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WordPress is a flexible, feature-rich, and performance-based CMS. However, if you’re starting a new custom project, you should know about WordPress’ features, performance, and custom options.
Let’s explore WordPress’ features, pros, cons, and stats to answer the question: Is WordPress the best way to build a website?
Is WordPress the best way to Build a Website? Things to Consider
Advantages of WordPress
Here is a list of reasons with brief explanations – to help you decide if you can proceed with the WordPress CMS for a custom project, website, Blog, or eCommerce store.
WordPress powers the Internet
You may have known that WordPress powers over 35% of the Internet. This means – more than 35% of the users choose WordPress to create, run, and manage their sites.
WordPress’s contribution to the Internet makes it better than other content management systems (CMS). Hosting environments even have auto-installers, helping beginners quickly install WordPress on hosting accounts. Some companies, such as Bluehost, can also install WordPress automatically for new users.
WordPress supports Themes and Plugins
WordPress support for themes and plugins undoubtedly puts it far ahead of its competitors. No other CMS can help you easily create, increase functionality, and manage your content. In this case, WordPress’s official directory for themes and plugins allows users to set up various candidates quickly. For more information, visit Themes or Plugins directory.
WordPress auto-installers
Auto-installers are scripts That help users install WordPress with a few clicks. The procedure doesn’t require manual expertise, coding knowledge, or backend infrastructural support. In most cases, WordPress auto-installers work in hosting environments such as Namecheap, Bluehost, Siteground, and Go Daddy.
WordPress market
WordPress’s market share is more than its competitors, more than 64%. Here is a list of WordPress competitors, along with market share statistics.
- WordPress: 64.3%
- Shopify: 6.2%
- Wix: 3.4%
- Squarespace: 3.0%
- Joomla: 2.5%
- Drupal: 1.8%
- Adobe Systems: 1.6%
- Google Systems: 1.4%
- Bitrix: 1.2%
- Webflow: 0.9%
- Prestashop: 0.8%
- Open Cart: 0.8%
For more information on WordPress market share, visit this resource.
Support for Content, User management, and Automation of WordPress
WordPress helps users quickly manage content, create and manage users, and perform automation with 3rd party integrations. For example – creating content, such as Pages and Posts in WordPress, is quick, easy, and straightforward in the WordPress dashboard. WordPress supports page builders, too – helping users quickly create, design, and manage content templates the way users want. For example, after you have installed a page builder, such as Divi Builder, you can create and design content pages however you like. In this case, Divi also supports importing pre-made templates if you have a Divi premium license.
Similarly, WordPress supports multiple users. Under various roles, users can create, manage, and handle content with user roles, including contributor, administrator, author, and subscriber. User roles have different advantages. For example – authors can only create and edit pages and posts, unlike Administrators, whose control can affect the entire site. Similarly – using user roles appropriately makes managing WordPress sites, content, and functionality quick, manageable, and easy with point-and-click options.
Let’s learn how automation works in WordPress.
Automation, in simple words, helps users quickly perform various maneuvers in WordPress, such as creating content with AI, managing spam comments, and automating email. For automation, WordPress supports integration with third-party tools, such as email marketing tools, such as ConvertKit.
WordPress Integration with 3rd party Tools
Third-party Tools help users extend WordPress functionality. Using API, you can integrate WordPress with email marketing tools, spam automation apps, design tools, image compression systems, and plugins that help increase WordPress’s speed. Integrating 3rd party Apps programmatically with WordPress requires coding expertise, premium support, and a plan.
WordPress is an Open Source platform
WordPress is Open Source. Its core is free to use, edit, and share with custom changes. So, unlike other CMSs, WordPress’s open-source nature puts it far ahead of its competitors.
The Open Source community – run by thousands of contributors, helps open-source Tools survive better in the market. In the case of WordPress, its core is freely available at WordPress.org.
