WordPress vs Custom Development: A Practical Framework for Choosing the Right Build

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A web developer has outlined a decision framework to help clients choose between WordPress, website builders, and custom development based on project requirements. The core question is whether a site primarily publishes content or needs to run business operations, with WordPress recommended for the former and custom code for the latter. Complex needs such as user accounts, permissions, dashboards, subscriptions, or real-time features signal that a project is software, not just a website. The framework also cautions against choosing solely on upfront cost, noting that both WordPress and custom applications carry ongoing expenses including hosting, security, updates, and maintenance. A true cost comparison, the developer argues, should account for total ownership over three to five years rather than the initial invoice alone.

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