The Difference Between WordPress and HTML5 Web Solutions

Deciding on a web solution for your business may be a daunting task. There are a number of DIY solutions that promise ease of use, however, often you need to spend time learning a new skill to build a site with these solutions. Time that can be spent on doing what you do well, growing your business. So, when consulting a web developer, like Mercova Media, you should be aware of the two most widely used solutions, the WordPress platform and HTML5 websites, and the differences between the two.

WordPress is a CMS platform, HTML5 themes are just code.
The WordPress platform is an open-source Content Management System (CMS). It has a backend Dashboard – a graphic user interface – that allows to update your site’s content or modify your site’ layout, look or functionality or replace the theme altogether. This is great for web site’s where the content will be updated frequently, like a blog, news or ecommerce website. The WordPress post editor is very similar to MicroSoft Word, so the learning curve to edit content is very small. The Dashboard on most themes also has settings allowing you to adjust the layout, colors and other customizations to the site.  On the downside, WordPress uses plugins to expand functionality and needs to be frequently updated to keep the site secure, though this can be automated.

HTML5 themes are just a set of code and script files. This will require a basic knowledge of coding to create your site or hire a web developer, like Mercova Media, to hard code the content, and if needed, make ongoing updates and modifications to your site. Most HTML5 themes are pre-structured with a number of layout options. This makes it relatively easy to replace your content with the sample content provided in the theme files, but difficult to make modifications and customizations to the layout. HTML5 themes, on the upside, stand alone and once built, do not require much updating.

WordPress and HTML5 Themes are different, but the same.

Selecting a theme for your website will define the look, usability and functionality of your website. A majority of commercial themes available come in both a WordPress and HTML5 version. The WordPress platform versions tend to be bulky and slow, usually due to using additional plugins and scripting to provide the user a number of layout and functionality options to be a one-size-fits-all solution. The HTML5 versions allow you to strip out and pages, images or scripting you are not using, making them small and fast. The downside of the HTML5 themes is, again, the coding knowledge required to create the pages and complete other coding tasks for SEO, Social Media and other integration purposes. 

When to use WordPress and when to use HTML5?

Both solutions are great at what they do, so choosing comes down to functionality. If your site will require frequent content updating, such as a blog, news or media site or an ecommerce store, WordPress is the better choice. It’s Dashboard is easy to use and it integrates well with other solutions, like WooCommerce and Payment Processors. If your site’s content is going to be relatively static, like small informational sites or landing pages for products, HTML5 would be the better option. Keep in mind that HTML5 will require a programmer to code and maintain the site for you.

When deciding on a web solution for your business, it is always best to arm yourself with some basic knowledge and consult a web developer, like Mercova Media, to help you access your needs and guide you to the most efficient and effective solution for your needs.