Published on pmwarner.com
Explaining tech without making my own head explode…
When you’re planning a new website, one of the first (and most confusing) decisions you’ll make is how to build it. Should you go with the classic WordPress, get fancy with a Headless CMS, or go full developer-mode with a custom JavaScript/React site?
Let’s break it down in plain English (you’re welcome).
1. WordPress: The Comfortable Old Sweater (But With Plugins)
Best for: Bloggers, small businesses, content-heavy sites, non-tech humans.
WordPress is like the IKEA of website platforms. It’s been around forever, it’s flexible, and you can do a lot without knowing code. Just don’t ask it to do backflips.
- Pros:
- Easy to use
- Tons of themes and plugins
- Big support community
- SEO-friendly out of the box
- Cons:
- Can get bloated and slow if you add too many plugins (you will)
- Security holes if not updated properly
- Not the best choice for super-custom apps
Choose WordPress if: You want a website up fast, with minimal code, and you need blogging or content management features that “just work.”
2. Headless CMS: The Brains Without the Body
Best for: Businesses needing omnichannel content (web, apps, smart fridges?), developer teams, scalable content projects.
A Headless CMS is a content management system where the front-end (what users see) is separated from the back-end (where content is stored). It’s like ordering the burger ingredients separately and building it yourself.
- Pros:
- Super flexible front-end design (React, Vue, Svelte, whatever your devs love)
- Delivers content to any platform (web, mobile apps, voice assistants, etc.)
- Better performance and security than traditional CMSs
- Cons:
- Requires developers to build the front-end
- More complex setup and maintenance
- You’re not dragging and dropping your way to glory here
Choose Headless CMS if: You have developers on your team (or budget to hire them) and want future-proof content flexibility across multiple platforms.
3. JavaScript/React Website: Full Control, Full Responsibility
Best for: Web apps, startups, SaaS companies, techy portfolios, people who say “we’re building in React” at parties.
React (and friends like Next.js) give you total freedom to build highly interactive, fast-loading websites with custom user experiences.
- Pros:
- Lightning-fast performance
- Full control over design and functionality
- Great for apps and modern UI/UX
- Cons:
- No built-in content management (unless you build it or pair it with something like a Headless CMS)
- Steeper learning curve
- Requires developers. Like, real ones.
Choose JavaScript/React if: You’re building something unique, interactive, or app-like—and you’re not afraid of code, or paying someone who isn’t.
TL;DR: Which Should You Choose?
| You Are… | Choose… |
|---|---|
| A blogger or small biz owner | WordPress |
| A content-first brand with dev budget | Headless CMS |
| Building a custom web app | React/JS |
| Confused and scared | Also WordPress |
Final Thoughts from Someone Who’s Seen Too Much
If your main goal is to just have a site that works, go with WordPress.
If you’re planning to scale or build across platforms, explore a Headless CMS.
If you’re coding like it’s your job (because it is), go full JavaScript/React.
Still not sure? That’s fair. Reach out here and get real help before you Frankenstein your site into a digital disaster.