WordPress or a custom website: choosing for your business
The choice starts with content, functionality, your team and lifetime cost rather than developer preference. Sometimes standard software is enough; sometimes the workflow needs a dedicated application.
When an existing CMS helps
An existing CMS can reduce initial work for publishing and standard website functions. Check extensions, compatibility, licences, performance and maintenance.
When custom development makes sense
Custom workflows, complex roles, specialist integrations or rules poorly covered by plugins may justify it. The budget includes discovery, development, testing and upkeep.
Websites and applications serve different purposes
A website explains and attracts enquiries. An application manages users, documents, statuses and reporting. Create, read, update and delete operations form a base, but permissions and business rules determine usefulness.
Compare total cost
Include subscriptions, licences, hosting, dependencies, support, data export and future changes. Ask about trade-offs and whether another developer can take over.