The Business Owner's Guide to Building a Website in 2025

Choosing a website platform is a critical strategic decision. This guide breaks down the complex landscape to help you find the right path for your business goals.

One Platform Dominates the Web

To understand the web, you have to understand its biggest player. The flexibility of open-source has created a clear market leader, setting the standard for control and scalability.

43%

Of all websites on the internet are powered by WordPress.

Your First Decision: The Three Strategic Paths

Before comparing features, you must choose your core strategy. Each path represents a different trade-off between convenience, control, and cost.

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Path 1: DIY Builders

All-in-one platforms like Wix & Shopify. The fastest and easiest path, ideal for beginners who value convenience over control.

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Path 2: CMS (WordPress)

Self-hosted software you own. Offers ultimate control and scalability but requires more management.

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Path 3: Professional

Hire an expert freelancer or agency. The highest quality outcome for the highest cost, saving you time.

Deep Dive: The DIY Builder Market

DIY builders offer predictable costs and incredible ease of use, but which one is right for you? It depends entirely on your primary business function.

Typical Monthly Costs (E-commerce Plans)

While seemingly similar, the true power of each platform lies in what these costs include. Shopify is built for sales, while others focus on design.

Who Are They For?

The ideal user for each major platform is distinct. Choosing the right one means aligning the platform's strengths with your business needs.

The Central Trade-Off: Cost vs. Control

The core of your decision lies in a visual comparison. Do you need maximum capability and ownership, or are you prioritizing speed and simplicity?

Platform Capability Matrix

This chart rates each path across key business priorities. A larger shape indicates more power and control, which often correlates with higher cost or a steeper learning curve.

Beyond the Sticker Price: Total Cost of Ownership

A website is a long-term investment. This 3-year projection reveals how initial costs can be misleading, especially when factoring in developer fees and ongoing maintenance.

Estimated 3-Year Total Cost of Ownership

The "Professional" paths have high upfront costs but can be more predictable long-term, while DIY builders have low entry costs that can grow with app subscriptions.