WordPress Knowledge Base
WordPress has official learner resources, including a forum, documentation portal, community, and Support Team’s Team portal. People from all regions, ages, and countries can help each other learn WordPress. The documentation, support, and contributions structure makes WordPress unique, helps the world create attractive websites, and helps it thrive better. Even – personal forums on the Internet help users learn how to use, manage, and back up WordPress platforms. On the other hand – thousands of developers, content creators, and programmers are available on bidding sites to help beginners create, manage, and back up their WordPress sites by spending less. An example of a bidding site is Fiverr.
Theme Customizability
WordPress theme is equipped with a built-in customizer. Once you have installed a Theme, the Appearance -> Customizer page helps users change theme templates, colors, design, and overall look.
In this case, the default customizer provides options far beyond those for beginners. There is no need to use a page builder, hire a Support Team, or migrate the site with a pre-built template pack if you know how to make changes in the WordPress Theme Customizer. Moreover, changing theme files is risky, but it provides advanced options for those who can change core files. In this case – the Appearance -> File Editor option helps users change the Theme’s Core Files. When using the said option, the WordPress default file editor is opened. If you see a warning message, press the accept option and proceed. Although the theme file editor helps developers make advanced changes without writing source code, you’ll need to make changes every time you update the WordPress theme.
Update WordPress assets from the dashboard
Unlike custom applications that require access to the backend, updating routines in WordPress is much easier. For example, custom applications require core file edits to update a site’s infrastructure. On the other hand, the Updates page in the WordPress dashboard helps users run updates for the WordPress Core, Themes, and Plugins.
Related Reading: WordPress for “Web Design” Business
Disadvantages of WordPress
Is WordPress beginner-friendly?
WordPress is only beginner-friendly for Those with prior knowledge of the WordPress infrastructure, dashboard, and functionality.
WordPress can become a headache for new users who know WordPress competitors or custom applications. In such scenarios, management of Themes and Plugins, WordPress’ core installation, backups, restoration, APIs, and database management are areas That trouble beginners. In such scenarios, users who migrate their sites from other CMS, such as Drupal, Joomla, or a custom application, might need help finding WordPress’s infrastructure. In this case, e-commerce portals are complex for those who use Shopify to create, run, and manage their e-commerce stores. One of the reasons is “the WordPress’ manual routines” for payment gateways, user management, and backup routines.
PHP dependent
WordPress’s core is built with PHP, a scripting language that creates dynamic web applications. Although CSS and JavaScript are involved, PHP is the core structure of WordPress infrastructure.
In simple words, if you need to be Technical enough to handle PHP, the chances of custom changes in WordPress become slim for you. PHP is a coding thing that only those who know how to code in PHP can handle. On the other hand – new users might need to crack WordPress’ core files before they can alter configurative files with PHP.
WordPress CMS vs. Custom web application
Although WordPress helps users build websites without learning to code, it doesn’t allow users to create custom applications.
An example of a custom-coded application is one built with CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and MySQL—constructed solely for specific purposes. Custom applications are geared towards serving specific criteria, platforms, or a company’s internal infrastructure. In the case of WordPress, one has to crack, alter, and manage WordPress’ core to create custom app support.
So, building custom applications with WordPress will always demand developers’ assistance. In this scenario, there is no room left for beginners if they don’t know the PHP language. Building custom applications with WordPress is costly and is always required by native infrastructures, such as a company, organization, or custom application.
Themes vs Page Builders
WordPress users are prone to using various themes—some demand Technical updates, while others lack multiple features. On the other hand, page builders are used to create, design, and migrate custom pages.
Themes are pre-built templates for beginners. One can quickly design a site with WordPress themes. Although page builders have flexible options, learning how page builders work is another story and may create problems for beginners. This is one of the reasons beginners spend money on hiring WordPress developers. Another thing is that managing WordPress pages created with a page builder is complex, such as migrating page templates to a new domain or web host.
Plugins and Page Speed
More plugins mean “extended functionality” in WordPress. However, several plugins can affect WordPress’ page speed.
WordPress users who depend too much on plugins can affect page speed. If installed in the WordPress dashboard, more plugins can increase HTTP requests, which in turn causes slow page speed in WordPress.
