Choosing the right platform for your website can feel daunting. You know there’s a path forward, but which one is right for you?
If you’re a business owner, artist, or entrepreneur in Arcata, Eureka, Fortuna, or McKinleyville, this guide will help you choose the right platform to grow your online presence with confidence and clarity.
Let’s explore the most common website paths and which one might work best for your business.
✨ Low-Code Builders: Stylish Without the Big Price Tag
If you’re just getting started (or you want something beautiful without investing thousands up front), low-code builders can be a smart way to get online fast. Platforms like Squarespace, Framer, Showit, Shopify, and Webflow let us design polished, professional websites without writing a ton of custom code — meaning lower upfront costs and quicker turnarounds.
Why choose this path?
- Affordable to launch
- Sleek templates that can be customized to match your brand
- Easy-to-use features like blogging and booking, though often with limits when it comes to SEO or customization
Low-code builders are especially appealing for small businesses, artists, and service providers who need something simple and functional without getting deep into the tech side.
But here’s the honest truth: these platforms aren’t always built to scale. They can be rigid when you need advanced features, performance optimization, or deep integrations with other tools. Some platforms also come with SEO limitations, or they lock you into their ecosystem — making it harder (and more expensive) to evolve as your business grows.
They’re a great starting point but not always a forever home. Which brings us to…
🌿 WordPress: Deep Roots, Endless Possibilities
When you want a website that reflects your unique flow and future vision, WordPress offers powerful customization and room to evolve. It’s open-source, meaning it’s endlessly adaptable, whether you’re running a growing business or curating a content-rich site.
Why choose WordPress?
- Custom design tailored to your brand
- Thousands of plugins for added functionality (think bookings, memberships, events, and more)
- Scalable for nearly any type of business
Best for: Established businesses or ambitious entrepreneurs who need more than just a pretty homepage. WordPresss offers strategy, storytelling, and systems that support long-term growth.
🌲 Drupal: The Powerhouse for Big Projects
If you’ve heard of Drupal, you probably already know it’s not your average website builder. This platform is built for complex, high-security, and high-volume websites. It is often used by universities, governments, and large organizations.
Why choose Drupal?
- Rock-solid security
- Handles complex content structures
- Designed for scalability and performance
Best for: Large nonprofits, educational institutions, and tech-savvy organizations that need strict user permissions, multilingual content, or intricate data management.
🔥 Custom Web Apps: When You’re Building Something Entirely New
Some businesses don’t just need a website, they need an experience. Maybe you’re building a unique tool, community platform, or booking system. In these cases, a fully custom-built web application might be the path forward.
Why choose a custom build?
- Full control over design and functionality
- Tailored backend workflows to match your operations
- Built for your business—not the other way around
Best for: Startups, platforms, or visionary businesses who are inventing something new and need tech that matches their ambition. When your business doesn’t fit the mold, custom code gives it wings.
So, What’s Right for You?
You don’t have to know all the answers, just a general idea of what you want your website to do for you. We will work together to determine the best platform based on your goals, your budget, and the kind of energy you want your site to hold.
Whether you’re building a heartfelt brand on Squarespace or ready to dive into a custom WordPress site, I’ll help guide you toward a grounded, beautiful, and strategic solution.
Ready to Build Something Magnetic?
Let’s connect. I offer soulful, strategic web design for Arcata, Eureka, Fortuna and McKinleyville business owners who want a site that feels as good as it looks.
Reach out here to start your next chapter.
