WordPress. It’s the dominant content management system (CMS) on the internet. From it’s origins as a blogging platform, it’s become a versatile solution for business sites, membership sites, churches, non-profits, clubs and many other organizations. But does your organization really need a WordPress website in 2020?
The real answer is “it depends.” If you’re a writer/blogger then the answer is obviously yes. If you’re a business that needs to inform your customers with stories and articles, then yes, though you might consider YouTube as your distribution platform. If you’re a membership-based organization, then WordPress is a great solution. But if you’re in the majority of small businesses that need a simple website, then the answer is clearly no.
if you’re in the majority of small businesses that need a simple website, then the answer is clearly no.
WordPress, released in 2003, became increasingly popular as a general purpose website platform over the past decade as theme builders and plugin developers relentlessly promoted it with beautiful website layouts and advanced functionality. WordPress made it easy for non-technical people to build a website. That drove the adoption of WordPress. Most businesses didn’t really need a WordPress website, they needed a website.
Website designers made you believe you need a WordPress website
It was the website designers that chose WordPress for the business. But while that may have been the best choice for the designer, it may not have been the best choice for the business.
Most businesses simply don’t need WordPress. They do need a nice, fast, mobile-friendly website that communicates essential information about their business, products and services that people need to know. They have no desire or reason to blog, and if they do, a third-party blogging platform like Blogger or Tumblr may be a more cost-effective solution.
A cost-effective solution
For many businesses, an HTML website used in conjunction with social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram is the perfect solution to provide information and promote their business.
HTML websites have some distinct advantages over WordPress websites.
- Speed. It’s not even close in terms of server speed and browser rendering speed. HTML websites are faster, which helps your SEO and increases website ranking on Google’s organic search results.
- Security. WordPress plugins and themes increase risks to the security of websites. Bots often find outdated, unpatched software that enables intruders and hacks. HTML websites are secure because they don’t run on a programming language.
- Maintenance-free. The only updates needed for an HTML website are content updates when products, services or information changes.
Some of the disadvantages of setting up HTML websites are:
- Skill requirements. HTML websites are not DIY; they have to be set up and updated by someone with HTML editing skills. While it’s not programming, graphic designers and most digital marketers typically do not edit HTML.
- Limited functionality. HTML websites are static rather than interactive with visitors. 3rd party applications may be needed for additional functionality and interactivity with website visitors.
- Limited themes and templates. WordPress is known for the gazillion themes available for free and from vendors. HTML website themes that are mobile-friendly are generally hard to find.
So what kind of businesses can benefit from HTML websites?
Small businesses including attorneys, accountants, family doctors, specialized medical care facilities, dentists, eye care, health spas, beauty salons, restaurants, pet care, veterinarians, real estate developers, builders, auto mechanics, and other service professions can realize higher productivity by focusing on what they do best while improving Google rankings and sales with an HTML website.
While some marketers believe content creation is the best way to attract website visitors, others believe email, social media, Google Maps, and online advertising can be just as effective driving people to a website landing page that converts.
Great HTML landing pages are very effective in converting visitors to customers. And it’s easy to try several versions, known as A/B testing.
So, an HTML website should be the first consideration for small businesses. Secure, mobile-friendly and speed optimized websites help small businesses get more local customers by increasing their ranking on search engines and by engaging visitors fast.
Are you considering an HTML website?
If your business doesn’t need a WordPress website, Mediafluent provides template-based HTML websites at 247iMarket.com for small and local businesses. We also provide a variety of HTML theme-based websites here.
If you’d like a free 30-minute consultation, please schedule with us on Calendly. We love to help people market their business the right way.
A human interface to digital media. Founder, producer, director and writer at Mediafluent, Jim has worked in media production 20+ years on sports and entertainment for FOX, TNN, ESPN, NBCSN and more. Fortune 500 corporate video clients have included Dillard’s, Duke Energy, Wachovia and Whole Foods as well as companies like 3D Systems, EarthFare and Hissho Sushi. Jim loves creating and filming and is writing a feature film script.
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