In this video about the website development process, I talk about why the platform on which your website is developed on matters and which platform is best.
You can read the full transcript at: Website Platforms: What Is Best & Why Does It Matter
The platform used to develop your website is going to have a huge impact on the future of your website, specifically:
- What it can do
- How its updated
- Who can update it
- Whether it can be moved to another host if necessary
Here are 4 questions your web team can ask to determine the best platform:
1) What do we want our website to do?
Blog? eNewsletters? Online event registration? Make sure the platforms you’re considering can provide the functionality you want.
2) Do we want desktop software or a web-based platform?
Desktop web development software like Dreamweaver is often more powerful than a web-based CMSs (content management systems) like WordPress. However, I highly recommend most organizations go with a web-based platform because:
- There is no software to install or maintain on your computer
- They are usually much easier to use
- Updates can be made from any Internet-connected device
- Because updates can be made from any Internet-connected device, responsibility for updates can be shared among multiple administrators
3) Is the software/platform proprietary?
There are proprietary and open source web-based platforms. If you choose a proprietary platform, you will not be able to move it to another platform. If you choose an open-source platform you will.
Many web hosting companies (including OurChurch.Com) provide a proprietary web builder at no extra charge with their web hosting accounts, and often they are simple and easy to use. So, there are reasons to choose a proprietary platform; just understand that if you go that route and want to move later on, you’ll have to build a new site.
4) How easy is the platform to use?
Check online reviews. Talk to other users of the platform. Look into their reputation for support.
The bottom line is that the platform you choose for your website will have a huge impact. Yet, there is no platform that is perfect for every organization. So, ask the right questions and do the research so you choose the platform that’s best for your organization.
What are your thoughts on these questions? Are there other questions helpful in determining the best platform?
President at OurChurch.Com
Mark has served as the President of OurChurch.Com since its founding in 1996, leading the Custom Website and Sales departments with dedication and expertise.
Over the years, he has managed hundreds of custom website, graphic design, and marketing projects for churches, non-profits, businesses, and schools.
Beyond his professional work, Mark is deeply committed to serving his community. He coordinates and packs over 700 meals each week for children through One Community Now’s Pack A Sack for Kids program, volunteers in the Children’s Ministry at Generations Christian Church, and participates in a weekly Bible study.
