Executive Summary
- WordPress relies on plugins, which are security backdoors.
- Dynamic databases make sites slow (3s+ load times).
- The Fix: Static Engineering (Next.js) eliminates the database risk.
If you ask a typical agency for a website, they will sell you WordPress. Not because it is the best tool for your business, but because it is the easiest tool for them.
They buy a theme for £50. They install 20 free plugins. They charge you £5,000. Then they charge you £100 a month to click "Update" when those plugins break.
This is not engineering. This is assembly.
The Security Reality
90% of hacked CMS sites are running WordPress. They are not hacked because the core software is bad; they are hacked because a "Contact Form" plugin wasn't updated.
The Plugin Trap
WordPress was built for blogging in 2003. To make it do anything else (Marketing, SEO, Forms), you need plugins.
Every plugin is a piece of code written by a third-party developer you do not know. When you install a plugin, you are giving that developer keys to your house.
Speed is Revenue
Google has stated clearly: Speed is a ranking factor. If your site takes more than 2.5 seconds to load, you are invisible.
WordPress is Dynamic. Every time a user visits your page, the server has to wake up, query a database, assemble the page, and send it to the browser. This takes time.
I build with Next.js. This is Static. The page is built once, ahead of time. When a user visits, the file is already there, waiting on a CDN (Content Delivery Network). It loads instantly.
The Comparison
Let’s look at the engineering difference.
| Feature | WordPress (Leasehold) | Next.js (Freehold) |
|---|---|---|
| Database | Exposed to Internet | Hidden / None |
| Load Time | 1.5s - 4.0s | < 0.2s |
| Security | Requires Patching | Secure by Default |
| Maintenance | £50-£150/mo | £0/mo |
The "No CMS" Argument
Clients often ask: "But how do I edit the text?"
With WordPress, you get a drag-and-drop editor. This feels empowering, until you accidentally drag a text box three pixels to the left and break the mobile layout.
I believe in Governance. You should be able to edit the content (text, images, prices), but you should not be able to break the design.
I build secure interfaces that allow you to update your business data without risking your digital infrastructure. You get the control, without the liability.
Conclusion
If you are a hobbyist, use WordPress. It is a great tool for blogs.
If you are a business, build an asset. Build on infrastructure that is fast, secure, and owned by you.
Ready to upgrade your infrastructure?
I can migrate your slow WordPress site to a high-performance Digital Freehold.
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