We are often asked which platform is best. The honest answer is that it depends on your team, not just the tools. The best platform is the one the people running your website can use confidently every week, without waiting for a developer.
Start with who runs the site#
A website is not finished at launch. Someone will add case studies, update prices, publish articles and fix typos for years. If that person finds the tool frustrating, the site slowly goes out of date, however good it looked on day one. So before comparing features, answer one question: who will update this site, and how often?
Webflow#
A strong choice for marketing sites that change often. Designers can build precisely, and editors can update content visually, without touching the layout.
- Good at: content-heavy marketing sites, blogs and case studies, and giving a marketing team independence.
- Watch out for: very complex logic, large numbers of items, or heavy integrations, which can push against its limits. Plans are priced by site and features, so check current pricing against your needs.
Framer#
Fast to build and excellent for smaller sites with lots of motion and polish. It works best when a design-led team wants to own the site end to end.
- Good at: launch pages, portfolios, and startup sites where speed and visual quality matter most.
- Watch out for: large content structures and complex editing workflows, which are not its main strength.
Custom code#
A custom build, for example Next.js with a headless content management system, suits sites with complex content, integrations or strict performance needs. It gives the most control, and asks for the most ongoing care.
- Good at: logins and members’ areas, connections to other systems, large or multilingual sites, and unusual requirements.
- Watch out for: the need for developer time for changes beyond content, and the responsibility for updates and security.
What about WordPress?#
WordPress still runs a large share of the web, and for good reason: it is flexible and familiar. It can be a sensible choice, especially if your team already knows it. The trade-off is maintenance. Plugins, updates and security need regular attention, so budget for that from the start.
Three example situations#
Situation
A five-person consultancy that publishes a case study each month and wants to change pages without asking anyone.
Likely fit
Webflow. Visual editing, solid content collections, and a marketing team that stays independent.
Situation
A design-led startup launching in six weeks with a small, animated site that will change shape often.
Likely fit
Framer. Fast to build, strong on motion, easy for designers to own.
Situation
A membership organization with member logins, event bookings and a link to its customer database.
Likely fit
Custom code. The integrations and logins need proper development, with a content system for everyday editing.
Questions to answer before choosing#
- Who will update the site every week, and how comfortable are they with technology?
- What does it need to connect to: payments, bookings, a CRM, a member database?
- How much will it grow in the next two years, in pages, languages and features?
- Who will look after updates, security and backups?
- What is the total cost over three years, including plans, seats and developer time, not just the build?
Answer those first, and the platform choice usually becomes obvious.