WordPress vs. Custom Code — Which Is Better for a Maryland Business Website?
WordPress runs 40% of the internet — including a lot of bloated, slow, hacked-twice-a-year contractor sites. Modern custom code (Next.js, React) is the alternative. Here's when each makes sense.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | WordPress | Custom Code (Next.js) |
|---|---|---|
| Page speed | Plugin-dependent | Sub-second by default |
| Security | Frequent patching | Negligible attack surface |
| SEO | Plugin (Yoast/RankMath) | Built-in, schema-first |
| Hosting cost | $10–$50/mo | $0–$20/mo edge |
| Maintenance burden | High (plugins, updates) | Low |
| Total 3-yr cost | $1,500–$3,000 | Lower, one flat fee |
The verdict
For a Maryland service business under 20 pages, modern custom code wins on speed, security, and SEO. WordPress only makes sense for content-heavy sites with multiple authors needing a CMS.
Frequently asked
Is WordPress bad for SEO?
Not inherently — but it's easier to mess up WordPress SEO than to mess up a properly-coded Next.js site. The defaults matter.
Can you migrate my WordPress site?
Yes. We rebuild the design, port the content, and map every URL with 301 redirects to preserve SEO.
Related reading
- Wix vs. a Custom Website — Which Wins for a Maryland Local Business?
- Squarespace vs. Hiring a Professional Web Designer in Maryland
- The GoDaddy Website Builder Alternative for Maryland Service Businesses
- DIY vs. Hiring a Professional — The True Cost for a Maryland Business
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