Originally published December 2014; updated June 2023.
We’re frequently asked how WordPress stacks up against other content management systems (CMS). We’ve used many, and we chose WordPress because our client needs come first, and WordPress is the easiest to learn CMS we’ve found that also offers the flexibility to create quality solutions with a focus on client needs.
WordPress is not just for blogs
In recent years, WordPress has been extensively updated to include a wide variety of options to support many types of websites – from small brochure sites, large product manufacturing websites, non-profit websites, and password-protected membership websites. Specifically, WordPress supports development of e-Commerce websites and other interactive functionality.
WordPress allows for custom design
Sure, you could use WordPress right out of the box with one of the free mobile-responsive themes with extensive built-in functionality. But you could also hire a designer or developer to create a totally custom design, layout, and functionality for your WordPress website. Our clients usually benefit from the middle ground – starting with an inexpensive mobile-responsive theme that is customized to reflect their branding, audience, and goals with a cost-effective price tag and a short timeframe from kickoff to site launch.
WordPress support is widespread
There are many levels of assistance available to WordPress website owners. A vast collection of online documentation, published books, free tutorials and videos is available from any Google search. Thousands of companies exist to customize WordPress for their clients. Paid support can be as easy as a quick search on Elance for a couple hours’ support to accomplish a particular task. Need a website built or redesigned? Call your local WordPress development company for a complete WordPress website. At O3, training is part of every WordPress website project, whether in person one-on-one, for a group, via Skype, Zoom, or by email.
WordPress is secure
One of the most common WordPress misconceptions we hear is that WordPress isn’t secure. WordPress security is a primary focus of the developers who continue to upgrade and maintain the core functionality. As open-source software, the source is available to anyone to review and identify and correct any security vulnerabilities. Should a vulnerability be found in WordPress, it is patched, available and communicated very quickly. Plugins are evaluated based on their security and on being regularly maintained; savvy website owners and developers carefully evaluate all plugins before installing them on their website, and limit the number to only those that are needed. Website owners can keep their WordPress website secure by regularly keeping the site and plugins upgraded to the latest version and using strong passwords. Setting up and automatically saving backups is essential, and you should be sure to test your backups to be sure they will work in case you need them.
Make WordPress even more secure with a security plugin
WordPress security plugins can run regular scans looking for suspicious changes, block known attacks, block hacking attempts, and track traffic real-time. All our websites are protected with the WordFence security plugin. A paid version of WordFence is available for those needed even more protection. Other security plugins are also available…
WordPress can power high-traffic websites
Want to know who is using WordPress? Take a look at this post, 40+ Most Notable Big Name Brands that are Using WordPress
Just as with any other high-traffic, high-availability website, the site must reside on good-quality hosting with a configuration that allows for increased traffic.
You can count on the future of WordPress
The future of WordPress is solid, due to the large and dedicated developer community. Hundreds of thousands of businesses and non-profits use and actively participate in the WordPress community. Companies like O3 work to create websites that generate members, leads and millions of dollars in revenue for our clients. The wide community of developers and users insures that you can depend on WordPress to continue to be upgraded, extended and supported into the future.
As of June, 2023, WordPress is used by 43.1% of all the websites on the internet. This makes it the most popular CMS in the world, used by 63.2% of all the websites whose content management system we know.