WordPress or a web designer: what a small business should know

WordPress can do almost anything. Somebody still has to look after it.

Two things called WordPress

WordPress.org is free software you install on your own hosting. WordPress.com is a hosted service, run by a company called Automattic. People often mix them up.

Either way you get a huge choice of themes and plugins, which is why so much of the web runs on it.

The part that is easy to overlook

A self-hosted WordPress site needs updating: WordPress itself, your theme and every plugin. If that slips, the site can slow down, break or become a security risk.

That is fine if you have someone who does it. For a small business owner it often becomes the job nobody does.

When WordPress is a good choice

If you need lots of pages, a blog, bookings or a shop, or you want to add features over time, WordPress gives you room to grow. It is also easy to find people who can help.

If your needs are a few clear pages and a phone number, you may not need all that.

Where we fit

We build simple, fast sites for local businesses at a fixed price, from £199 on the packages page. There is less to look after, which suits owners who want it done and not another thing to maintain.

If you need a lot of features, tell us in the project brief and we will say honestly what fits.

Questions to ask before you decide

• Who will keep WordPress, my theme and plugins updated?
• Do I need the extra features, or just a few clear pages?
• Who do I call if something breaks?
• Do I know which kind of WordPress I am buying?

Common questions

Is WordPress free?

The WordPress.org software is free. You still pay for hosting and a domain, and possibly for themes, plugins and help.

Is WordPress good for local SEO?

It can be set up very well. As with any platform, you still need clear titles, a real map, fast pages and consistent business details.

OneSimpleSite is independent and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by any company named in this guide. Product and company names belong to their owners. Plans, prices and features change, so check each provider's own site for current details.

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