With so many website development platforms available, choosing the right one can be an exhausting task. Each platform offers its own set of functions, capabilities, and limitations, so it is extremely important to make the right choice at the initial stage, so as not to step on a rake in the future when, after investing a significant amount of time and money, your expectations will not meet the result obtained.
To help navigate this decision-making process, we’ve put together a detailed checklist outlining the key factors to consider when choosing a website development platform. Here we will not analyze existing platforms and describe their advantages and disadvantages but will list points that you will need to “keep in mind” if you have already decided to develop a website.
Development platforms
Depending on your task, you will need one of the following methods for developing a website:
Website builders are online tools that allow you to create websites without the need for programming knowledge. They usually provide ready-made templates that you can customize and adapt to your needs, as well as functionality for adding content, images, and other design elements. Website builders are popular among non-professional users and small businesses as they provide an easy and affordable way to create an online presence;
CMS system is software that allows you to manage website content, such as texts, images, videos, and other multimedia elements, without the need for programming knowledge. It provides a convenient interface for creating, editing, and publishing content, which makes the process of managing a web resource accessible even to users without special technical skills. A CMS allows you to create websites of various sizes: from personal blogs to corporate portals – and is widely used in web development;
A self-written website is designed and created manually without the use of ready-made platforms or CMS. Such a site is created from scratch, using programming languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, as well as server technologies such as PHP or Python. Self-written websites have a high degree of flexibility and allow you to fully control the design, functionality, and security of the project.
Popularity and customizability of the platform
Choose a platform that is widely used and supported by a thriving developer community. Popular platforms often receive regular updates, security patch fixes, and new features, ensuring the longevity of your website.
Also, choose platforms that offer extensive customization options. While pre-built templates may seem convenient at first, they often lack flexibility and can make it difficult for your website to scale in the long run.
Convenient content management system (CMS)
If you choose a CMS, choose a platform with an intuitive and user-friendly interface. A robust CMS allows content managers to make updates and changes to a website without the need for technical knowledge or developer intervention.
Look for features like drag-and-drop editors, inline editing capabilities, and custom content modules to simplify your content management process.
Technical support and maintenance after development
It is essential to choose a platform that offers reliable technical support even after the development phase is completed. Make sure the development team provides ongoing assistance and is committed to resolving any issues that may arise post-launch.
Look for platforms that allow you to implement automated testing processes. This ensures that your website remains functional and error-free, minimizing the risk of technical glitches affecting the user experience.
Website Search Engine Optimization
Choose a platform whose development team is experienced in search engine optimization (SEO). A well-optimized website is more likely to rank higher in search engine results, increasing its visibility and attracting organic traffic.
The platform you choose should allow you to easily integrate SEO best practices such as custom meta tags, clear URL structures, and fast loading times to ensure maximum SEO friendliness.
Professional UX and conversion optimization
Prioritize platforms that prioritize user experience (UX) and conversion optimization. A well-designed website with intuitive navigation, fast loading, and mobile responsiveness can have a significant impact on conversion rates and user engagement.
Choose a platform that offers built-in analytics and testing tools to continually monitor and improve the user experience over time.
Maintenance Cost
Consider the long-term costs associated with maintaining your website, including licensing fees, hosting costs, and any additional add-ons or integrations.
While choosing cheaper website templates may seem cost-effective initially, it often results in higher costs down the line due to the need for frequent redesign, SEO development, and ongoing maintenance.
In conclusion, choosing the right website development platform is an important decision that can significantly impact the success of your online business. Opting for cheaper template sites may be tempting, but it is also important to consider the long-term implications and invest in a platform that offers reliable technical support, promotion capabilities, customization options, a user-friendly CMS, professional UX, and manageable maintenance costs. By prioritizing these factors, you can ensure that your website not only meets your current needs but also remains scalable and adaptable to future growth opportunities.
We hope the article was useful to you and the information received will help you. We will also be happy to assist you in matters of SEO promotion, online advertising, website development, and launching events. Leave a request below:
