Should your company website use WordPress or HubSpot?

Consider cost, design, support, and analytics when selecting the best content management system for your company.

One of the best ways to provide consumers information about your company is through a content management system (CMS) or website. This allows companies to build, write, or modify web pages without having the skill or knowledge to code. 

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Two of the most commonly used CMS’ are WordPress and HubSpot, both of which were created in the early 2000s. We’ve utilized both for various clients through the years, and both systems have their own pros and cons. Here are four things you must consider when determining the best content management system for your company. 

1. Cost

Great websites all have a cost associated with them. Before you dive into creating a website, you need to understand several options and monetary expenses associated with these two popular website content management systems.

HubSpot’s platform costs money, but it includes hosting, safety, and platform updates all within the price you pay. This means your company doesn’t need to account for additional expenses and management of the site. 

While the WordPress platform is essentially free to use, with the exception of some plugins (features you download onto your site), you should also account for registering your domain and safety and security of the website to protect its information and those who visit the page. The overall platform may be free, but the essentials and extras can easily add up. Maintenance of a WordPress site, including coding, may need an expert to help your company manage the site, which is also an additional expense.

2. Design

An eye-catching, easy-to-use website is important for consumers and company clients who are visiting the site to gather information, make plans, and purchase inventory. 

HubSpot provides pre-made templates that allow you to drag and drop various templates into different pages. It’s relatively easy to use, especially if you don’t use additional features aside from the default ones like blog posts, call to action buttons, graphics, the header menu, image insertion, landing pages, and text. With HubSpot, you also utilize a general theme throughout the website, making it easy for a non-developer to create new pages and ensure they look professional. You can also see the changes you make to your site as you make them.  

WordPress’ templates are known as themes. There are many to choose from, and prices range from free to premium. With WordPress’ impressive selection of themes and modules included with each means the likelihood of your company’s website being unique is high. You’ll want your website to be unique and show your company’s culture when a consumer visits your site. For example, if your dry cleaning company’s website looks the same as the competitor three blocks down the street, it could cause your customers to get confused and go elsewhere.

3. Support

While you may have a very talented team on your company’s staff, it’s always helpful to have additional support, especially one with extensive knowledge of a specific content management system. 

HubSpot has a team dedicated to support and questions. This includes ensuring updates happen and your company's website’s security maintenance is up-to-date. These support services are included in your HubSpot subscription fees.

If you want to manage primarily everything yourself or worry giving people access to your site gives them too much control, WordPress may be the answer you’re looking for. With WordPress, your company will be in charge of making the website updates, implementing security patches, and troubleshooting technical issues using knowledge base and support documents.

4. Analytics

Knowing where your website traffic comes from and what drives your customers to your site should be an important part of your content management system.

HubSpot has analytics integrated into its platform. This includes reports and dashboards to track your visitors and review trends.

Like many aspects of WordPress, you need plugins to access analytics. These plugins must be installed yourself.

Companies may also use WordPress for their websites and integrate HubSpot’s analytics into the WordPress site. For some, this is the best of both worlds. 

Aside from our top four listed above, there are other factors to consider, including what you want your company’s blogging efforts to look like, how your company captures leads to grow sales, and how various forms of media are integrated into your website. If you also have a content management system other than WordPress or HubSpot, you may be surprised to know you can integrate WordPress into your current website platform. 

As someone who has used both platforms and has some design and computer background, my vote is to utilize HubSpot. While WordPress has definitely improved over the years, there is still much to be desired with the platform. 

Our team adopts strategic methods for link-building to help your business grow. Reach out to us today to book a no-obligation website consultation.

Photo by Danny Meneses