work’ to understand your website they’ll most likely hit the back button and continue their search elsewhere.
Don’t confuse your visitors, keep your website simple and easy to understand.
Can you solve your visitor’s problem?
Visitors to your website are on a quest to solve a perceived problem they have.
When they land on your website they’re immediately trying to gauge whetheryour product or service can solve (or at least help solve) their problem.
You need to make it as easy as possible for them to do this by very clearly saying:
What you offer
How it will help them
How they can get it
Remember:
The simpler and more predictable the communication the easier it is for the brain to digest.
The customer will tune you out if you start confusing them.
Does your website pass The Grunt Test?
To test your own website for clarity you can The Grunt Test*
Imagine a visitor to your website named Ugg. He is the stereotypical palaeolithic caveman type, club in hand and wearing animal skins.
IfUgg looked at your website for just a few seconds could he grunt the answers to the following three questions?
What do you offer?
How will it make my life better?
What do I need to do to buy it?
I know it all this sounds pretty obvious but you’d be surprised how many websites fail The Grunt Test meaning the visitor has to spend time and effort searching for the answers to the three questions above.
Make sure the answers to these questions are quick and easy and to findon your website.
So, does your website pass The Grunt Test?
Further reading
Don’t Make Me Think, Revisited: A Common Sense Approach to Web and Mobile Usability - Steve Krug
Almost 20 years ago when I’d just started making websites, I bought a book entitled Don’t Make Me Think! by Steve Krug.
The ideas in the book are still very relevant today the underlying premise is designing your website to satisfy our lazy human brain.
Don’t Make Me Think by Steve Krug cover
Building a StoryBrand: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen - Donald Miller
The Grunt Test was coined in the book Building a Storybrand by Donald Miller (which I highly recommend reading if you're a business owner).
I typically book projects 4-6 weeks in advance. I focus on designing and building custom marketing websites. You can fill out the form or send me an email and I'll get back to you within a 24 hours.
