WordPress, that old thing? I want to use this new shiny website generator that all my friends are using.
It may be fun to follow the crowd and use the latest and greatest new tool, but when you find you can’t achieve the results you need from your website you may have to switch to a new service or hire a developer to create a custom integration.
The latest estimates for WordPress usage puts the platform used for over 35% of all websites. While WordPress may have its roots in the blogging space, the platform has evolved into a flexible content management system. Almost any type of website is possible with the right plugins or customisations.
WordPress will get you set up to publish blog posts, straight out of the box. However, with varying amounts of customisations, you can create anything from a corporate marketing site to a fully functioning e-commerce site to sell your products.
You don’t need to be a developer to make changes to your website
While over 35% of websites use WordPress that doesn’t mean they are all managed by developers. Because the user interface is easy to use, anyone can add content or change options without seeing a single line of code.
On a budget or trying to blow the budget? There’s a theme or plugin for you.
This is where anyone really can get a high-quality website. If you are just starting out there are plenty of free themes and plugins you can use to get an impressive online presence or if you have the keys to the company piggy bank you can have a website which will send sales through the roof.
Use your existing tools on your own website.
Do you have other online services which you wish you could have on your own site? There is a good chance you will find a plugin to integrate it into your WordPress site. This can mean your customers will stay on your website and more likely to follow through your call to action.
Mailchimp is a popular service to send newsletters to your customers or leads. With a Mailchimp plugin, you can integrate sign up forms anywhere on your website.
Do you sell your goods on Etsy? With a WordPress site, it is possible to automatically show your product listings in any post or page. You can even turn your WordPress website into an e-commerce store and send your product listings to Etsy.
You get a security team built-in.
When you have a website the last thing you want is for your customers or potential clients to be at risk from online threats or their data to be compromised by hackers.
Regular updates to WordPress core software
The team behind WordPress are constantly working on updating the content management system. In addition to new features to make your website among the most advanced sites on the internet, their team of around 50 security experts are there protecting over 35% of all websites.
Security updates are installed automatically since WordPress version 3.7, so you know you are safe in the knowledge that your website is as secure as can be at all times.
Hackers are all around
No matter how much time or money you spend on online security, there will always be hackers around the corner. Fortunately, there are some hackers that are good. They notify the WordPress team, who use these to make your website even more secure. Through the WordPress website, these good hackers can discretely disclose vulnerabilities they have found in the WordPress platform. This means that the WordPress development and security teams can plug the hole and release an update before any nefarious acts can be taken against the WordPress sites online.
Security plugins
For extra peace of mind, there are some security plugins you can install. These plugins will configure your WordPress website with the recommended settings to deter would be intruders and rogue users. Some of these will give you notifications when files on your server are updated and automatically backup the database in case the worst should happen.
The WordPress community has your back
WordPress is opensource software, so consequently developers from all over the world work on your behalf. They are adding new features and keeping your site safe for the betterment of the platform.
When you get stuck on something with WordPress someone else has probably had the same problem. There are many blogs, forums and help sites that you can find the answer you need or ask for advice.
Still not sure? Then check out these sites using WordPress
With these big names using WordPress you can be sure you are in good company.
If you are interested in getting a WordPress site set up, contact us to find out how we can make your business grow with an effective digital solution tailored to meet your needs.
