I've been running into potential clients who often ask me why they should pay for a custom hand-coded website when they can just use WordPress with Elementor and get similar results. They usually say, 'It loads fine for me, I can tweak the text myself, and if something breaks, I'll just hire someone to fix it.' I try to mention the hidden costs of plugins, update fatigue, and how error-prone it can be when a theme and a plugin conflict. However, many clients simply shrug it off, stating it hasn't been a problem yet. I understand that their priority is the website's appearance and functionality, not what's happening behind the scenes. When faced with clients who don't recognize the downsides of WordPress, how can I effectively communicate the value of a custom site? Or should I just focus on clients who already value the benefits of high-performance, low-maintenance websites?
5 Answers
If you can’t explain the benefits clearly, then maybe it’s time to reflect on whether your points hold any weight. Clients often just want convenience. They may not care about PHP errors or updates; that’s the contractor's job. Sometimes, it may be better to accept that you might have to walk away if they won’t value your expertise.
Honestly, you might not want to waste your energy convincing clients who want WordPress. They're likely looking for simplicity and cost-effectiveness, and they're already comfortable with it. If they're after a custom site, they'll be seeking you out specifically for that. Focus on clients who understand and appreciate the value of a tailored solution.
Exactly, you want clients that value what you bring to the table.
WordPress isn’t for everyone, but if the client needs a simple five-page site, but prefers WordPress, there’s nothing inherently wrong with that. Save your energy for projects where you can shine with your custom solutions, but don’t shy away from WordPress if it's what the client wants. It could lead to future referrals once they need something more robust.
That's what I think too. Sometimes it’s about what suits the client best, regardless of personal preference.
You have to clarify your pricing for WordPress vs. a custom site. Many businesses just need a functioning landing page with their contact info. If you push too hard against their preference, it could backfire. Sometimes, the client just needs what they perceive as a quick and cheap solution to get started.
Fair point. I’ve mostly worked with clients who need something custom, so this feels like a stretch for me.
I get where you're coming from, but you might find it more beneficial to learn WordPress well. You can charge higher rates for setting up custom themes or plugins. It’s a win-win: you do what you love while also meeting clients' needs.
I actually tried WP, but I really just love coding everything from scratch. Even if it’s harder, that’s my passion.
That’s true. I enjoy coding, but I have to be practical about it. If they don't care about the backend, maybe I shouldn't dwell on it.