Guide to Website Platforms

Wordpress backend from Creatrix

WordPress

Good for small to mid-size firms

• Cost-Effective - WordPress offers a variety of free themes and plugins, making it budget-friendly for small firms. WordPress-ready hosting can also be found at low rates.

• User-Friendly - With drag-and-drop builders like Elementor or Divi, non-technical users can create and update content.

• SEO-Friendly - WordPress is known for its SEO capabilities with plugins like Yoast SEO, allowing small firms to optimize their content effectively.

• Customization - A wide range of themes and plugins enables tailored designs that reflect the firm’s unique brand and services.

• Cons - Website setup and and host/ domain connections require technical skill. The open-source platform requires frequent updates to plugins and security software. These updates can be technically challenging and frustrating. The WordPress backend can take some time for employees to get accustomed to.

Squarespace Backend

Wix Backend

Squarespace and Wix

Good for small to mid-size firms

• All-in-One Solution - Both Squarespace and Wix provide hosting, templates, domains, and customer support in one package, making management easier for small and mid-sized firms. Payment and scheduling add-ons are easy to install.

• User-Friendly - Better than WordPress, Squarespace and Wix both allow employees with minimal technical experience to design and manage content easily. Editing is straightforward with intuitive, drag-and-drop interfaces - Squarespace more so since Wix’s recent update.

• Design Flexibility - Both platforms offer built-in, high-quality, visually appealing templates that cater to creative fields, allowing firms to showcase their work effectively. It is easy to brand templates with company fonts, colors and logos. You can also purchase other Squarespace and Wix templates online.

• Integrated Marketing Tools - Built-in SEO features, email marketing, and social media integration help firms manage their online presence in one place.

• Analytics - Built-in analytics tools and easy Google Analytics set ups help monitor performance and adjust marketing strategies accordingly.

• Cons - Not suitable for larger firms that need advanced content management solutions for large portfolios and service sectors. For complicated, more custom designs and features, you need to hire a technical expert.

Drupal backend from Matamo

Drupal and Custom-Built Solutions

A Content Management System (CMS) is a software application that enables users to create, manage, and modify website content without interacting with website design. It provides an interface for editing content, organizing it into various formats (like pages and posts), and includes tools for publishing and updating website content. Drupal, Joomla and Typo3 are the leading complex content management systems. MySQL can be added to WordPress sites to achieve similar results. Some firms have completely custom-built solutions.

Good for large and global firms

• Advanced Functionality - Support complex content structures and extensive customization, making them suitable for firms with varied services and national and international outreach.

• Integration Capabilities - Ability to integrate with other database software systems (like CRM and project management software) supports streamlined operations.

• Uses Database Interface - Database systems allow for the storage of large amounts of information in an organized manner - easily categorized, tagged, and searchable. Many CMSs have features that track changes to content, allowing users to revert to previous versions if necessary.

• Robust Security - With high-security standards, content management systems are ideal for larger firms that need to protect sensitive client information and data. They support user permissions, enabling different levels of access for various user roles, ensuring that only authorized personnel can manage certain website content or sections. Most databases come with built-in backup solutions, allowing for data recovery in case of accidental deletion or system failures.

• Multi-Language Support - Essential for global firms, Drupal's capabilities allow for easy translation and management of multilingual content.

• Cons - CMSs can be challenging for employees without technical skills. Typically, ongoing IT support and training is necessary for effective use. Custom-sites and systems can be expensive to develop and maintain, requiring dedicated resources .