Building & updates
WordPress or a custom website: which suits your business?
Key takeaway
WordPress suits businesses that need its editor and plugins, but WordPress, themes and plugins need maintenance. A custom HTML or React website can simplify the setup and use Arc for supported changes. Both approaches need someone responsible for security, updates and recovery.
In this guide
You can own a website built either way
WordPress and a custom website are two ways of building a website. Either can belong to your business. The choice is about how the website works, the features you need and who will look after it.
WordPress gives you a content management system, an editing dashboard and a large choice of themes and plugins. A custom website can be built around your particular design and functions using tools such as HTML or React. For a straightforward business website, a simpler build can reduce the number of separate parts to maintain.
When WordPress is a good fit
WordPress can make sense when your team needs its editing tools, publishes regularly or relies on particular plugins. A well maintained WordPress site can serve a business well. If your existing website works and its maintenance is organised, a rebuild may not be necessary.
Start by identifying the features you actually use: forms, a shop, bookings, member access or specialist publishing. Replacing those features may be more work than rebuilding the visible pages. We assess that before suggesting a transfer or modernisation.
What happens when WordPress updates are missed?
WordPress itself, themes and plugins can receive fixes for security weaknesses. Leaving affected software in place can leave a known route into a site. The possible consequences include unwanted content, stolen information or a website that stops working. An old version is a reason to investigate, not proof that a site has already been compromised.
WordPress’s own security guidance recommends keeping its core software, themes and plugins current and choosing components that are actively maintained. A hosting subscription alone does not tell you who does that work. Ask explicitly whether updates are included and who handles a failed update.
Automatic updates still need a plan
WordPress has automatic update settings, but their behaviour depends on the installation and configuration. Do not assume every installed theme and plugin is updating simply because the WordPress dashboard can update automatically.
Updates can also change how plugins work together. A sensible process has a current backup, checks important features and gives someone responsibility for problems. A form that looks fine but no longer delivers enquiries is still a broken form. Confirm the checks you need with whoever maintains the website.
What a useful backup should coverCheck website speed after an important change
Sources: WordPress updates and automatic update settings (opens in a new tab)
What changes with a Lightning Developments website?
Lightning Developments can modernise a website using HTML or React, with human oversight. A simple information site may not need a WordPress dashboard, theme or collection of plugins. The content and design can be built around the business, with an agreed route for future changes.
Hosted on our Lightning platform, the website uses AWS infrastructure and CloudFront delivery, with daily website backups. Our own Lightning Developments and Lightning Web Hosting websites have independent availability monitoring and operational alerts. Platform checks also cover the portal and backup health. Website-specific features and any extra checks are agreed during setup.
HTML or React does not mean maintenance disappears. Libraries, forms, servers and external services can still need updates and review. The useful difference is a known set of components and a team responsible for the agreed hosting setup, rather than a website left without anyone looking after it.
How we use AWS for secure hostingWebsite and app design at Lightning Developments
How easy are everyday website changes?
In WordPress, you can edit content through its dashboard or ask someone to do it. The experience depends on the theme and page builder. In a custom build, an editing system or a developer normally provides the route for changes.
Our Lightning plan adds Arc: describe a text change, upload a replacement picture or ask to move an existing item. Review the private preview and approve the revision you want. Publication starts immediately after approval. Whether a particular imported WordPress site can use the same automated workflow depends on its setup; we check compatibility first.
Should you transfer or rebuild?
Keep a working, well maintained WordPress site when it meets your needs and its important features would be costly to replace. Consider modernisation when the design is dated, changes have become awkward or a small information site has accumulated unnecessary software.
A WordPress transfer needs both the website files and its database. A rebuild needs a plan for content, important page addresses, search visibility and any special functions. We assess the existing site and agree that plan before changing the live version.
How WordPress transfers workWhat happens during a website modernisation
Sources: WordPress files and database backups (opens in a new tab)
What does modernisation cost?
Modernisation is NZ$999 + GST for up to 10 pages or NZ$1,199 + GST for up to 30 pages, with human oversight. We confirm features and scope first. Hosting is separate: Thunder is NZ$55 + GST a month per website, or Lightning with Arc is NZ$99 + GST. Hosting billing begins when your website is live with us.
Whichever route you choose, your website and supplied content remain yours. We provide downloads of the website files and content we hold. A separate service, plugin or software licence may still be needed elsewhere, so include those in the handover discussion.
Explore modernisationSeparate the rebuild cost from ongoing hosting