Choosing between WordPress and custom development should not come down to the most fashionable technology name. A brochure site, a regularly updated publication and a complex customer portal have different needs. WordPress can have a bespoke visual design, while a custom site can be anything from a simple static page to a substantial application. Start by defining the job.
Who will edit the content, and how often?
List what will change: prices, services, images, team members, articles or products. If updates are frequent, an editing interface your team understands is important.
Ask for an editing demonstration before handover. Adding an article or service should be straightforward for your team, too. Consider editor permissions and how changes can be reviewed.
Describe functions as actual workflows
‘We need booking’ is not enough detail for planning. How many calendars are involved? Are deposits needed? What happens after a cancellation? A customer portal similarly needs clear rules about who can see and change what.
These workflows help determine whether an established solution, integration or custom development is appropriate. Begin with essential functions and expand once you have experience using them.
Launch cost is only part of ownership
A proposal should explain hosting, licences, updates, backups and future changes. A low initial price may be less attractive if every minor edit needs specialist work.
Maintenance needs an owner whichever approach you choose. Agree who handles technical changes, where backups live and how the site can be restored if something goes wrong.
Plan for a proper handover
Domain and hosting access, source materials and editing instructions all matter after launch. Establish what can be exported and which external services the site depends on.
The system with the longest feature list is not automatically the best choice. Choose one that supports the job, has manageable ownership costs and is understandable for your business.