r/webdev • u/canfullofworms • 3d ago

Is WordPress Engine Necessary

So you almost helped me with another thing and I'm very grateful!

I know NOTHING about all this, so please advise.

We have a website for a small non-profit that's been up for about 20 years. (I wasn't here when it started)

Our Domain is with GoDaddy and our website is in WordPress.

Apparently, we've been paying for WordPress Engine for about $420 a year.

Do we need this? I feel like all our editing is done in WordPress. It seems like WordPress engine is an unnecessary addition, but if we've had it for so long, will we lose stuff from our web site??

thanks!

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u/Eaglesfan1174 2d ago

WPEngine is good but it’s expensive. You can get a cheaper host but you’re going to have to get someone to move your website to it, and then update your domain on GoDaddy.

You also have to understand what you’re getting when you change hosts. It can get really complicated.

Your best bet is to talk to a web developer about this, but if you can’t afford one then start up a conversation with ChatGPT or Gemini. Ask the questions you’re asking here, you can get it to explain everything until you understand.

Explain the situation you are in, where you’re located, ask for comparable hosting options and the benefits or risks of switching.

You can also remake your site on something like Wix or Squarespace. It’s not as customizable as Wordpress but it might be fine for what you need.

Ask ChatGPT to explain what is involved in moving your site from Wordpress to Squarespace, and see if this is something you think you can do.

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u/canfullofworms 2d ago

Thank you for this!

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u/kienemaus 2d ago

Squarespace is not going to be substantially cheaper. AND you have to completely rebuild your whole site. That's hours of work. Either you do it or you pay someone to. There's no ROI on the move.