Custom website, WordPress or Wix: what should you choose?
Templates can solve an early stage. But when performance, SEO, control and evolution matter, a custom website can be cleaner and more predictable.
| Custom (ArqWeb) | WordPress | Wix | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance (Core Web Vitals) | Excellent, optimised from the start | Variable (theme + plugins) | Limited |
| Code control | Full — the repo is yours | Partial | None |
| Technical SEO | Controlled from day one | Plugin-dependent | Limited |
| Plugin dependency | Minimal | High | Closed |
| Upfront cost | Depends on scope | Depends on theme and integrations | Depends on plan |
| Ongoing cost | CMS plan from €19/month | Plugins + maintenance | Monthly subscription |
| Evolution & integrations | No limits | Possible, with friction | Restricted |
When WordPress or Wix are enough
For a very simple presence, minimal budget and little need for evolution, a visual platform can be enough. Problems appear when the site needs speed, SEO and fine control.
When custom makes sense
It makes sense when the business depends on the website, when integrations matter, when design must be specific or when the current website is slow and hard to maintain.
Migration with SEO planning
A good migration preserves important URLs, creates redirects, keeps metadata, validates the sitemap, fixes canonical and measures the result in Search Console.
Frequently asked questions
Will migrating from WordPress hurt rankings?
It can if done badly. With redirects, sitemap, canonical, metadata and tests, the risk is much lower.
Is a custom website always better?
No. It is better when performance, SEO, control and evolution matter. For very simple projects, an off-the-shelf platform can be enough.
Will we depend on ArqWeb?
The code stays in the client's repository. ArqWeb CMS requires a maintenance plan while it is used.
A note from ArqWeb
This guide organises checks and decisions for a common situation. Implementation depends on the website, access and systems involved. We can assess your situation if you need help applying these steps.
Let's look at your situation.
Tell us what you need and what you have already. We will reply with next steps and a proposal suited to the work.
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