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General Discussion

Posted by Edward Thompson
Edward Thompson
961 Points

Why learn HTML, CSS, etc., with platforms out on the web like WordPress?

I am an aspiring web designer/developer whose primary goal is monetary (although I do thoroughly enjoy the experience of building websites from the html & css coding languages). I am trying to conceptualize the process of breaking out of my shell and opening myself to clients who want websites built. If a client were to ask me why they need a developer/designer to build a website when there are platforms such as WordPress out on the web (which they could potentially use to build a site without paying a developer/designer), I would have absolutely no idea how to respond...

Could any of you experienced designers/developers tell me how you might respond? Why should a client hire a costly web designer when they could just use a DIY platform like WordPress...

1 Answer

Steven Parker
Steven Parker
243,215 Points
Steven Parker
Steven Parker
243,215 Points

Depending on the needs of the client, WordPress could possibly be a good choice. But some of the reasons it might not be a good choice are:

  • themes are chosen from a limited set, like a menu at a restaurant. You can only have what's on the menu.
  • lack of visual identity - a WordPress site will look very much like any other one running the same theme
  • theme copyrights are always displayed
  • customization options are limited and/or extra charge
  • no direct access to page structure
  • inability to add custom behaviors via scripting (JavaScript)
  • known history of security vulnerabilities

Look around on the web and you'll find discussions of these and other issues that might influence the choice of designer vs. CMS. And WordPress isn't the only choice around, either.