It is commonly stated that reputable web studios create websites using frameworks like Laravel, YII, while snobbish freelancers use a hodgepodge of tools. I comprehend the distinction between a framework and a free CMS, but how does the client discern that a website built on a framework is superior to one on a subpar CMS?

The average client, in my opinion, may not even be familiar with terms like "framework" or "CMS." I am genuinely intrigued by this question: when comparing the portfolios of two web studios, if the design is equally appealing from both, but one studio charges $500 and the other $1500, what factors come into play?

For instance, one studio creates a website using WordPress for $500, while the other builds it on YII2 for $1500. The query arises as to why a client would opt for the $1500 option, especially since most clients lack knowledge about CMS and frameworks.

You have a slight misconception in your question. You seem to be asking why someone should pay $1500 for a website built on Yii when they can hire freelancers for $500 and keep $1000 for themselves.

The answer is straightforward: if you present two options to a person, a framework like Yii or, let's say, WordPress, and they choose the framework, there must be a reason for that. A website built on a framework is more likely to receive ongoing maintenance and development, either by the client themselves or by other professionals.

For a simple 5-page website, most people would choose WordPress, as they can easily navigate its admin panel and understand that it is WordPress.

However, when it comes to a complex project that may take months to complete, trust me, the person knows how to distinguish between a spoon and an axe, and they have clear reasons for opting for the axe over the spoon.

The crucial factor here is not the amount of money involved or the payment structure, but rather the fact that the person understands the project's objectives and makes an informed choice based on the tools they believe will best fulfill those objectives.

I have been creating WordPress websites for over 15 years. I left a large company where I worked as an internet analyst to pursue freelance work (building websites as a hobby).

For the past five years, I have been working remotely from home, a cottage, the forest, or even other countries. My clients are mostly people I know, and they often refer me to others. During project discussions, I frequently hear stories about developing websites from scratch using frameworks, complex CMSs, or even coding without a CMS. However, more often than not, it turns out that their requirements have already been fulfilled using WordPress.

In most cases, clients agree and 99% of them are satisfied. I believe in transparency with my clients, and if I realize that WordPress is not the right fit for their needs, I kindly decline the project and provide them with a roadmap for alternative actions.

As mentioned in the comments, a knowledgeable client understands what they will get from WordPress or a framework because they have a good grasp of the topic. For everyone else, trust in your expertise becomes crucial.

Unfortunately, he simply lacks understanding in this matter. At most, he can only appreciate the visual appeal of the website. In a typical office setting, programmers can complain about Google itself. However, when your nephew looks at a website, he might claim that he could have created the same page for just $10. Meanwhile, the director will scold the "slackers."

However, this young "expert" remains unaware of 99.99% of the functionality hidden beneath the surface.

In order for the client to truly value the work done, they need to somehow experience and appreciate the effort put into it. One straightforward approach is to rebuild the website for them, demonstrating why the previous one was inadequate for their needs.

The key distinction lies in the underlying architecture, scalability, and overall quality of the codebase. While a CMS like WordPress can be a quick and cost-effective solution for basic websites, a framework-based approach offers several advantages that can justify the higher upfront cost.

Firstly, frameworks like YII2 are designed with a focus on maintainability, security, and performance. They provide a well-structured, modular codebase that follows best practices and design patterns, making the website more scalable, flexible, and less prone to technical debt over time. This translates to improved security, faster load times, and easier long-term maintenance.

In contrast, many CMS-based websites can suffer from performance issues, security vulnerabilities, and a lack of architectural cohesion, especially as the website grows in complexity. The "one-size-fits-all" nature of many CMS platforms can limit their ability to handle custom requirements and complex business logic.

The $1500 price tag for the YII2-based website also reflects the expertise and experience of the web studio. Developing a custom application using a framework like YII2 requires a higher level of technical proficiency, as the developers need to have a deep understanding of the framework's capabilities, as well as web development best practices. This translates to a more robust and maintainable codebase, which can provide long-term benefits for the client.

Additionally, the web studio using YII2 may offer better support, ongoing maintenance, and the ability to easily scale the website as the client's business grows. This can be particularly crucial for mission-critical or high-traffic websites, where downtime or performance issues can have a significant impact on the client's operations and revenue.

While the average client may not be familiar with the technical details, they can still perceive the value of a well-designed, secure, and scalable website. The portfolio and references of the web studio can also provide insights into their capabilities and the quality of their work, which may justify the higher price point.
The decision of whether to choose the $500 WordPress-based solution or the $1500 YII2-based website should be based on the client's specific requirements, long-term goals, and the web studio's proven track record of delivering high-quality, reliable, and scalable web solutions.