june 2026

what platforms do u build on? (and why it matters)

people ask me this all the time. "what do u build websites with?" it's a good question — the platform determines how fast ur site loads, how easy it is to update, and whether u're locked in or free to move.

what i use

sveltekit + cloudflare. that's my primary stack. here's why:

sveltekit is a modern framework that compiles ur site into the smallest, fastest code possible. there's no bloated runtime. no unnecessary javascript. when someone visits ur site, it loads almost instantly because there's barely anything to download.

cloudflare runs ur site on their global network — over 330 cities worldwide. when someone in st. louis visits ur site, it loads from a server in or near st. louis. when someone in tokyo visits, it loads from tokyo. ur site is fast everywhere, not just close to the server.

this combo gives u agency-level performance at freelancer prices. sveltekit handles the frontend. cloudflare handles hosting, security, SSL certificates, and global distribution — all included.

what i don't use (and why)

wordpress. powers 40% of the internet. also powers 90% of hacked websites. wordpress CAN be good — but it requires constant updates, plugin management, and security patches. most small businesses don't want to deal with that. if u need wordpress specifically, i can do it — but for most clients, sveltekit is faster, more secure, and simpler.

wix / squarespace. these are fine for hobbies. they're not fine for businesses that want to show up on google. they're slow. they're template-driven. u can't leave — ur site belongs to their platform. if u stop paying, ur site is gone. if they change their pricing, u have no leverage.

shopify. the exception. if u need a full e-commerce store with inventory management, shipping, and payment processing, shopify is the right tool. i don't build on shopify directly — but i can advise on it and help u set one up if e-commerce is ur main thing.

what this means for u

ur site is built with modern tools by someone who understands them. it loads fast. it's secure. u own it — it can be moved anywhere. u're not locked into a subscription or a proprietary platform.

hosting is on cloudflare's global network. SSL is free and automatic. basic SEO is built in. when google measures ur site's speed — and they do — ur site passes.

custom functionality

because i build from scratch instead of using templates, u can have custom stuff that platform-based sites can't do. online booking widgets. custom product configurators. interactive quizzes. membership areas. whatever ur business needs — i can build it.

if u don't need any of that and just want a clean, fast, professional site — that's what i do best.

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