Table of Contents
- 1. Hand-Coded Websites – The Ultimate Solution (If You Know How)
- 2. CMS: The Easiest Solution for Most People
- 2.1. WordPress – Flexible but Requires Knowledge
- 2.2. Webflow – Great for SEO and Design Flexibility
- 2.3. Shopify – The Best E-Commerce Solution
- 2.4. Wix – Surprisingly Good for Simplicity
- 3. Which One Should You Choose?
Hand-Coded Websites – The Ultimate Solution (If You Know How)
A hand-coded website is often considered the best possible solution – but only if you know how to code properly. Coding involves understanding programming languages (like HTML, CSS, JavaScript) and how Google’s algorithm works for search rankings. If you create a site without following SEO principles (Search Engine Optimization – techniques to rank higher on search engines like Google), your site might look great but won’t attract visitors.
If you’re a skilled developer who understands both coding and SEO, hand-coding can give you a lightweight, ultra-optimized site tailored specifically to your goals. But for most people, that’s not a realistic choice.
CMS: The Easiest Solution for Most People
If you’re a solopreneur (someone running a business alone) – like a coach, consultant, or freelancer – you probably don’t have time to code a website from scratch. This is where CMS platforms (Content Management Systems) come in. A CMS is a tool that helps you build and manage a website without needing to write code.
The most popular CMS options in 2025 include:
- WordPress (free, open-source)
- Webflow (paid)
- Shopify (paid)
- Wix (paid)
But how do you choose the right one? Let’s compare them.
WordPress – Flexible but Requires Knowledge
WordPress is a free, open-source CMS that powers over 40% of the web. Originally designed for blogging, it has evolved to support almost any type of site, including eCommerce (online stores). However, WordPress has some limitations:
- If you plan to sell more than 500 products, WordPress might not be the best choice. Consider Shopify instead.
- Without coding knowledge, you’ll depend heavily on templates and plugins, which can be poorly optimized and slow your site down.
- Tools like Elementor (a drag-and-drop website builder for WordPress) make design easier but often load unnecessary code libraries, slowing down your site further.
Webflow – Great for SEO and Design Flexibility
Webflow is a premium CMS perfect for businesses needing strong SEO (like coaches, online educators, and B2B service providers). It offers:
- Visual design tools that connect directly with platforms like Figma for professional mockups.
- Excellent SEO features for organic search visibility.
- The ability to create a very clean design without templates.
However, Webflow requires a basic understanding of web development concepts and can feel overwhelming for beginners. Plus, it still generates some extra code, like a 400KB JavaScript file, which can slow your site compared to hand-coded options.
Shopify – The Best E-Commerce Solution
Shopify is widely recognized as the best eCommerce solution in the world right now for those who don’t want to code. It offers a user-friendly platform with powerful tools for managing products, inventory, and payments. Shopify is perfect for entrepreneurs and businesses focused on online sales without dealing with the complexities of web development.
Wix – Surprisingly Good for Simplicity
Wix has often been criticized by top agencies for being too basic. However, it has significantly improved and can now create stunning websites without any coding knowledge. It’s perfect if you want a simple website and don’t care much about SEO.
The downside? Like other CMS platforms, Wix sites often load unnecessary code libraries, which can affect performance. However, if your primary traffic source is social media and not Google, SEO won’t be a major concern.
Which One Should You Choose?
The best platform depends on your knowledge and goals:
- Hand-coded: Best if you’re a developer and want full control over code and performance.
- WordPress: Best for blogs, small businesses, and eCommerce under 500 products (but may require plugins).
- Webflow: Best for SEO-focused service businesses and visually-driven websites with professional design needs.
- Wix: Best for freelancers and businesses who rely on social media traffic and want a stunning site quickly.
Wix, WordPress, Webflow, and hand-coding all have their place. The key is to understand your website’s purpose. If you need an SEO-focused site, Webflow or WordPress are better. If you want a simple online presence without worrying about search rankings, Wix might be perfect. And for the ultimate control and speed, hand-coding is unbeatable – if you have the skills.
No platform is inherently “bad.” Choose the one that fits your skill level and business goals.