WordPress has been the world's most popular CMS for over 20 years. In 2026 it still dominates: 43% of all websites use it. But "most popular" doesn't mean "best for your business". Before deciding, it's worth understanding the real advantages and limitations of each option.
The genuine advantages of WordPress
- Easy to manage: add posts, change text and update images without coding
- Large ecosystem: thousands of plugins for almost any functionality
- Widely supported: easy to find developers if your original one is unavailable
- Ideal for blogs and media with frequent content updates
The downsides they don't always tell you
- Speed: WordPress generates pages dynamically, querying the database every time. Without optimisation, load times exceed 3 seconds — which penalises you in Google and increases bounce rate.
- Security: The most attacked CMS in the world. One outdated plugin can be enough to get hacked.
- Ongoing maintenance: Core, plugins and themes need regular updates. Left undone, the site deteriorates over time.
When is a custom website better?
A custom-built website with modern technology (like Next.js) is the better choice when: your site is primarily a showcase (service business, portfolio, landing page), speed and Google ranking are a priority, you don't have time or staff to manage updates, or you want a truly unique design rather than a template.
The CanarySites approach
We develop websites with Next.js by default. Not because WordPress is bad, but because for the majority of our clients in Gran Canaria — service businesses, freelancers, small shops — a fast, secure website without monthly maintenance costs delivers better long-term results. Have questions about which suits you better? Talk to us. We give honest advice without trying to sell you more than you need.