Ways to Develop a Website: From Code to No-Code Platforms
Creating a website is exciting, but with so many development options available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming for someone. This guide breaks down the most popular methods of website development, including coding, WordPress, Squarespace, Wix, Shopify, and Webflow, to help you decide which path is best for your project and discover what I use and suggest after years of experience.
Coding: The Traditional Approach
Complexity: 9/10
Cost (Self-Made): Low (if you have the skills)
Cost (Delegated): High
Quality: 10/10 (if you have the skills)
Coding a website from scratch involves using languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and server-side languages like PHP or Python. This method offers unmatched flexibility and customization. The possibilities are endless.
Pros:
- Total control over design and functionality
- High performance and optimization potential
- Scalability for complex projects
Cons:
- Requires advanced technical skills
- Time-consuming
- High cost if outsourced
- Often, you need a small team to complete the project
WordPress: The Most Famous Platform
Complexity: 7/10
Cost (Self-Made): Moderate
Cost (Delegated): Moderate to High
Quality: 7/10
WordPress, since it is one of the first programs ever created, is a widely-used content management system (CMS) that powers a significant portion of the web. It’s known for its flexibility, thanks to a vast library of plugins and themes.
Pros:
- Extensive plugin ecosystem
- Flexible
- Strong community support
Cons:
- Complex for beginners
- Security vulnerabilities
- Requires a lot of maintenance
Squarespace: The Designer's Choice
Complexity: 3/10
Cost (Self-Made): High
Cost (Delegated): High
Quality: 7/10
Squarespace is a user-friendly platform known for its beautifully designed templates and ease of use, making it a favorite among designers and small business owners.
Pros:
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface
- High-quality templates
- All-in-one solution (hosting included)
Cons:
- Limited customization options
- Higher cost compared to some other platforms
- Less flexible for advanced functionality
Wix: The Beginner-Friendly Option
Complexity: 2/10
Cost (Self-Made): Low
Cost (Delegated): Low
Quality: 5/10
Wix offers a straightforward drag-and-drop website builder, perfect for beginners with no coding experience. May be a good choice for small websites and personal projects.
Pros:
- Very easy to use
- Quick setup
- Affordable pricing plans
Cons:
- Limited scalability
- Can be less professional for larger businesses
- Limited design flexibility
Shopify: The E-Commerce Powerhouse
Complexity: 5/10
Cost (Self-Made): High
Cost (Delegated): High
Quality: 9/10
Shopify is a robust platform designed specifically for e-commerce. It provides everything needed to set up and run an online store, from product listings to payment processing.
Pros:
- Comprehensive e-commerce features
- Excellent customer support
- Secure and reliable
Cons:
- High cost, especially with add-ons
- Transaction fees unless using Shopify Payments
- Poor flexibility for non-e-commerce sites
Webflow: The Best of Both Worlds
What I use to develop my clients' websites.
Complexity: 8/10
Cost (Self-Made): Moderate
Cost (Delegated): High
Quality: 9/10
Webflow is a powerful platform that combines the flexibility of coding with the ease of a visual builder. It’s ideal for designers and developers looking to create visually stunning and highly functional websites without extensive coding. If the designer has good skills, the result can be highly performant.
I’ve been using this platform for all my projects for years now, and even though it’s not easy to learn, it’s the best choice I’ve ever made. The possibilities are limitless, especially in terms of creativity. It allows you to build all sorts of websites: blogs, landing pages, multi-lingual sites, responsive sites, and even small e-commerce stores.
The quality provided is the best compared to similar platforms. In fact, Webflow powers my website and the article page you're reading.
Pros:
- Visual interface with custom code capabilities
- High-quality design tools
- SEO-friendly and responsive designs
Cons:
- Steeper learning curve compared to other builders
- Requires some technical knowledge for full potential
- Not good for big e-commerce
Choosing the right platform for your website development depends on your needs, skills, and budget. While coding offers the highest level of customization, platforms like WordPress, Squarespace, Wix, Shopify, and Webflow each bring unique advantages. For those looking for advanced capabilities, Webflow is a versatile and powerful option.
Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting, understanding the pros and cons of each platform will help you make an informed decision and create a website that meets your goals. If you're ready to take the next step, consider exploring Webflow for a perfect blend of design flexibility and robust functionality.
What to delegate the design and development of your website?
My name is Miki, and I’m a brand and web designer. I develop brands from scratch and handle branding from every perspective, including the design and development of websites.
If you want to know more about how I can help you, contact me here, and I’ll get back to you to discuss your project.
