A hosted and self-hosted site has differences that affects the site. These differences will be compared to analyse whether a hosted or self-hosted site will fit my portfolio website more.
Hosted Platforms
When using a hosted site like Wix, they usually provide simple propriety software to build the website and the computer storage space where that site will live. The hosting company handles all the software updates for you, and this can contribute to a low maintenance burden. The biggest drawback to hosted platforms is the inherent restrictions on customisation and functionality. In order to make their systems easy and inexpensive to use, they have to restrict what is possible. With a hosted website, if there was a change in hosting companies, the website will have to be abandoned and built again from scratch. The plug-ins could also be limited and could need premium payment for it to function well.
Self-hosted Platforms
A self-hosted website lets the website be developed using a software they choose. A hosting company is hired to store that website. Self-hosted websites such as WordPress provide the ultimate in flexibility and customization. There are fewer restrictions to the changes of layout and design, and any functionality can be added. Moving to another hosting company can also keep your designs and content.
So, which one’s better?
As a designer, I will prefer the self-hosted website. WordPress allows the website to grow with me as an artist. I can change its design easily after a while and add content easily as it is more customisable. WordPress also has many plugins (many are free) which will help my site to look the way I want it more affordably. In addition, I also have knowledge in html and css which will help customise my website even more. The only downside to it could be the updating of the plugins and software.
