I Deliver Websites Without WordPress and Without Big Tech Companies

In the digital age, having an online presence is essential for individuals, businesses, and organizations alike. Traditional website development often involves popular Content Management Systems (CMS) like WordPress, or relies on big tech companies such as Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and others for hosting, infrastructure, and services. While these solutions are convenient and widely adopted, they are not the only options—and, for many, they are not the best options.

The reliance on WordPress and big tech companies can introduce several concerns:

Privacy and Data Security: Using platforms owned by large corporations often involves surrendering significant amounts of personal or business data.
Control and Ownership: Relying on third-party providers limits control over website infrastructure and data.
Monopolistic Practices: Big tech companies wield significant influence over the internet ecosystem, which can lead to monopolistic behaviors and reduced competition.
Performance and Customization Limitations: Sometimes, these platforms impose restrictions that limit flexibility and customization.

My approach challenges the status quo by focusing on building websites without WordPress and without dependence on large tech enterprises. This philosophy emphasizes privacy, control, customization, and sustainability. My goal is to empower clients with websites that are secure, fast, and tailored to their unique needs, without ceding control to corporate giants.

Why Choose to Avoid WordPress and Big Tech?

Limitations of WordPress

WordPress powers over 40% of all websites on the internet, making it the dominant CMS worldwide. While accessible, WordPress has notable drawbacks:

Security vulnerabilities: Its popularity makes it a common target for hackers.
Performance issues: Plugins and themes can bloat websites, slowing load times.
Maintenance overhead: Regular updates, backups, and security patches are necessary.
Plugin dependency: Relying heavily on third-party plugins can introduce compatibility issues or security risks.
Limited control: Customization often requires extensive coding knowledge or third-party solutions.

Concerns with Big Tech Companies

Many website solutions depend on services from major corporations:

Google: Provides hosting via Google Cloud, analytics via Google Analytics, and other services that track user behavior.
Amazon Web Services (AWS): Offers cloud hosting but raises concerns about data sovereignty and vendor lock-in.
Microsoft: Offers Azure hosting, Office integrations, and enterprise solutions.
Facebook/Meta, Apple, and others: Provide social, payment, and app services that often impose data-sharing agreements.

Relying on these companies can expose websites to issues such as:

Data privacy concerns and user tracking
Dependence on proprietary platforms that can change policies or pricing
Limited control over infrastructure and data sovereignty
Potential censorship or restrictions

My Philosophy: Building Websites Independently

My approach revolves around the core principles of independence, privacy, security, and customization:

No WordPress: I do not rely on popular CMS platforms that impose constraints or vulnerabilities.
No Big Tech Dependency: I avoid using services and infrastructure owned by or heavily integrated with large tech corporations.
Open Standards and Technologies: I utilize open-source tools, standards, and protocols to ensure control and transparency.
Tailored Solutions: Websites are built specifically for each client’s needs, not just templated or generic designs.
Privacy-Centric Design: I prioritize user privacy, minimizing data collection and tracking.
Performance Optimization:My websites are optimized for speed and responsiveness.

How I Build Websites Without WordPress and Big Tech

1. Choosing the Right Infrastructure

Instead of relying on proprietary hosting services, I opt for:

Self-Hosting: Using servers I control or trusted providers that respect privacy.
Open-Source Web Servers: Such as Apache.

2. Development Frameworks and Tools

Custom Development: Using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP and frameworks like Laravel (without dependencies on big tech ecosystems), tailored to the project.
Content Management: For dynamic content, I develop custom management systems.

3. Privacy and Analytics

Self-Hosted Analytics: Using tools like Matomo (formerly Piwik) instead of Google Analytics.
Minimal Data Collection: Designing websites that ask for only necessary information and do not track visitors unnecessarily.

4. Security and Maintenance

Regular Updates: Keeping software up to date and applying security patches.
HTTPS: Securing websites with free certificates from Let's Encrypt.
Backup and Recovery: Implementing reliable backup solutions without dependence on proprietary services.

5. Design and User Experience

Custom Design: Creating tailored designs that match brand identity and user needs.
Accessibility: Ensuring websites are accessible to all users, regardless of device or disability.
Responsive and Fast: Optimizing for mobile and desktop performance.

Benefits of My Approach

Greater Control and Ownership

Building websites from the ground up or using open-source tools ensures clients retain full control over their data, content, and infrastructure.

Enhanced Privacy and Security

Reducing reliance on third-party services minimizes vulnerabilities and protects user privacy.

Customization and Flexibility

Tailored solutions enable features and designs that precisely meet client needs without being limited by platform constraints.

Sustainability and Future-Proofing

Open standards and decentralized hosting options provide resilience against platform changes, shutdowns, or policy shifts.

Cost-Effectiveness

While initial development might require more effort, ongoing costs are minimized by avoiding proprietary licensing fees and subscription models.

Challenges and Considerations

Development Time: Custom solutions require more time and expertise.
Technical Knowledge: Clients may need to acquire some understanding of website management.
Maintenance: Responsibility for updates and security lies with the owner or developer.
Scalability: Large, dynamic sites may need more complex architectures.

My Commitment

I am dedicated to providing websites that respect your privacy, give you full control, and are built with integrity and sustainability in mind. Whether you are a small business, an organization, or an individual creator, my goal is to empower you with a website that aligns with your values and needs.

The digital landscape is evolving, and reliance on WordPress and big tech companies is not the only path forward. By choosing to build websites without these platforms, you gain greater control, privacy, and flexibility. My expertise and philosophy are aligned with these values, offering you a sustainable, secure, and custom solution that puts you in the driver’s seat.

Let's be honest—regardless of whether we use major tech giants like Google or not, our ultimate goal is often to have our websites appear prominently in organic Google search results. Even if we avoid relying on big tech platforms for advertising or distribution, search engine visibility remains a critical factor in attracting visitors.

Optimizing your website for search engines, known as SEO (Search Engine Optimization), involves a range of strategies—such as creating high-quality content, using relevant keywords, ensuring fast load times, and building reputable backlinks. These efforts help search engines understand what your site offers and rank it accordingly, increasing the chances that users will discover your website organically when searching for related topics or products.

In essence, the digital landscape has become so interconnected that even if you try to bypass certain big tech services, your website's visibility on platforms like Google remains fundamental to reaching your audience. Investing in good SEO practices ensures your website can stand out in search results, driving organic traffic and helping you achieve your online goals.