Thinking about a new website for your church, ministry or business?
One of the biggest decisions you’ll need to make is what platform to use for your website.
In this Website Design Frequently Asked Questions (Web Design FAQs) video blog, I address the question What Is Best Platform for my Website? by looking at 5 factors to consider when choosing a website platform.
(The article below is a summary of the video, but you’ll get more details and examples if you watch the video.)
5 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Website Platform
1. Software vs Content Management System vs Website Builder
Website Software: This category involves the use of software installed on a developer’s desktop computer, like Dreamweaver. Within this software, one can customize the website’s design, functionality, and content. Then, the website is exported to a web hosting account, making it accessible on the internet.
Pros:
- Complete control over website design and features.
- Ideal for highly customized websites.
Cons:
- Steep learning curve.
- Limited accessibility for updates, restricted to the developer.
- Not conducive to collaborative work with multiple contributors.
Content Management System (CMS): The second category of website platforms is a Content Management System, like WordPress. In this scenario, the CMS is installed in the web hosting account, allowing developers to add themes and plugins within the CMS itself. All maintenance and updates are conducted within the CMS.
Pros:
- Portability: Easy migration to alternative hosting providers.
- Cost-effective, with numerous free open-source CMS options.
- Diverse selection of themes and functionality.
- Multiple users can collaborate remotely.
Cons:
- Potential learning curve during the initial setup.
- May necessitate developer assistance during the website’s initial construction.
Website Builder: The third category involves website builders such as Squarespace, Wix, and OurChurch.Com’s WP-EZ Website Builder. Users create accounts on these platforms, select themes and functionalities provided, and construct and update their websites entirely within the builder’s ecosystem.
Pros:
- Exceptionally user-friendly, making it suitable for beginners.
- Fast website development and updates.
- Eliminates the need for a separate hosting account.
Cons:
- Limited flexibility, as users are essentially tied to the builder’s platform.
- Potential challenges if the builder alters its functionality or pricing.
Our team builds all our of our clients’ custom-designed websites using the WordPress CMS
Now that we’ve explored the three platform categories, let’s examine the crucial factors to consider when determining the most suitable platform for your website:
2. Functionality
Clearly define your website’s purpose and the specific features required, whether it’s blogging, e-commerce, video integration, event registration, or other functionalities.
Before you can choose the best platform for your website, you must determine the functionality you want for your website. -Mark Steinbrueck
If you need additional guidance with this, check out How to Decide Your Website Needs
3. Ease of Use
Assess your own skill level. Some platforms are tailored for beginners, while others may demand a higher degree of technical expertise.
4. SEO Friendliness
Take into account your SEO requirements. Some platforms may provide more comprehensive SEO optimization options than others.
5. Support
Investigate the support available for the platforms you’re considering. Do they provide live chat and phone support or only respond to email and help desk tickets? Do they have a reputation for responding and resolving issues quickly?
Most of the big website builder companies (Wix, GoDaddy, etc) don’t provide phone support. Or if they do, you have to speak to someone in another country who may be difficult to understand.
Most of the Christian website companies do not provide support evenings or weekends.
OurChurch.Com provides chat, email, help desk and US phone support M-F 9am – 9pm Eastern time. We also respond to email and help desk tickets on the weekends.
I hope discussing these factors helps you choose the best website platform for your new website.
Work with our team of experts
If you have any other questions, or want to learn more about our about business, nonprofit or church website design or SEO services, we would love to talk with you. Compete the form below (mobile) or to the right (desktop) to schedule a free consultation!
Comment and discuss
- What was your biggest takeaway regarding website platforms?
- What other questions do you have about website platforms?
Read or watch more Web Design FAQs
Co-founder & CEO, OurChurch.Com
Paul has been the CEO of OurChurch.Com since its founding in 1996, combining his passion for faith and technology to lead the organization.
An accomplished writer, Paul has authored over 2,000 articles on faith and technology, featured on platforms like ChurchLeaders.com, The JoyFM, and his personal blog, LiveIntentionally.org.
Beyond his professional achievements, Paul serves as an elder at Journey Community Church and is deeply engaged in his community through his involvement with the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch and the Safety Harbor Chamber of Commerce. He is a contributing author of the book Outspoken! Conversations on Church Communication.