Do you use Wordpress to create websites?

In short, no we don't.

To dive straight in, we don't use Wordpress to create websites.

Wordpress, Squarespace and Wix are all common website design tools for Tasmanian businesses in 2019 and offer a relatively quick solution to create a visually attractive website.

Our focus at Wakeford Digital is to deliver functional websites that can be both designed, and maintained, as easily as possible.

With this in mind, there are some aspects of Wordpress and other template based sites that we feel Webflow - the platform that we use - does better.

Some of the benefits of Wordpress.

1. The platform is open source and 'free' to use;
2. Lots of pre-made templates to choose from;
3. Extensive plug-in library for a range of options;
4. Wordpress is commonly used across the web so transferring to another designer or setup is easy;

But, there are some significant reasons why we don't use Wordpress...

1. Templates, plugins and hosting are often additional costs: while the platform itself is free, additional items required to have a basic and attractive website are often an unexpected upfront cost;
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2. Similar looking websites: templates are quick to implement, but can often leave a website looking exactly like a competitor who's also using Wordpress.
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3. Control over layouts: The template setup used by Wordpress also makes it hard to position an element anywhere other than its fixed position, which requires additional coding to fix or change;
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4. Security and the need to update: we regularly hear that a client has been locked out of their Wordpress website because they haven't updated the backend for a while. Along with this reduced capacity, the need to regularly update (both the platform and external plug-ins) can lead to significant security risks;
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5. ‍External plug-ins and load time; the amount of additional features is great for Wordpress users, however stacking these together on a website can create bloated backend coding and in turn increase the time required to load your website;
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6. ‍Search engine optimisation: SEO is good on Wordpress, however requires an additional plugin and knowledge to deliver even a basic setup;
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7. ‍Cluttered back end: The Wordpress dashboard is visually strong, but from a client's perspective can be complex and contains a lot of options that are rarely or never used.

We're the first to put our hand up and say we use Webflow to develop our websites.

Here's a few reasons why we love using Webflow:

1. Designs that enhance your brand: Webflow enables a blank canvas when designing a website. While we use efficiencies to ensure a prompt turn around in delivering a site, Webflow lets us create a unique website design that not only reflects but enhances your business or brand;
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2. Super easy to use for clients: My mother still thinks that my computer affects her phone calls, but she can (and does) use Webflow's content management system (CMS) with ease to maintain the AZZA Pacific website. Adding and editing content is really easy and the process is straightforward;
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3. Security and backups: Webflow offers free SSL security and a constant backup system. There's no need for Wakeford Digital, let alone the client, to update security or any aspects of the platform at all.

It's important to note that no website platform is perfect - each has their strengths and weaknesses and it's important to find a solution that's right for you.

Bonus question: "I'm familiar with Wordpress, but I need a website update - can you help?"

Another regular question which we're happy to answer - we see this process as short term pain for long term gain.

We understand that you've taken probably a lot of time to learn Wordpress and develop your previous site, and think that's great.

However, if your website isn't functioning to achieve your business goals or doing what you expect, then it's time that could be better spent.

Having Wakeford Digital redevelop your website using Webflow doesn't have to be a stressful or ridiculously expensive project.

Through all our website design services, we can use what works and what you like about your existing site and combine this with the benefits of Webflow to ensure you've got an online presence you can be proud of.

We're also on hand to run you through the content management system to update and add content to your website, which often takes no more than an hour.

We hope the above answers some of the questions around why we don't use Wordpress, however if you've got anything further you wanted to ask or know - don't hesitate to get in touch.

If you're interested in working with Wakeford Digital to develop a new website or update your existing site, you can fill in our simple no obligation online quote form and we'll get in touch.

Thanks for reading!

- Dom