Why choose WordPress?
There are lots of other ways to build a website. Some claim to be much easier some are all-in-one solutions.
Most things that are too good to be true usually are.
In my experience all-in-one solutions aren’t good at everything they do. If they are, you pay a lot for that ability. The platforms that claim to be easier also have a learning curve and you end up paying more for them.
Some sites say you can build a “free” website using their tools. But just how free is it? The free version often has other people’s ads on your website, something most business owners really do not want.
There are a number of benefits to using WordPress, which is likely why so many people use it to build their websites.
13 key reasons you want to choose WordPress.
1. WordPress Is Free And Open Source
While you will need to pay a small fee for hosting, you will never have to pay to use the WordPress software. This also means that there is a large community that is working to improve WordPress all the time.
2. Multiple themes available
Themes offer a choice of appearance and style to suit almost any taste. Changing themes is like changing clothes, each theme has its own look and layout. There is an ever-growing collection of both free and premium (paid) themes thanks to WordPress being open source. Themes can be accessed directly through the WordPress theme directory or can be purchased from third-party designers or marketplaces.
3. Can increase functionality with Plugins
There are also thousands of free and paid plugins as well. While WordPress includes everything needed to create a basic website, most website owners want to add functionality to their website and they do this by adding a plugin. A plugin is a piece of software that works with and adds to the functionality of WordPress without changing the core program. Plugins can be easily added and removed as needed.
4. Can be used for any type of website including eCommerce
WordPress was originally a blogging platform but using themes and plugins can be made into almost any type of website. This includes blogs, business, galleries, forums, membership sites, course sites, job boards, eCommerce and many others.
5. WordPress is flexible
In addition to allowing you to create just about any type of website, WordPress will also let you change and grow over time so you are not locked into anything. As your business grows and adapts so can your WordPress website.
6. Supports most file types
You can upload almost any file type to a WordPress website such as .jpg, .png, .gif, .mp3, .mp4 and even .doc. That doesn’t mean you should, but you have the flexibility to do so.
7. Relatively easy to install
WordPress can be installed easily through your host. Many hosts have 1-click installs or you just have a few basic steps to get through. Some hosts will even pre-install WordPress for you. You don’t need a lot of technical know-how.
8. Easy to use at any skill levels
Using WordPress is also relatively easy. It really is a matter of getting used to the menus and what goes where. It is user friendly because there’s no programming or coding knowledge required. But for those who are a bit more techie, WordPress has the flexibility to allow more complexity while remaining beginner-friendly.
9. Mobile Responsive
Google rankings have made mobile responsiveness much more important and websites need to look good on all types of devices. You want to be mobile responsive so that people using phones can actually see your whole website. It’s a win-win.
10. Affordable
WordPress itself is free and generally there is a small cost to hosting your website. You can use free themes and plugins if you want. Some of the paid themes and plugins will allow you more flexibility and customization.
11. Includes a ready-to-go blog
WordPress started out as a blogging platform so it is no surprise that a blog is included. It is just as easy to create a blog as it is to create a webpage and it follows much the same format. Since Google loves content, having a blog is a very popular strategy. You don’t have to use it, but if you do, it’s ready to go. Hey, you’re reading this blog because bloggings is a part of my strategy. 😉.
12. Good for Search Engine Rankings
You want your website to rank high on search engines like Google. SEO is built into the WordPress platform. WordPress is SEO (Search Engine Optimization) friendly because the code used is clean and simple and well laid out. It allows you to have titles, links and categories and tags. Then there are tools and plugins that can help you improve your rankings even further.
13. Great Community Support
Being free and open-source but also being a good and popular means that WordPress has supportive communities worldwide. It’s crowdsourced. This collaborative community works together to continually update and improve WordPress. There are lots of blogs, tutorials, forums and camps and WordPress user groups that make it relatively easy to find help.
There are reasons that WordPress is the most popular way to build a website – it is easy to use, freely available and has lots of design options and the ability to scale.
Why will (or did) you choose WordPress?
Note – Throughout the article I am referring to the WordPress from WordPress.org not the WordPress.com platform.