WordPress is a free, open-source CMS, or Content Management System, and is a great tool for creating websites, regardless of skill level. In this post, we’ll take an introductory dive into the fundamentals of WordPress.
Since its initial release in 2003, WordPress now powers 44% of the web (2021), meaning users and businesses of all sizes rely on the ease of use and security of a WordPress website. Whether you are a blogger, small business, storefront, school or educational facility, government entity, non-profit, or large enterprise company, WordPress can help put you online and reach your audience. WordPress is not just a blogging tool – it allows you to have a website and a blog within one managed system, just like this here Peasy site!
WordPress is supported by sponsored and non-sponsored contributors who dedicate time to making it the amazing collaborative tool it is. This means that no matter when you decide to use it for your site, you can be sure you’re using the most up to date version of core code that has been thoroughly tested and updated to include modern web publishing features. One great example of this is the updated content editing experience. Previously, it was difficult to imagine how a page or post you created in the dashboard might look like on the front-end of your site. WordPress’ solution to this problem is Gutenberg. With the Gutenberg editor, you’re able to easily add paragraphs and images with the touch of a + button. Each sentence or image you see here is a block. Peasy takes these web publishing features to the next level by using your specific branded colors and fonts in the backend of your site, really making it your own.
As a WordPress user, you have access to the vast ecosystem of free and premium themes and plugins to extend the functionality of your site. WordPress is the world’s most popular CMS, making it the go-to option for company sites, e-commerce stores, membership sites, portfolios, forums, and so much more. With access to these features and functionalities, you can use WordPress to power any scalable site without knowing a single line of code.
Comparable to other site software alternatives, because the software is free and open-source, using the WordPress software will never cost you a thing. Once you’ve purchased a domain and a hosting plan, you’re free to start creating online. You’ll also always own your site and content, again, unlike other site software alternatives.
WordPress.org vs WordPress.com
Matt Mullenweg is a founding developer of WordPress, as well as the founder of the WordPress Foundation and Automattic. The WordPress Foundation manages the WordPress.org open source software, while Automattic owns the WordPress.com for-profit business that uses the WordPress.org software.
WordPress.org is the self-hosted option that most users are referring to when they say “WordPress”. Once you choose a hosting provider, you or your hosting provider can install the WordPress software and get your site up online quickly. With this option, you do have full control of your site and own all of your content.
WordPress.com is a “website as a service” that uses the WordPress.org software. In this case, WordPress.com hosts your site and handles everything for you, though you’ll have to compromise on flexibility. For example, you won’t receive a fully custom designed site that serves your business and you’ll need a Business or Enterprise level WordPress.com account just to be able to begin to extend the functionality of your site. A monthly fee is also required to remove the WordPress.com ads, use your own domain instead of “domain.wordpress.com”, and increase site storage.
All Peasy sites include a worry-free hosting and maintenance plan. This means we install the self-hosted WordPress software for you and host your site. Whether or not you decide to have content written for your site by one of our professional content writers, any content that does live on the site is completely owned by you.
Conclusion
Our goal is to empower you to focus on your business, not your website. Let us do the heavy lifting and help your business shine online! Ready to take your business to the next level with a professionally designed, mobile responsive WordPress website? Reach out to us today!