Let me save you about 40 hours of research: WordPress powers 43% of all websites on the internet. But that statistic means absolutely nothing if it can’t make your business money.
I’m about to share something that might ruffle some feathers in the web design community. After building hundreds of business websites here in Freeport, I’ve discovered that the platform you choose matters far less than what you do with it.
The Real Story Behind WordPress (What Most Developers Won’t Tell You)
Here’s what happens: A business owner gets sold on WordPress because “everyone uses it.” Three months later, they’re staring at a beautiful website that generates zero leads and wondering where they went wrong.
But it’s not WordPress’s fault. The platform is actually incredibly powerful when used correctly. Let me break down exactly what you need to know:
The Actual Benefits of WordPress (Not Just Marketing Fluff)
- Customization Without Breaking the Bank: You get access to thousands of themes and plugins that can be customized for your business – without paying custom development prices
- Easy Content Updates: Once set up properly, you can update your own content without calling a developer every time you need to change your hours or add a new service
- Built-in SEO Tools: WordPress makes it easier for search engines to find and rank your business (when set up correctly)
The Downsides Nobody Mentions
- Regular Maintenance Required: WordPress needs consistent updates to stay secure and running smoothly
- Plugin Problems: Too many plugins can slow your site down and create security risks
- Hidden Costs: While WordPress itself is free, professional themes, plugins, maintenance, and proper hosting will cost you
When WordPress Makes Perfect Sense
Based on our experience with local Freeport businesses, WordPress is probably right for you if:
- You plan to regularly update your website with fresh content
- You need an online store or appointment booking system
- You want to grow your site over time without starting from scratch
- You need to integrate with other business tools (like a CRM or email marketing)
When You Should Consider Something Else
Be honest – WordPress might not be your best choice if:
- You just need a simple one-page website
- You have no plans to update your content regularly
- You don’t have a plan (or budget) for regular maintenance
The Truth About Making WordPress Work for Your Business
Here’s what 15 years of building business websites has taught me: Success isn’t about the platform – it’s about the strategy behind it. Before you choose WordPress (or any platform), you need to answer these questions:
- What specific actions do you want visitors to take on your website?
- Who will be responsible for maintaining and updating the site?
- What’s your monthly budget for hosting, security, and updates?
- How will you measure if the website is actually helping your business grow?
Next Steps: Making an Informed Decision
If you’re still unsure whether WordPress is right for your business, I’d like to help. At Communication & Design Inc., we offer a free 30-minute Website Strategy Session where we’ll:
- Review your specific business needs
- Discuss your budget and maintenance capabilities
- Recommend the best platform for YOUR situation (even if it’s not WordPress)
Call us at 815-281-5152 to schedule your free strategy session. Or visit our contact page to book online.
P.S. – The platform debate doesn’t matter nearly as much as having a clear plan for turning visitors into customers. Let’s figure that out first, then choose the right tools to make it happen.
