I get it - when you’re starting out, the idea of a cheap, ready-made website is tempting. Off-the-shelf WordPress themes, or platforms like Shopify, Squarespace, and Wix, promise beautiful designs in just a few clicks.
But what looks like a quick win in the short term often creates long-term problems that cost you more money, time, and lost opportunities.
Off-the-shelf WordPress themes often:
Load slowly because they’re stuffed with features you’ll never use
Look generic, so your brand blends in rather than stands out
Break easily when WordPress updates roll out
Rely on multiple plugins, which can conflict with each other and cause downtime
Restrict growth, because adding new features often requires workarounds or compromises
At first glance, a £50 theme might seem like a bargain. But once you factor in the cost of fixes, lost customers due to slow speed, and redesigns to get features you actually need, it quickly adds up.
Squarespace and Wix market themselves as beginner-friendly website builders. And yes, they’re easy to set up. But for a growing business, they quickly hit their limits:
Limited customisation - you’re locked into their templates and tools
Weaker SEO control - harder to optimise headings, metadata, and site structure
Performance bottlenecks - sites can feel sluggish under heavier content or traffic
Lack of ownership - you don’t fully control your site or hosting
They’re fine for a personal blog or a one-page portfolio, but for a business that needs to grow, they’re like building your shop in someone else’s shed.
Shopify is popular for e-commerce, but it isn’t always the right fit. Here’s why:
Transaction fees - unless you use Shopify Payments, they take a cut of every sale
Plugin lock-in - advanced features often require expensive add-ons
Rigid structure - if you want a truly custom shopping experience, you’ll hit walls fast
Scaling costs - the more your shop grows, the more expensive it becomes to maintain
For many businesses, WooCommerce on a bespoke WordPress site offers more flexibility, better SEO, and lower ongoing costs.
Instead of wrestling with limitations, a bespoke WordPress site gives you:
Unique design that reflects your brand, not a template
Full scalability - add features as your business grows
Better SEO performance, so customers can actually find you
Ownership and control - your site, your rules
Optimised speed and security, without bloated code
The truth is, businesses in Stafford (and anywhere else) deserve more than a cookie-cutter site. Off-the-shelf themes and quick website builders look affordable now, but they often cost you more in the long run.
A bespoke WordPress site is an investment that pays off through better performance, stronger SEO, and the freedom to grow without limits.
Let’s chat about how I can help you build a WordPress site that’s truly yours - fast, secure, and built to last.