Recently, I shared an article explaining the one thing that nobody tells you about WordPress websites (if you haven’t already, read that article first). In that article, I emphasised how we only recommend WordPress to clients, friends, and family if they can afford to have it operate off a managed hosting environment. This is crucial to ensure the stability and security of your website.
However, as mentioned, there’s a second reason why we don’t recommend WordPress without careful consideration. This reason is just as risky as opting for self-managed hosting, so I wanted to discuss it today in an attempt to help you avoid making this mistake.
The “other thing” nobody tells you about WordPress websites
The only other recommendation we would make when considering WordPress is to avoid old-school themes. These themes may seem like a cost-effective solution at first, but they often come with hidden risks that can compromise the integrity and performance of your website.
The risks of old-school WordPress themes
WordPress themes might look appealing due to their low price point and seemingly impressive designs. However, underneath all those stock photos is a significant risk that many businesses are unaware of.
These themes are typically developed by individual developers, often from a garage or small teams with limited resources and support. As a result, they lack the longevity, research and development, and quality necessary to allow your website investment to work for you.
1. Limited longevity
One-hit-wonder developers who create these themes offer updates for an unknown timeframe. When the updates stop, so will your website, resulting in the need for a complete redesign, whether it occurs six months or six years after its initial launch.
2. Incompatibility with updates
WordPress frequently releases updates to address security vulnerabilities and improve performance. However, old school themes may not be compatible with these updates, leading to functionality issues and potential breakdowns in website performance.
3. Security Vulnerabilities
Outdated themes are prime targets for hackers seeking to exploit known vulnerabilities. Without regular updates and security patches, businesses risk exposing sensitive data and compromising user trust.
Why robust WordPress frameworks are the way forward
At Phancybox, we decided many years ago that the risks associated with generic WordPress themes were too high for our clients. With this in mind, we’ve adopted a proactive and strategic approach to website development. Instead of relying on risky themes, we design custom WordPress websites, leveraging robust frameworks instead. These frameworks are backed by reputable companies with proven track records of longevity and ongoing support.
By choosing frameworks like Divi, businesses can ensure their websites are built on a solid foundation designed to last. These frameworks offer:
1. Long-Term Support
Backed by dedicated R&D departments and developer communities, frameworks like Divi provide ongoing support and updates to keep your website secure and up-to-date.
2. Flexibility and Customisation
Unlike generic themes, frameworks offer unparalleled flexibility and customisation options, allowing us to tailor your website to your unique brand identity and business objectives.
3. Optimised Performance
With a focus on speed and efficiency, frameworks prioritise performance optimisation, resulting in faster loading times and improved user experience – crucial factors for SEO and customer retention.
Make good choices
While old-school WordPress themes may seem like a cost-effective solution for your business, the risks they pose far outweigh any perceived benefits.
By choosing smart website solutions and avoiding old-school themes, you can position yourself for sustained growth and success. Contact us today to learn more about our WordPress web development services and to discover how else we can help you make smart choices for your business.