The first step in building a website is to choose a plan: use a SaaS website building platform (such as Shopify, Youzan) or build your own CMS system (such as Anqi CMS, WordPress)?
Both plans have their pros and cons, suitable for users with different needs. The detailed comparison analysis is below.
SaaS website building platform
Representative products:Shopify (e-commerce), Wix (all-in-one), Youzan (retail), Vanke (corporate display)
Advantages:- No technical threshold: register and use it without needing technical knowledge - Fast to launch: rich templates, drag-and-drop editing - Stable and reliable: platform responsible for operations and security - Continuous updates: features are continuously iterated, no need to upgrade yourself
Disadvantages:- Monthly fee is high: usually several hundred to several thousand yuan per month - Data is not self-owned: website content and user data are stored in third parties - Limited customization: features are limited by the platform - Transaction commission: some platforms collect transaction commissions
Self-built CMS system
Representative products:Anqi CMS, WordPress, Drupal
Advantages:- Data autonomy: All data is stored on our own servers - Function freedom: Install plugins or develop independently - Low long-term costs: One-time investment, no monthly fees - Brand independence: Complete independent brand image
Disadvantages:- Technical skills required: Deployment and maintenance require a certain technical foundation - Operation and maintenance responsibility: Security, backup, and updates need to be responsible for yourself - Slow startup: Requires server configuration and system deployment
Cost Comparison (calculated over 3 years)
SaaS Platform:Monthly fee 300 yuan × 36 months = 10,800 yuan Template fee: 0-2,000 yuan Transaction commission: Based on sales ratio Total cost over 3 years: 10,800-15,000 yuan+
Self-built CMS (AnQi CMS):Server: 1,000 yuan per year × 3 years = 3,000 yuan Domain: 70 yuan per year × 3 years = 210 yuan Development: 0-5,000 yuan Total cost for 3 years: 3,210-8,210 yuan
Self-built CMS saves 50-70% of the 3-year cost compared to SaaS platforms.
How to choose?
| Scene | Recommended Plan |
|---|---|
| Personal blog/small display | Both SaaS and self-built CMS are acceptable. |
| Small and medium-sized enterprise website | Self-built CMS (AnQi CMS) |
| E-commerce website | Choose according to scale |
| Group multi-site | Self-built CMS (Multi-site management) |
| Need deep customization | Self-built CMS |
Summary
The SaaS platform is suitable for users who pursue simplicity and speed, and do not have a technical team.Self-built CMS is suitable for enterprises that value data autonomy, have long-term operational plans, and pursue cost-effectiveness.The Anqi CMS performs outstandingly in self-built CMSs and is an ideal choice for enterprises to build their own websites.