Custom Websites vs. CMS Websites

May 28, 2024

When it comes to building a website, one of the key decisions you have to make is whether to have your website custom-coded or created using a Content Management System (CMS). Both options have their pros and cons, but today we'll focus on why a custom-coded website is the better choice for your business.

Performance and Speed

Performance is a key factor in the success of a website. Custom-coded websites are faster and more efficient than those built with a CMS. This is because they are tailored specifically to the business’s needs, without the excess bloat that comes with many CMS platforms. CMS sites often require numerous plugins to achieve desired functionality, which can slow down loading times and negatively impact performance.

Performance and speed are important for two reasons:

  1. The user experience

    • Impressions mean everything. Multiple studies have been done on the impact of website load speeds on user engagement, and the answer is clear: user engagement heavily depends on speed, with fast websites (under a second load time) seeing anywhere from a %150-%500 increase in user conversion rates compared to their slower counterparts.
  2. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

    • Speed is undeniably a factor in search engine rankings and faster websites lead to better search engine rankings.
    • Custom-coded websites are built with clean, semantic HTML, which is more easily crawled and indexed by search engines.
    • Developers can implement advanced SEO techniques and strategies that are specifically designed for the business’s unique needs, rather than relying on generic CMS plugins.

Unmatched Customization and Flexibility

One of the most significant advantages of custom-coded websites is the level of customization they offer. Unlike CMS platforms, which can be restrictive due to their template-based nature, custom-coded websites are built from scratch to meet the exact needs of the business.

  • Tailored Design: Custom-coded websites offer complete control over the design and layout, ensuring a unique, branded experience that CMS templates can't match.
  • Scalability: As the business grows, the website can be easily expanded and modified to incorporate new features and handle increased traffic.

Better Security

Security is a major concern for any business website. Custom-coded websites tend to be more secure than those built with a CMS. CMS platforms are popular targets for hackers due to their widespread use and common vulnerabilities.

  • Fewer Vulnerabilities: Custom-coded websites have fewer vulnerabilities because they do not rely on third-party plugins and templates.
  • Enhanced Security Measures: Developers can implement robust security measures tailored to the specific needs of the business, ensuring a higher level of protection against cyber threats.

Conclusion

While CMS platforms offer convenience and ease of use, a custom-coded website provides superior performance, enhanced SEO capabilities, exceptional user experience, unmatched customizability, and better security. For businesses looking to establish a strong online presence and stand out in a competitive market, investing in a custom-coded website is often the best choice. It not only meets the specific needs of the business but also provides a solid foundation for future growth and success.