WordPress exploits
As WordPress powers the Internet, bad guys are targeting sites more often. WordPress sites are targeted, compromised, and hacked in high volumes when a loophole is publicly declared.
Here – the rule of thumb is to keep WordPress up to date. If a site is left alone, old versions of core, themes, and plugins can cause the site takedowns. Another thing is Plugins – although they help extend WordPress functionality, they can cause WordPress vulnerabilities.
For more information on WordPress exploits, weaknesses, and loopholes, hire a WordPress support company for an in-depth analysis. You can also check vulnerability databases for exploitable loopholes in the WordPress platform. If you’re familiar with security tools, scanning WordPress with a tool may yield promising results.
Official Support
There is no official support for WordPress users. One must see, make changes, or hire WordPress developers to assist.
However, WordPress forums, a knowledge base, and WordPress experts on social media can help you fix WordPress issues. If the problem is complicated, ask for premium support. In this case, hiring WordPress support specialists is your only option.
On the other hand, other CMS(s), like Wix and Squarespace, provide premium support for those who sign up for their plans. Put CMS(s) like Squarespace and Wix are commercial and not open source.
WordPress maintenance, Support, and Take Care
There is no official support for WordPress-powered sites, so users must keep their sites error-free, healthy, and functioning. This leaves no space for those needing a grip on the WordPress infrastructure.
WordPress vs other Content Management Systems (CMS)
Free vs. Paid
Everyone knows WordPress is free to edit, share, and manage however you want. However, other free CMSs might require expertise to handle, install, and work.
On the other hand, plugins, Themes, and third-party integrations may cost a small fee. Such apps are categorized as premium packages.
Dashboard, Installation, and Interface
WordPress provides a point-and-click interface for creating, running, and managing websites. Auto-installers help beginners quickly install WordPress on hosting environments without learning how to code.
After you’ve installed WordPress for the first time, the WordPress dashboard helps you quickly remove default content, install essential plugins, set up a Theme, set permalink structure, and design custom pages with a page builder. Regarding the installation process, you should have installed WordPress with an auto-installer, manually installed it, or used a Support Team’s assistance. The interface is simple to handle. Once logged into the dashboard, the left panel shows configurative menus, such as Pages, Posts, Comments, Settings, Plugins, Users, and Media Library.
Market share
As discussed above, WordPress’s market share is greater than its competitors, such as Joomla, Drupal, Google Systems, Adobe Systems, Shopify, and Wix. For more information on market share data, refer to the heading above.
Functionality, Flexibility, Support, and 3rd party Integration
Thousands of Themes and Plugins support WordPress users. They are free to use and are available in the official WordPress directory.
WordPress differs from other CMS(s) because of its stability, premium support, open-source nature, extended plugin functionality, and 3rd party integrations. In this case, other CMS(s) lack flexible routines, and many require the Support Team’s assistance for backups, restoration, data migration, page speed, and custom changes in the Core Files.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does WordPress support various websites, such as portfolios, blogs, or eCommerce?
Yes, WordPress supports portfolio sites, Blogs, and eCommerce stores. After you have installed WordPress, your site’s purpose, theme, and functionality define its type. For example, using a portfolio theme, you can configure your site to show your career samples. Similarly, using e-commerce plugins and building, running, and managing a product-based store is a click away. For more information, see what features, services, and options we provide in our WordPress care plans.
How is WordPress different from Joomla, Drupal, and other Content Management Systems (CMS)?
WordPress has a vast market share. In simple words, more than 35% of Internet sites run WordPress. The story doesn’t end – various Themes, plugins, and 3rd party scripts run WordPress markets.
WordPress is different from other CMS – in terms of flexibility, support for various Apps, and developers’ market. Other CMS, such as Drupal, Joomla, and custom applications, might require developers’ assistance, lack flexible routines, and occupy less market share.
How do you use Page Builders on a WordPress website?
