The growing popularity of WordPress is no surprise. It is a unique platform that allows people to create their own websites, customize designs, and add numerous features.
Given its many strengths, online sellers, businesses, and bloggers are turning to WordPress for content management. In this article, we cover useful information and tips for beginners who wish to use the platform.
What Is WordPress?
WordPress is currently the most popular platform for website building, allowing users to manage content with ease. The system is easy to use and extremely flexible. Whether you are looking to create a simple blog or a stunning portfolio, WordPress is a handy tool.
It is a content management system (CMS), meaning that, although you offer all the content that comprises your site, the organization and coding is done by the platform. This means that you don’t need experience or expertise to build a functional and stunning website.
Another attribute that characterizes WordPress is open source. This means that the platform allows users to modify and build upon the software.
WordPress is also free to use by anyone and does not ask for licensing fees. In essence, therefore, since its launch in 2003, the platform has evolved into one of the most popular content management systems in the world.
Why Use WordPress?
There are many other CMSs that people can use. So, why prefer WordPress? Here are some reasons why the platform has become so popular over the past decade:
Flexibility
WordPress can be used for a wide range of purposes. This means that whether you need to create a blog or an e-commerce store, this tool is the one to use. It offers thousands of plugins and themes that can improve the look and functionality of your site.
Ease of Use
Another reason given by users for preferring WordPress is that the platform is easy to use. Setting up the tool is simple, and the themes can be customized without much hassle. Given its amazingly intuitive dashboard, WordPress is ideal when you need to make updates to your site. If you are facing problems with the creation of content, you can engage a professional essay writer online.
Other amazing benefits include:
- Quick installation;
- A mobile-friendly interface;
- Affordability;
- Beautiful themes;
- Functional plugins.
WordPress.Org vs. WordPress.Com
When preparing to use WordPress, you are likely to notice that there are two versions of the platform. Users can choose between WordPress.org and WordPress.com. Please note that the selection will depend on your requirements and website needs.
WordPress.com, for instance, is a preferred choice for those who don’t want to host their own blogs. The platform hosts blogs on behalf of users and is perfect when you want to enjoy free blogging. However, despite the benefits, WordPress.com has its limitations.
The site created will be challenging to customize, given the limited functionalities and themes. For example, it may be hard to utilize the best logo design services due to the rigidity of this template. Lacking an outstanding logo in the gig economy is not a good idea if you are building an online brand.
As such, WordPress.com is not the best option if you plan to use your blog to make money. Also, with this option, WordPress maintains ownership of your blog, meaning that it can be terminated if it fails to meet established policy.
WordPress.org, on the other hand, is much more accommodating. However, every user is expected to have a hosting service and a domain name for the blog.
The good thing is that these services are not really costly. The platform also offers users much more room to make changes and choose themes. There is also a wider variety of plugins and more functionality. WordPress.com is perfect for those looking to create company websites and blogs.
Using WordPress | Important Tips to Remember
As is the case with any other task, using WordPress requires preparation. You will need web hosting and a domain name, as well as WordPress software.
There are numerous types of Webhosting, including shared hosting, cloud hosting, dedicated servers, and VPS hosting. Shared hosting is ideal for novices looking to create personal blogs. In any case, you can always move your blog to another host if you need more control.
Once you have decided on the hosting plan, it is time to consider the theme. Don’t rush this process as it will affect the outlook of your site. Your theme choice will depend on the type of website or blog you are creating. Also, make sure that any theme you install is responsive to mobile phones.
Here are additional tips:
- Make good use of google analytics to assess the performance of your site;
- Install a search engine optimization plugin;
- Avoid using too many plugins;
- Make safety a priority.
In essence, WordPress is emerging as one of the best content management systems available in the market. Remember, even with the ease of use, and you will still need to manage and update your blog or website actively.