Websites comprise three types of developer software:
- Core. For most of our websites this is WordPress. This provides the basuc functionality of the website’s backend (administration) and allows the other software to work together.
- Theme. Sets the frontend (visual) structure of the website and controls its design, layout, colours, and fonts. A good theme is flexible and permits creativity.
- Plugins. Every feature and function on a website is provided by a plugin. Ecommerce, for example, is delivered by a plugin called WooCommerce.
Important Note About Custom Themes: Custom themes prevent updates, lock your website into outdated technology, and seldom provide any real value. They also command a premium price. There is a common perception that anything “custom” must be better than something off the shelf — this is simply not true. Themes are not templates. They are a highly flexible foundation that allows for creativity and future changes. They are developed by professional developers who continuously test and upgrade their work. Custom themes are a one-off product with no support and no update pathway.
Your original website agency (developer or designer) chose the initial combination of theme and plugins to fulfil your requirements. Additional plugins may have been installed over time to address new requirements. Website developers and designers commonly make selections based on cost and personal preference. These two criteria are ridiculous for serious business. Unfortunately, clients are rarely involved in or even informed about the software selection process, and real organisational values are missing from the consideration.
- Well-meaning website designers and developers often offer low-cost solutions using software they can afford. After all, low cost is immediately attractive to most buyers, making the sale easier with fewer objections. However, astute business owners understand the risks of buying cheaply and know these types of purchases let you down at critical times.
- Alternatively, impressive website agencies talk about “custom” solutions without any regard for the control and autonomy a business needs over its website. When you inevitably leave the agency, you will have a site that you cannot edit and your marketing staff will not understand how it works. Hackers eventually breach the aging site, leaking sensitive information because no one can update the custom code. Despite the exorbitant costs, the site needs to be totally rebuilt every few years.
It is vital that business owners are more involved in the selection of themes and software for their websites. This involvement has little technical requirement but provides an opportunity for the construction of the website to fulfill essential business goals.
Important Factors
- A typical WordPress website uses over 35 plugins and one theme (not a template).
- Custom code is the enemy. It prevents essential updates that keep your site healthy and secure.
- Around 25% of a website’s plugins require an ongoing annual licence fee to receive support and software updates.
- Updates fix bugs in the software, provide additional features, and resolve compatibility issues as technology advances.
- The annual licence fee for a single plugin ranges from AUD 90–400 per year, charged in USD by the developer. Agencies do not receive a discount.
- Plugins and themes (software) are not property. After payment, website owners never own the software. The code remains owned by the original developer and is temporarily licensed to the website agency or purchaser. The purchaser does not own the software — they purchase a limited licence to use it.
- Software licences are not transferable. Licences cannot be transferred from one account to another. Most software uses a recurring annual licence that can be cancelled and reinstated on a new account. Any unused portion is forfeited and non-refundable. Software sold under a one-off (lifetime) licence will need to be repurchased if you change website agency.
- Budget hosting providers such as GoDaddy, Siteground, Webcentral, and VentraIP never provide plugin licences. Their scope of work covers hosting space only and does not extend to the website software.
Update Options
- Keep the site healthy by running the latest software. You data stays secure, the website is fast and reliable and ranks well on seatch engines.
- OR Allow the website to become outdated and risk: loss of functionality, slow performance, poor search rankings, data leakage, and hacking.
Plugin Options
- Purchase your plugins and themes through an local agency.
- Save by opening direct accounts with all the plugin and theme developers.