Podcast Summary Article
In this episode of Brands on Tap, the team tackles a crucial question for businesses building or refreshing their websites: which web platform is right for you? From open-source options to paid services, this discussion covers the pros, cons, and hidden costs of popular platforms like WordPress, Shopify, Squarespace and others.
🧱 What Is a Web Platform?
The episode starts with a clear explanation:
- A web platform is a system used to build, manage and host your website.
- Examples include WordPress (open-source), Shopify, Squarespace, Wix, and others.
- Each platform varies in flexibility, cost, scalability, and ease of use.
🆓 WordPress: The Open-Source Favourite
The team admits a bias toward WordPress—and with good reason:
- Open-source: No licensing or usage fees, and you own the code outright.
- Highly customisable: Suitable for everything from blogs to large-scale enterprise sites.
- Developer-friendly: Perfect for agencies or teams with technical capability.
They note that WordPress is particularly attractive for clients wanting full ownership and flexibility.
💰 Proprietary Platforms: Easy, but With Trade-Offs
The episode also dives into paid-for platforms, such as:
- Shopify – Excellent for e-commerce, but monthly fees apply and customisation can be limited without plugins or developer support.
- Squarespace / Wix – Great for small businesses or individuals; known for ease of use and attractive templates.
However, the trade-offs often include:
- Ongoing subscription fees
- Platform lock-in
- Limited scalability
- Less control over source code
⚖️ How to Choose the Right Platform
The hosts suggest thinking about:
- Business size and goals: Are you scaling? Do you need e-commerce or a portfolio?
- Budget and maintenance capacity: Do you want to manage it yourself or hire an agency?
- Ownership and flexibility: Is it important to fully own your site’s backend?
Ultimately, the choice depends on what you need now—and what you’ll need later.
🧠 Final Thoughts
This episode is a handy primer for anyone confused by the number of web platforms on offer. The takeaway? No platform is perfect for every business—but by understanding the pros and cons, you can make a choice that aligns with your goals, tech needs, and budget.