WordPress vs. a custom website: which is better for your business?
WordPress is popular, but is it really the best choice? I compare the pros and cons and show when a custom solution makes more sense.
WordPress: the king of websites?
More than 40 % of all websites worldwide run on WordPress (source: W3Techs). That sounds impressive, but does “widely used” also mean “best for your business”? Not necessarily.
What WordPress does well
WordPress is a mature system with a huge community. There are plugins for almost everything, and many developers and designers know it. For a simple blog or a small company site WordPress can be a solid choice.
Strengths of WordPress:
What WordPress cannot do, or does badly
1. Security is a problem
WordPress is the most attacked CMS in the world. Not because it is built worse, but because it is so widespread. Every plugin is a potential entry point. 43 % of all hacked websites worldwide were WordPress sites (source: Sucuri, 2025).
2. Performance suffers from plugins
Every installed plugin slows your website down. The average WordPress site loads in 3 to 5 seconds on mobile devices. Google prefers pages under one second.
3. Technical effort grows
Updates, backups, plugin conflicts: WordPress sites need regular care. Many business owners underestimate this effort.
4. Vendor lock-in
Your website runs on the WordPress ecosystem. If you change provider or want to change something fundamental, you often start from scratch.
What a custom website offers
A tailor-made website with modern technology (Next.js, React) offers:
| Criterion | WordPress | Custom (Next.js) |
|---|---|---|
| Load time | 3 to 5 s | 0.3 to 0.8 s |
| Security | Medium (many plugins) | Very high |
| SEO | Good (with an SEO plugin) | Excellent (Core Web Vitals) |
| Customisation | Limited | Unlimited |
| Ownership | Yes | 100% |
| Maintenance effort | High | Minimal |
When WordPress still makes sense
When you should choose a custom solution
Our conclusion
For companies that want to grow online I recommend not using a WordPress site. The security risks, weaker performance and high maintenance effort outweigh the benefits.
With a professional Next.js website you get: