Building the foundation for online success
Choosing the best website platform for your business is one of the most important early decisions you’ll make online. It impacts everything—from how easily you can update your site, to how well it performs in search engines, and even how much it costs you over time.
At Website Guy, we work with a variety of platforms and tailor solutions based on what will give each client the most value. Whether you’re launching a startup, scaling your operations, or simply modernising your brand, the right platform can make all the difference.
What Is a Website Platform?
A website platform is the software or system used to build and manage your website. Think of it as the engine that powers everything behind the scenes—from layout and navigation to security, SEO, and content updates.
Popular platforms include WordPress, Shopify, Wix, Squarespace, and custom-coded solutions. Each comes with its strengths and weaknesses depending on your business type, technical needs, and budget.
Common Website Platforms Compared
- WordPress:
A highly customisable, open-source platform powering over 40% of all websites. WordPress is ideal for content-heavy sites, blogs, and businesses that require flexibility and scalability. It also supports plugins for SEO, eCommerce, and more. - Shopify:
A user-friendly platform designed specifically for eCommerce. It handles product listings, payments, and shipping integrations with ease. While excellent for online stores, it’s less suited to service-based sites. - Wix and Squarespace:
These drag-and-drop builders are beginner-friendly and great for simple websites. However, they have limitations in SEO, customisation, and long-term flexibility. - Custom-Coded Platforms:
Best suited for businesses with very specific needs or security requirements. They offer complete control but often come with higher development and maintenance costs.
For a deeper dive into this, Digital.gov provides useful insights into platform selection for various use cases.
What to Consider When Choosing a Platform
1. Your Business Goals
Are you selling products, offering services, building a community, or just sharing information? Your website platform should align with your goals and grow as you do.
2. Ease of Use
If you don’t want to manage updates yourself, platforms like WordPress (with support from an experienced team like Website Guy) allow you to focus on your business while we handle the technical side.
3. SEO Capability
Not all platforms are equal when it comes to search engine optimisation. WordPress, for example, offers more powerful SEO tools and flexibility than most drag-and-drop platforms.
As outlined by Search Engine Journal, your platform choice can directly affect visibility.
4. Customisation and Features
You’ll want a platform that supports your current needs and can be customised later. Some builders limit functionality as you grow.
5. Budget
Some platforms charge monthly fees, others are free but require hosting and development costs. It’s essential to weigh setup costs against long-term maintenance.
Our Recommendation: WordPress + Website Guy
For most small-to-medium Australian businesses, we recommend WordPress as the best website platform. It offers unmatched flexibility, strong SEO capabilities, and full control over design and functionality.
At Website Guy, we take care of everything—from development to hosting, ongoing maintenance, and content updates. We also provide branding and logo design to ensure your site visually reflects your business.
We don’t expect you to manage things yourself—we’re here for the long haul, offering expert guidance and prompt updates whenever you need them.
Speak to Website Guy for Honest Advice
If you’re unsure about which platform is right for you, don’t guess. Let’s talk it through together. We’ll help you weigh your options and choose a platform that supports your growth, goals, and budget.
Reach out via our contact page and let us help you lay the right digital foundations for your business success.
