Headless, WordPress or a page builder? Choosing the right website platform
The platform you build on shapes your site's speed, flexibility and running costs for years. Here's how to choose without getting lost in the jargon.
Squarespace, WordPress, Webflow, a modern headless stack — the platform debate gets religious fast. It shouldn't. The right choice depends on what you need, not what's fashionable. Here's the honest rundown.
Match the platform to the job
The quick version
- Page builders (Squarespace, Wix) — great for simple, small sites you'll rarely change. Fast to launch, limited ceiling.
- WordPress — flexible and familiar, huge plugin ecosystem; needs maintenance and can get slow if abused.
- Headless / modern stack — the fastest, most flexible option (it's how we build), ideal for sites that need performance and room to grow.
We tend to build headless for exactly the reasons in our Core Web Vitals guide — it's the surest route to a genuinely fast, distinctive site.
Not sure which platform fits?
Tell us your goals and budget and we'll recommend the right platform honestly — even if it's not the one we'd build ourselves.
See our web services →Frequently asked questions
Is WordPress still a good choice in 2026?
For many businesses, yes — it's flexible, familiar and has a plugin for almost everything. The trade-offs are ongoing maintenance and performance, which need managing. For maximum speed and flexibility, a headless build often wins.
What does 'headless' actually mean?
It separates the content management from the front-end that visitors see, so the site can be built with modern, extremely fast technology while editors still get a friendly place to manage content. It's how we build most sites.
Are Squarespace and Wix bad?
Not at all — they're excellent for simple, small sites you won't change much, and they're quick and cheap to launch. They just hit a ceiling on speed, flexibility and customisation as your needs grow.
Can I move from one platform to another later?
Yes, though it's effectively a rebuild. It's far cheaper to choose a platform that suits where you're heading, not just where you are today — we can help you make that call.