The WordPress dashboard helps users install, configure, and use 3rd party applications like Page Builders. Divi, Elementor, and Visual Composer are examples of WordPress page builders. Once a page builder application has been set up in the dashboard, users can see page-building options for pages, posts, templates, and new pages.
For example, once the Divi Builder has been installed in WordPress, the page or post editing screen is equipped with Divi’s page-building options. You can use these options right on the editing screen.
Is WordPress user-friendly?
For beginners, simply using WordPress for the first time may create problems. On the other hand, those who have a grip on the WordPress platform have no problems with the WordPress setup, dashboard, and third-party apps.
Once logged into the WordPress dashboard, the home screen helps users make essential changes to WordPress, such as permalink structure, media library uploads, creating pages/posts, and setting up website email. Once set up, the fundamental changes don’t require changes and are set for a site’s stability. On the other hand – as long as simple tasks are concerned for beginners, such as content creation and management, there is no problem for those having no experience with WordPress dashboards. Simply put, the purpose and functionality of a WordPress-powered site determine if beginners can continue using WordPress for a long time.
Does WordPress require additional apps, 3rd party scripts, or integrations to work?
A primary site built on WordPress doesn’t require additional apps. However, if you need to extend WordPress features, use WordPress plugins, third-party Apps, or manual scripts. For example, using various plugins, you can control how WordPress should treat spam comments. Similarly, lead capturing, email automation, and landing pages require integration with marketing tools like ConvertKit. Simply put, the more functionality you need, the more you’ll use additional WordPress tools.
What about WordPress SEO?
WordPress supports SEO plugins, helping you optimize your site for search engines. For example, using Yoast SEO, users can improve on-page SEO. Similarly, you may need to integrate third-party Testing Tools, such as Agency Analytics, to improve your site’s audit, link structure, and site structure.
On the other hand, a site’s SEO is not directly affected by CMS. SEO is a long-term game and those with manual knowledge of how it works win it. For example, users find ranking keywords hard if they don’t know how to research low-hanging fruits effectively. Similarly, addressing Google’s ranking factors, such as topical authority, backlinks, content, page speed, and domain name age, is highly recommended.
What happens when WordPress is infected with malware?
Ask for WordPress support if you need more technical expertise handling WordPress malware. In this case, WordPress support professionals are professionals, skilled individuals, or a Team of highly dedicated people who can help you rescue your site. For a small fee, you can hire support professionals for various tasks, including malware removal, speed improvements, image optimization, SEO improvements, third-party integrations, and uptime monitoring.
How do you learn WordPress in the easiest way possible?
One of the best ways to learn WordPress is to install, run, and manage a Test site along the way. In this case, the steps may seem complicated to beginners: get a developer. After you’ve installed WordPress, learn how the dashboard basics work.
You can also learn WordPress by enrolling in a premium course online. For example, the Udemy platform holds hundreds of courses on WordPress basics, advanced features, and backup/restoration processes. If you aim to alter WordPress core with PHP, you may need to dig deeper. Moreover, social media groups like Facebook can help beginners learn how WordPress works. You can find information in the groups, collaborate with experts, or ask for support from the group members free of charge. In this case, social media has an advantage – you can make friends, support agents, or buddies who help each other solve, maintain, and fix WordPress issues. Such collaboration benefits those learning how WordPress is installed, maintained, and used for personal and corporate purposes.
Wrapping up
Is WordPress the Best Way to Build a Website?
Building a site with WordPress or other CMS or going for a custom infrastructure – solely depends on personal preferences, the company’s requirements, and technical expertise.
As far as WordPress is concerned, No-Code apps, Themes, and Plugins help users easily extend WordPress functionality. Most users choose WordPress because learning how to use it is easy. Users who migrate from other CMS, such as Drupal and Joomla, may find WordPress hard.
Ask our WordPress support professionals for more information on how to use WordPress, install, configure, run, manage, and backup/restore. We charge a small fee for one-time fixes, monthly plans, or minor Tasks. You can also let us know your thoughts about WordPress bug removal, speed optimization, and malware scanning and removal.