Build Platform Decision Guide

How to decide, at quote time, whether a client's build should be Claude + Netlify (custom static) or Wix (managed platform).

Start here · 3-question triage

Ask these three at the discovery call. They answer it ~90% of the time.

Who edits it after launch?

You / on-call → Claude + Netlify. · The client, clicking around a visual editor daily → Wix.

How often does content change — and by whom?

Stable, or change requests routed through you → Claude + Netlify. · Frequent self-serve updates (blog, events, staff) → Wix.

Is there a real store or heavy built-in features?

No, or simple (services, donations, a few products) → Claude + Netlify + Stripe. · Large catalog, inventory, bookings, memberships → Wix / Shopify.

Choose this by default

Claude + Netlify

Custom design, static hosting, edits via Claude.

Pick it when…

✓Cost matters — no ~$400/yr hosting; domain + Claude only

✓Design fidelity is the point (high-impact, custom, our exact look)

✓Content is fairly stable (landing page, brochure, portfolio)

✓You handle edits on-call, or client is fine with the request→preview→deploy loop

✓No store, or simple commerce (Stripe / Snipcart / donations)

✓Client wants true file ownership, no gatekeeper, no monthly fee

Watch out for

!No visual dashboard — non-technical daily self-editing is harder

!Forms, analytics, lead capture wired once at setup

Choose this when the client runs it

Wix

Managed platform, visual editor, integrated features.

Pick it when…

✓Client insists on self-managing in a visual editor, no code loop

✓Non-technical owner who needs a familiar dashboard

✓Frequent client-driven updates — blog, events, calendar

✓Real store: catalog, inventory, orders, shipping, taxes

✓Needs integrated bookings, memberships, email marketing

✓Already on Wix and wants continuity

Watch out for

!~$400/yr platform cost — for you or the client

!Rebuild needed; less design fidelity; custom apps get embedded

Hybrid — often the best answer

Custom homepage on Claude + Netlify, with a tool or store embedded from elsewhere. Example: static homepage + the diagnostic hosted as its own app, or a static storefront + Shopify Buy buttons. Keeps design and cost, adds only what needs a backend.

Commerce rule of thumb

Design stays static; money never lives in a static file. Few products / digital / donations → Stripe or Snipcart on Netlify. Big catalog + daily order management → Shopify or Wix Stores. Never build payment processing yourself.

The one-line rule: If you're the one keeping it running, build Claude + Netlify. If the client runs it themselves day-to-day, build Wix.