The Short Answer
WordPress is great for blogs, small business sites, and when budget is tight.
Custom websites are better for e-commerce, high-traffic sites, and businesses that need unique functionality or optimal performance.
WordPress: Pros and Cons
WordPress powers about 40% of all websites globally. It's popular for good reasons, but it's not perfect.
Pros
- Lower initial cost (₦100k - ₦300k)
- Easy content management
- Large plugin ecosystem
- Quick setup time
- Many themes available
- Large community support
Cons
- Can be slow with many plugins
- Security vulnerabilities if not maintained
- Limited customization without coding
- Plugin conflicts common
- Ongoing maintenance required
- Can look generic without customization
Custom Website (React/Next.js): Pros and Cons
Custom websites built with modern frameworks like React and Next.js offer superior performance and flexibility.
Pros
- Complete design freedom
- Optimal performance and speed
- Better security (no plugin vulnerabilities)
- Scalable architecture
- No unnecessary code bloat
- Unique, branded experience
Cons
- Higher initial cost (₦300k - ₦2M+)
- Longer development time
- Requires developer for changes
- More complex to build
- Smaller talent pool
Cost Comparison
| Factor | WordPress | Custom |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Cost | ₦100k - ₦400k | ₦300k - ₦2M+ |
| Annual Maintenance | ₦50k - ₦150k | ₦30k - ₦100k |
| Hosting | ₦20k - ₦100k/year | ₦15k - ₦60k/year |
| Development Time | 1-3 weeks | 3-8 weeks |
When to Choose WordPress
- You're on a tight budget (under ₦200k)
- You need a blog or content-heavy site
- You want to update content yourself frequently
- You need the site quickly (1-2 weeks)
- Your site is relatively simple (under 10 pages)
When to Choose Custom
- You're building an e-commerce store
- Performance and speed are critical
- You need unique functionality
- You expect high traffic
- Security is a top priority
- You want a unique, branded experience
- Long-term cost efficiency matters
Our Recommendation
At ProWeb Nigeria, we specialize in custom websites built with React and Next.js because we believe they offer the best long-term value for Nigerian businesses. However, we also build WordPress sites when it's the right fit.
The best choice depends on your specific needs, budget, and goals. We're happy to discuss your project and recommend the right approach.
Not Sure Which to Choose?
Get a free consultation and we'll recommend the best approach for your business.