When you're planning a new website, the default advice is always "use WordPress" or "try Wix." But is a CMS (Content Management System) actually the best choice for your business? Not necessarily.
Here's an honest, vendor-neutral comparison to help you make the right decision.
What is a CMS?
A CMS is software that lets you manage website content through an admin interface. Popular examples:
- WordPress — Powers 43% of all websites
- Wix / Squarespace — Drag-and-drop builders
- Webflow / Shopify — Modern SaaS platforms
The selling point: you can edit content yourself without a developer.
What is a Code-Based Website?
A code-based website is built directly in code (like ASP.NET Core), with content stored in files or databases. No admin panel, no visual editor.
The selling point: 10x faster, more secure, and you own everything.
The Honest Comparison
1. Performance
CMS (WordPress): Average load time = 6+ seconds. WordPress core + theme + plugins = 50,000+ lines of code loaded on every page.
Code-Based: Average load time = 2 seconds. Only the code you need, nothing more. PageSpeed scores of 90+.
Winner: Code-based (3x faster)
2. Security
CMS (WordPress): 90% of hacked websites are WordPress sites. Vulnerabilities in plugins, themes, and core updates. Requires constant security monitoring.
Code-Based: No CMS = no CMS vulnerabilities. No plugins to exploit, no admin login to brute-force attack.
Winner: Code-based (significantly more secure)
3. Cost
CMS Costs:
- Wix / Squarespace: £20-40/month forever
- WordPress: Free software, but £20-50/month hosting + £50-200/year for premium plugins
- Webflow: £12-36/month + £150-300/year for CMS plan
Code-Based Costs:
- One-time build cost
- £5-20/month hosting (cheaper because no CMS overhead)
- No plugin subscriptions, no forced upgrades
Winner: Code-based (lower long-term costs)
4. Ease of Updates
CMS: You can update content yourself through an admin panel. But:
- Learning curve (WordPress takes 2-4 hours to learn basics)
- Risk of breaking things ("I changed something and now the whole site is broken")
- Plugin conflicts after updates
Code-Based: Content updates via:
- Option 1: Edit JSON files yourself (like a spreadsheet)
- Option 2: Submit ticket to developer, changes done in 24-48 hours
Winner: CMS (if you update 2+ times per week). Code-based (if you update monthly/quarterly).
5. Ownership
CMS (SaaS platforms): You're renting. Wix, Squarespace, Webflow own the platform. If they shut down or raise prices, you're stuck.
CMS (WordPress): You own the content, but:
- Dependent on theme/plugin developers
- Forced to update or risk security issues
- Can be difficult to migrate
Code-Based: You own 100% of the code, design, and content. No licensing fees, no vendor lock-in.
Winner: Code-based (true ownership)
When to Use a CMS
WordPress or a CMS platform makes sense when:
- You update content 2+ times per week — Blog with daily posts, news site, etc.
- E-commerce with frequent inventory changes — 100+ products that need regular updates
- Multi-author workflow — Editorial team with approvals and scheduling
- Non-technical client insists on self-management — They want full control
When to Use Code-Based
A code-based website is better when:
- You update content monthly or quarterly — Service pages, case studies, occasional blog posts
- Performance is critical — SEO, user experience, Core Web Vitals matter
- Security is a priority — No CMS vulnerabilities to worry about
- You want true ownership — No vendor lock-in, no forced updates
- You prefer managed updates — Submit tickets, developer handles changes
The Code360 Approach
We build both WordPress sites and code-based .NET websites. We recommend code-based for 90% of small business websites because:
- 10x faster (2 seconds vs 6+ seconds load time)
- More secure (no CMS vulnerabilities)
- You own everything (no SaaS fees, no lock-in)
- Cheaper long-term (no monthly CMS fees)
And you're not stuck editing JSON files yourself — our Managed Updates package (£75/month) means you submit update requests and we handle everything within 24-48 hours.
The Bottom Line
Ask yourself:
"Do I genuinely need to update my website 2+ times per week?"
If yes ? WordPress makes sense
If no ? Code-based is objectively better
Most agencies push WordPress because it's easier for them, not because it's better for you. We build what's best for your business.
Get a detailed quote and we'll recommend the best approach for your specific needs — no agenda, just honest advice.