WordPress is the leading website creation tool worldwide, powering over half of the web’s content. This open-source content management system (CMS) is versatile and easy to use, making it an ideal choice for users of all skill levels.
However, with numerous website-building platforms available, newcomers might need help deciding whether to use WordPress or other solutions.
If you want to learn WordPress, this article will help you get started. We’ll delve into what is WordPress and what makes it popular. Plus, we’ll briefly discuss how to utilize it.
Table of Contents
What WordPress Is?
WordPress is a free and open-source content management system that lets anyone create and manage websites easily. Starting as a blogging platform, the WordPress software has evolved to help users build various sites, from blogs and portfolios to eCommerce stores.
History of WordPress
WordPress has come a long way since 2003. What started as a few lines of code and a mission to build a better web has become a prevalent web platform and thriving community.
WordPress was created as a standalone project all the way back in 2003, originating as an offshoot of a previous project called b2/cafelog.
Matt Mullenweg and Mike Little introduced WordPress, building upon the foundation of a previous project. Under the GNU General Public License, they created a platform where users can freely use, modify, and distribute the WordPress software and its derivatives.
What Types of Websites Is WordPress Good For?
Many people use WordPress to create various types of websites, such as:
- Personal blogs
- Portfolios
- Business websites
- Online stores
- Membership websites
- News websites
- Charity websites
- Forums
- Online courses
- Accommodation websites
- Event websites
- Job boards
Why Should You Use WordPress?
With so many website builders on the market, you may wonder what makes WordPress different. Here’s why millions of site owners use WordPress:
Easy to Use
With WordPress, users can create their own website without code. The admin panel is intuitive, letting you easily manage content, media, appearance, and plugins.
To create pages or posts, WordPress users can leverage the Gutenberg editor. It uses a block-based drag-and-drop system, offering a visual and beginner-friendly way to edit content. You can stack and move elements like text, images, and videos on the intuitive interface.
Easy Setup
To use a CMS, you generally need to download and upload the software to a compatible web server. Most web hosts today support PHP and MySQL, which are fundamental requirements to run WordPress.
Open-Source
Being open-source software, WordPress encourages global collaboration and innovation. This system allows for advanced customizability, where developers can modify core WordPress files, themes, and plugins to tailor sites to their needs.
Many community-developed products have emerged as a result, enriching the ecosystem with diverse options and tools. The open-source model also allows for regular updates to enhance security and functionality.
Highly Customizable
Customizability is one of the most notable advantages of using WordPress. With thousands of WordPress themes in the official directory, you can tailor your website design to match your brand and feature preferences.
Plus, whether you’re creating small websites or large eCommerce stores, there are WordPress plugins to support your needs. Add features like contact forms, galleries, Google Analytics integration, and payment gateways in just a few clicks.
Cost-Effective
Many choose WordPress for its affordability. The core software costs no money to download, and many free WordPress plugins and themes are available. This makes it feasible to create a business website without paying a hefty monthly fee.
While you still need to pay for web hosting, many providers offer cost-effective plans.
SEO-Friendly
A WordPress website offers a solid ground for search engine optimization (SEO). The software has built-in features that enable effective on-page optimization, such as clean permalink structures, easy content creation, and alt texts.
SEO plugins can also help enhance the site’s visibility on search engines like Google.
Active WordPress Community
With millions of people using WordPress worldwide, you can find tons of online resources offering solutions to various issues. This makes up for the software’s lack of direct support, which can be essential for beginners.
Differences Between WordPress.org and WordPress.com
It’s crucial to note that WordPress comes in two versions – WordPress.org and WordPress.com. Although they share the same name, their functionalities and usage are distinct.
WordPress.org
This version is known as the self-hosted WordPress. It’s free to download and gives users full control over their own website – including installing any WordPress theme or plugin from the directory.
To use WordPress.org, you must purchase web hosting and your own domain name.
WordPress.com
WordPress.com is a website builder based on WordPress software. It has its own hosting service, making it a suitable choice if you don’t want the freedom to handle and optimize your website’s back end.
Free WordPress plans are available, but they are quite limited. They display WordPress.com ads, have a limited range of themes, and don’t permit plugins. Upgraded subscription plans offer more freedom but for a monthly fee.
What Are Themes?
Themes are pre-designed templates enabling users to customize their web design without code. They determine your website’s aesthetic appeal – from its color scheme and typography to the placement of blog posts or products.
The official directory has over 11,000 free themes to suit various needs, like a WordPress blog, an online store, and a corporate website.
Astra is a great starter WordPress theme for a new site. It has a modern and lightweight design with excellent performance
What Are Plugins?
plugins are extensions you can install to add specific functionalities to your website. Some usage examples include enhancing performance, integrating a third-party service like Google Analytics, or adding a contact form on your WordPress site.
The WordPress directory has over 59,000 free plugins. If you need advanced tools, some marketplaces like CodeCanyon sell premium plugins.
For WordPress website optimization, check out AIOSEO. It has powerful features like a site audit and page analysis tool to improve your content.
Conclusion
WordPress is a content management system built to help users create websites without code. It can power various sites, including blogs, online stores, business websites, and membership platforms.
WordPress is free, easy to use, and backed by a strong community. Moreover, the large collection of themes and plugins makes the tool highly versatile.
There are two versions of WordPress – the self-hosted WordPress.org and hosted WordPress.com. The former is open-source software, while the latter is a freemium website builder.
If you want to use WordPress, purchase a hosting plan and a domain name first. Joomla Web Hosting managed hosting plans have everything you need to build a WordPress website.