Custom Website vs. CMS: Right Choice for Your Business in 2025

When you decide to create a website for your business, you face an important choice right at the start: should you use a Content Management System (CMS) like WordPress or Wix, or should you invest in a custom-built website? Today, I'll help you understand this choice better, especially considering modern technologies like Next.js.

Recently, while writing a letter to a local newspaper to share my expert opinion on this subject, so that I could perhaps help them with their decision, I thought that in all my years as a web developer, this question has been asked by many who wanted to build a new site, or migrate their site to another platform, so I decided to write a full post about it today, in case it could make a difference in your choice.

Understanding Your Options

Think about building a house. You could buy a pre-built home that's ready to move in, or you could work with architects to design your dream house from the ground up. That's similar to choosing between a CMS and a custom website.

A CMS is like that pre-built home. It comes with everything you need to get started quickly. You get pre-made templates, a way to manage your content easily, maybe drag-and-drop capabilities, and basic features that most websites need. Popular platforms like WordPress power millions of websites worldwide, and there's a good reason for that.

On the other hand, a custom website, especially one built with modern technology like Next.js, is like designing your dream home. Every detail is crafted specifically for your needs, and while it takes more time and investment, the result is exactly what you want.

Or I can give you another example, a CMS is like going to a car dealership, and buying a car, and a site that is built just for you, is like going to a car factory and telling them what car to produce for you, a car that is only designed for you in the world; of course, I must also note that you have to choose between thousands of car factories, it's just like choosing a framework and a programming language, and accordingly you choose a programmer.

When to Choose a CMS

A CMS might be the right choice if:

• Your business is just starting out and needs a website quickly

• You have a limited budget for website development

• You need basic features that are common across most websites

• You don't need to create new UI and features for your ideas

Many small businesses and bloggers start with a CMS, and it serves them well. You can get a professional-looking website up and running in days or weeks, and there are plenty of plugins and themes to extend functionality. Many would provide you with drag-and-drop features, which might be a good feature for you if you have time on writing a content.

The Power of Custom Development

However, as businesses grow, many find that a CMS starts to feel limiting. This is where custom development, particularly with Next.js, shines. Here's why:

Performance That Matters

Custom-built websites using Next.js are incredibly fast. While CMS platforms often come with unnecessary features that slow down your site, custom solutions include only what you need. This means your website loads instantly, keeping visitors engaged and improving your search engine rankings. In other words, every code and file that is in your website storage is in use, so there is no much extra file or feature you don't use. in a CMS, imagine you're given 100 different templates/widgets that you can drag-and-drop your favorite items and build your website, yet the website is carrying a weight from those features or widgets you don't use. Like a car with a trunk full of stuff you don't use.

Unlimited Possibilities

With custom development, if you can imagine it, we can build it. Want a unique feature that sets you apart from competitors? Need specific integrations with your business systems? Custom development makes it all possible. Unlike a CMS, you can imagine, you can drag-and-drop your ideal website in your mind, you can bring them into papers, or in words, your software engineer would bring it into actions, no extra file needed, no extra design needed, nothing looks similar to your mind.

Security and Scalability

CMS platforms can be vulnerable to security issues because they're widely used and their code is public (some are public and some not). Custom websites are more secure by nature, and when built with Next.js, they're also ready to grow with your business.

The Next.js Advantage

Modern custom development with Next.js offers benefits that weren't possible a few years ago:

• Pages load almost instantly, giving your visitors a smooth experience.

• Your website works perfectly on all devices.

• Search engines love Next.js websites, helping your business / content get found.

• Updates and changes are easier to implement.

• Your website can handle high traffic without slowing down. (That's what I like about static websites, files are loaded only once, on the other hand, CMSes that are mostly using PHP, they need to load every file on every call).

• You own your data, your database, files, storage, content, media.

• Your hands are open to switch between servers, where you want to keep your website, you're free to change your developer.

• You can add, remove, make new ideas and update the website like how you want it to be.

Making the Right Choice

While a CMS might seem cheaper initially, consider the long-term costs:

• Regular plugin updates and maintenance

• Performance optimization

• Security patches

• Limited customization options

• Potential need for a complete rebuild as your business grows

A custom-built Next.js website might require more upfront investment, but it often proves more cost-effective over time. You get exactly what your business needs, without paying for features you don't use. With choosing the right developer who can leave developer notes and knowledge base on your project, you're always ready to switch to another developer.

The Professional Choice

For businesses serious about their online presence, a custom-built Next.js website is increasingly becoming the clear choice. Major companies like Netflix, TikTok, and Nike use Next.js because it delivers results. While it may require a larger initial investment, the benefits in terms of performance, security, and scalability make it worthwhile for businesses focused on long-term success.

Image source: Engineering a site at the speed of breaking news

A Middle Ground: Headless CMS with Next.js

If you're excited about the benefits of Next.js but working with a tighter budget, there's an excellent middle ground, combining Next.js with a headless CMS like Sanity, Directus, CromwellCMS, Strapi, Contentful, Storyblok. This modern approach gives you the best of both worlds. You get the powerful performance and flexibility of Next.js while maintaining the user-friendly content management features of a CMS. With a headless CMS, your content lives in a separate system, but your Next.js website fetches and displays it beautifully. This setup is more cost-effective than a fully custom solution while still offering superior performance compared to traditional CMS platforms. Many startups and growing businesses find this combination perfect for their needs, as it provides a clear upgrade path: you can start with basic features and gradually add custom functionality as your business grows and your budget allows.

Ready to Make Your Choice?

Every business is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. If you're just starting out or working with a tight budget, a CMS might be the right first step. But if you're looking for a professional, high-performance website that truly represents your brand and can grow with your business, a custom Next.js solution is worth considering.

Want to learn more about how a custom Next.js website could benefit your business or media? Let's talk about your specific needs and create a solution that helps your business thrive in the digital world, you can always reach us through our contact page. Or in case you have a question about this post, you can ask in the comment area below.