Ease of Use
WordPress – Beginner friendly
MERN Website – Requires coding knowledge
When planning a website, one of the most important decisions is choosing the right development approach. Two popular options are WordPress and Custom-Made websites, for example, using the MERN Stack (MongoDB, Express.js, React, Node.js). Each has its strengths depending on your goals, budget, and technical requirements.
What is WordPress?
WordPress is an open-source Content Management System (CMS) used by over 40% of websites. It allows non-technical users to build and manage websites using pre-built themes and plugins.
One of the biggest advantages of using WordPress is that it makes website management accessible for non-technical users. After the initial setup by a developer:
- You can edit text directly on pages or blog posts.
- You can replace images or upload videos using a drag-and-drop interface.
- You can add new pages (like “Services” or “FAQs”) with just a few clicks.
- You can remove outdated content easily.
- You can install plugins to add features without coding.
You may still need some basic technical help to create custom designs or fix issues, but for regular updates, website owners can manage most tasks on their own — keeping the site time-relevant and cost-effective.
Use Cases:
- Online stores eCommerce
- Business websites
- Personal and Blogs Websites
- Portfolios
- Educational Websites
- News and Magazine Websites
- Community and Forum Websites
- Restaurant Websites
- Membership Websites
- Event Websites
- Brochure Websites
What is a MERN Stack Website?
A custom-made MERN website uses modern JavaScript technologies:
- MongoDB for database
- Express.js for server logic
- React for frontend UI
- Node.js for backend runtime
Unlike WordPress, MERN stack websites don’t come with a built-in dashboard or CMS (Content Management System) by default. That means regular updates — like changing text, adding images, or creating new pages — often require help from a skilled programmer.
Here’s why:
- 🔄 Even small changes, such as updating your homepage content or replacing an image, usually need to be done by editing the website’s code.
- ➕ Adding new pages isn’t just a matter of clicking a button — it involves coding and linking everything manually.
- 🧰 There’s no easy interface for non-technical users to log in and make edits. Any updates go through the developer.
So, while a MERN website gives you complete freedom in design and features, you’ll likely need a professional developer to maintain or update it — unless you have technical knowledge yourself.
That said, developers can build a custom admin panel if needed, but that also adds time and cost.
This is a fully custom solution, offering maximum flexibility and scalability.
Use Cases:
- Web applications
- Dashboards
- SaaS platforms
- Complex interactive websites
WordPress vs. MERN
WordPress
- Fast setup
- Huge plugin ecosystem
- Affordable
- Great for non-tech users
- Can become bloated
- Limited flexibility
Custom Website – MERN Stack
- Fully tailored User Experience and User Interface
- Scalable for growth
- Modern tech stack
- Higher development cost
- Requires a developer for updates
Conclusion
If you’re launching a content-focused or business website and want a fast, user-friendly solution, WordPress is an excellent choice — especially for those who want to manage content without technical skills. For advanced, custom-built applications or platforms that require complete flexibility, the MERN stack provides powerful possibilities.
At Web Set Go, we specialise in building high-quality, cost-effective WordPress websites with quick turnaround times — making it easy for you to go live and stay in control. Whether you’re starting fresh or need a redesign, we’re here to help you launch with confidence.