If you want to establish an online presence, build a phenomenal website first. We’ve mentioned before that you can create websites in two ways: either use a website builder or hire a web design agency.
But if you want more flexibility and control over your website, there’s another option you can try: WordPress.
WordPress is a content management system (CMS) popular for its customisable themes, thousands of plugins, and SEO optimisation features.
So, it’s not a mystery why 500+ sites are created every day via WordPress. If you want to know this fantastic platform better and the benefits it provides, read on.
WordPress for starters
When we hear “WordPress”, we usually associate it with blogs. Although it does help aspiring writers publish their work, its usability extends further.
WordPress is a content management system (CMS) that lets users create and manage their website and its contents. It’s an open-source platform that undergoes consistent updates made by thousands of web developers worldwide.
If you’re new to WordPress, it’s important to know that the platform has two kinds: WordPress.com and WordPress.org.
Both have their unique set of features and functionality. Recognising their differences helps you decide which caters to your brand’s needs better.
WordPress.com vs WordPress.org (self-hosted)
WordPress.com
WordPress.com is a hosted version of WordPress. Since WordPress hosts it, you don’t need to purchase a domain name.
Instead, your website will be under a WordPress subdomain.
For example, a website’s URL will be carlsletters.wordpress.com instead of just carlsletters.com.
WordPress.com is the classic option for users who want to avoid the hassle of buying a domain name and maintaining their website. But it also comes with limitations.
Aside from not having your own branded domain, themes are limited, plugins are not free unless you upgrade your plan, and you can’t monetise your website.
This changes with WordPress.org.
WordPress.org
WordPress.org is the “self-hosted” WordPress software you can install to your server or web hosting account.
Yes, this means you’ll still need to secure a hosting plan and a domain name before you can work on your website. This also means you get to have your own domain name for your brand or business.
READ: The Non-Tech Savvy Guide to Setting Up a WordPress Website
Unlike WordPress.com, WordPress.org allows you to access to premium themes, upload as many plugins as you want, and even post ads!
When it comes to choosing between the free WordPress and the self-hosted WordPress, always assess your brand’s needs. But for those who are serious about establishing an online presence, you’ll reap the most benefits with- the latter.
5 Advantages of Using WordPress
If you’re looking to use WordPress to create your very first website, here are five more reasons you’re making the right choice.
It works for every website
To start, WordPress can work for any business. Whether you’re an established corporation or a startup, the software will help you build your dream website.
By using the right plugins, you can build any website without learning any coding skills. Below are examples of websites you can create and power with WordPress:
- Business
- Ecommerce
- Entertainment
- Portfolio
- Forums
If you’re new to the online landscape, start with a simple website and improve it as your business grows.
It’s excellent for content-heavy sites
Unlike website builders, CMSes such as WordPress are ideal for text-heavy websites. The software offers users taxonomy elements including categories, tags, and authors.
When used correctly, your website’s content will look more organised—winning the hearts of visitors and search engines.
For business owners looking to create news and entertainment websites like the New York Times and Variety, WordPress is the ideal option. The platform is packed with content management features to keep these websites afloat and up to speed.
It provides versatile features
WordPress has an impressive list of plugins designed to strengthen your website’s performance.
It’s 57,000+ plugins vary in focus such as web analytics, SEO, ecommerce, security, contact forms, and more!
These plugins let you easily expand your website functionalities. For example, you can create a landing page for an upcoming ebook or webinar. You can also add a series of online courses and quizzes, or even upload a whole community forum.
The best about these plugins? Most are free and easy to install with just one click.
It has a user-friendly interface
After installing the software, users won’t have any trouble navigating through their WordPress dashboard. Its interface is simple, direct, and easy to manage— appropriate for non-techy users.
But whether or not you’re a tech whiz, you can easily create pages using the platform’s Text and Visual editor. Add new posts, pages, plugins, and manage your content seamlessly.
It’s always updated
With a WordPress powered website, your website will always be up-to-date. Every year, developers around the world continue to upgrade the platform with advanced features and elements.
These features can improve web responsiveness, loading speed, and visitor engagement. WordPress post software updates on its official website.
READ: Upcoming WordPress Changes to Look Out for in 2020
It allows you to safely implement website changes
Finally, the platform allows you to preview web changes through WordPress staging. This feature lets you create new pages, install plugins, or update PHP versions on a test environment first. This way, any errors that come up during the changes won’t affect your live website.
Power your website with WordPress
WordPress remains to be one of the best content management systems in the world. As a platform that never stops evolving, it gives brands limitless opportunities to grow online— that includes yours, too.
If you want to start your own branded site using WordPress, get a WordPress hosting plan so you won’t have to install the platform yourself.
