In the vibrant landscape of web development here in the greater New Bedford area (as in the rest of the world!) one platform reigns supreme: WordPress. And for good reason. It’s a "one click install" on most inexpensive hosting servers, it's widely supported, and serves the needs of many DIY and semi-professional builds. However, for businesses seeking a truly tailored and powerful online presence, there's another cost-effective option worth exploring: Craft CMS.
At TBO (The Blue Ocean), located right here in Mattapoisett, we specialize in Craft CMS development. We've seen firsthand the remarkable difference it can make for our clients. While many agencies in our region focus on WordPress, we've chosen to champion Craft because of its unparalleled flexibility and control.
Why Craft?
Think of WordPress as a pre-built house – it’s easily to deploy stock themes and plugins. But custom renovations can be tricky, and attaching myriad plugins can create a Frankenstein's monster. Craft, on the other hand, is like a custom-designed home. We show up on day one with a blank slate, and listen to your needs. From there, we build exactly what you need and don't complicate it any further. Craft allows us to build precisely to your specifications, allowing for intricate content structures and seamless integrations. And most importantly, the end-result is a clean content editing experience that WordPress just can't compete against.
- Content Flexibility: Craft excels at managing complex content. If your business requires unique layouts, custom data fields, or intricate workflows, Craft can handle it with ease. This is particularly valuable for businesses with evolving needs or those looking to create truly immersive online experiences.
- Security and Performance: Craft CMS is known for its robust security architecture and optimized performance. This means your website is not only less vulnerable to attacks but also loads faster, providing a better user experience.
- Scalability: As your business grows, your website should too. Craft's flexible nature ensures that your website can easily adapt to your expanding needs, without requiring a complete overhaul.
The Power of Customization
Craft CMS empowers us to build websites that are as unique as your business. While WordPress, originally designed as a blogging platform, often relies on a library of third-party plugins to adapt it to other use cases, Craft is built from the ground up for flexible content modeling, minimizing the need for plugins.
In fact, a significant portion of our web redesign projects at The Blue Ocean stem from clients who've encountered limitations with their previous WordPress sites. While WordPress is a powerful tool, its architecture can sometimes present challenges for highly customized builds. We often find that businesses requiring complex functionalities or unique content structures struggle with the plugin-heavy approach that's often necessary in WordPress. Additionally, not all WordPress developers possess the deep programming expertise needed for unconventional builds. This can lead to websites that don't quite meet the client's evolving needs, or that become cumbersome and difficult to maintain. Craft CMS, with its core flexibility, allows us to avoid those common pitfalls.
Local Expertise, Limitless Reach
Being based in Mattapoisett, we're deeply rooted in the local community. We understand the unique needs of businesses in New Bedford, Fall River, and the surrounding towns. But our reach extends far beyond. We're readily available for in-person consultations and support in Boston, Cape Cod, Providence, and Newport, RI. We believe in building strong relationships with our clients, and that often starts with a face-to-face conversation. And we're just a Zoom call away from any of our valued clients outside New England.
A Collaborative Approach
We're not here to disparage WordPress. It's a fantastic platform for many. However, we believe in offering our clients the best possible solutions. For projects that need a cost-effective and custom solution, it's not a contest - the best solution is Craft CMS. We're passionate about empowering businesses to thrive online, and we're committed to providing the expertise and support you need to achieve your goals.
If you're finding your WordPress website is clumsy to manage, and no longer serving your business effectively, let's talk. We can introduce you to clients who've made the move to Craft, and are now enjoying a streamlined, powerful online experience.