WordPress is one of the most popular content management systems on the web. If you’re getting ready to redesign a website, it’s probably popped up in your searches and you may be wondering what all the fuss is about. As it would be, there are a number of reasons why WordPress dominates the web.
1. It’s Free
WordPress is an open-source software. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, open-source refers to licensing agreements that keep the source code of software open to the public. From the developer’s perspective, keeping software open-source allows it to spread further and faster while simultaneously harnessing the power of an entire community to further develop their code. From the user end, open-source means that it’s free and there is no catch.
2. It has a Huge Community
Open-source culture only really works when a lot of people use and tweak the software in question and, in case it isn’t already clear, WordPress is pretty huge on the web. Over 25% of all websites use WordPress. As a result, there’s a tremendous wealth of online communities that provide support and develop plug-ins for WordPress. Currently, the software boasts over 40,000 plug-ins that push its capabilities beyond default functionalities.
3. It’s Intuitive and User-Friendly
A number of other content management systems offer a lot of control and functionality, but what this usually means is a steep learning curve. WordPress, on the other hand, is extremely intuitive. If coding, HTML and CSS aren’t your forte, WordPress allows you to effectively launch and manage a website without turning off the services of a web developer. For instance, the software comes with built-in blogging. Keep in mind however that it’s a common misconception that WordPress is specifically for blogging. The stand-alone software available for download is a full-fledged CMS.
4. It’s Flexible
Depending upon how long you intend to keep your website up, you’re probably going to want to adjust, modify or completely overhaul your look at some point. WordPress allows for quick and easy changes, while not overwhelming your employees like other content management systems.
5. It’s SEO-Optimized
WordPress offers out-of-the-box SEO management features, which allow novice developers to easily work with keywords and optimization. Free plug-ins like Jet-pack also allow for simple mobile optimization, which is kind of a big deal with SEO since mobile optimization is now a factor in Google’s search algorithms.
To boil it down to what keeps WordPress on the forefront of web development, the software is free and intuitive. It allows novice users to work with powerful functionality and advanced users to dive in deeper with plug-ins and other features. If you’re considering a new website, WordPress may just be at the top of your list. If you are looking for more security and an enterprise solution, click here to read our blog about Drupal as an option for your CMS.