WordPress can justifiably claim to be the world’s most popular CMS (content management system), and the data will back them up. It is estimated that there are around 1.4 billion websites online, and WordPress accounts for no fewer than 455 million of them, making them the #1 CMS.
That accolade has not happened by accident, and it is a tribute to the many years of updates and improvements WordPress has been through. It also bears remembering that WordPress is an open-source platform, which means many people will have contributed positively to its phenomenal success.
If you are not yet using WordPress, perhaps because you have never owned a website but are planning to create one, or you use another CMS but are unhappy with it and thinking of switching to WordPress, you might be wondering what the reasons are as to why it would be the correct choice. Wonder no more, as below we have listed and expanded upon the top ten essential reasons WordPress is the best CMS for websites.
#1 – Easy To Use For All
Many surveys of WordPress website owners and those who use WordPress frequently, such as web designers, will have this in the top 3 positions as to why WordPress is so popular. It is undoubtedly one of the most accessible platforms to use, and even for those who would not regard themselves as technically minded or web design savvy, WordPress is certainly simple enough for them to manage or even build their websites.
#2 – Extremely Secure
Whilst no website could ever be 100% secure, especially from determined hackers, it is a safe bet that WordPress websites are some of the most secure online. This is for several reasons, including security plugins that provide advanced security options plus password control, two-factor authentication, and regular security updates from WordPress, ensuring every WordPress website has the best and latest protection.
#3 – Plenty Of Customisation
There are some CMS platforms where customisation is so limited that the websites that use them all have an obvious similarity. However, that is not the case with WordPress. Since thousands of themes can be used on WordPress and every one has hundreds of options, the scope for customisation and individuality for WordPress websites is almost infinite, and additionally so with the extra functionalities that plugins can provide.
#4 – It Is Built With SEO In Mind
This is another WordPress trait that is hugely popular with web designers, SEO agencies, and website owners who benefit from higher rankings on Google. WordPress is tailor-made for SEO, and every function within it can add to a website’s ability to give Google a good reason to send it rising in its search rankings. Apart from the core functions within WordPress, there are even more SEO opportunities thanks to plugins like Yoast SEO.
#5 – The Ability To Scale
One reason many business owners love WordPress is no matter what stage their business is at, it allows them to scale as that business grows. An example of this is someone starting a blog, and by publishing great content and implementing effective SEO, their blog grows in popularity and becomes an income source for them. WordPress allows them to scale their website at every stage of that journey with more pages and advanced functions, for example.
#6 – Plugins Add Amazing Functionality
We have already mentioned plugins, but such is the enormous positive impact they have on WordPress websites that they deserve a section of their own. We could write a book if we were to outline every plugin and how it can enhance the functions of WordPress websites for both its owners and those who visit it. No matter what position you wish to add, there is almost certainly a plugin available to do so.
#7 – Suitable For All Business Types
Many people who do not know any better assume WordPress is only for blogging websites, and whilst it is the perfect platform for bloggers, there is far more that WordPress can offer regarding the types of businesses that can use it. Everything from corporate websites to e-commerce websites to sell products directly to customers can be accommodated using WordPress, and you will find many of the world’s largest brands have their websites created using WordPress.
#8 – Perfect For Publishing Multiple Content Formats
The letter ‘C’ in CMS points to the fact that, as it stands for ‘Content’, WordPress is a platform that is perfect for content publication. That applies not just to written content like blog posts but to most other types of content. That includes images, audio, and video, and that is important because different audiences will be attracted to specific content types, which any business trying to target them will want to be able to publish on their WordPress website.
#9 – Lots Of Support Available
With WordPress being an open-source CMS platform, it means there have been many people who have been able to examine, dissect, test and improve its operation. This means there are plenty of tutorials and training courses on using WordPress and getting the best out of it. In addition, regular updates are released that keep WordPress functioning properly and remaining secure. Also, WordPress has an official support department which includes chat support.
#10 – Almost Zero Cost
Some will say this is their favourite aspect of WordPress, and that is the fact that it is free. Of course, you might pay for your domain and hosting, and there are themes and plugins you can purchase if you want to have the upgraded features they provide. However, it is also true that you can have a fully functioning and successful website using WordPress CMS that effectively costs zero dollars per month while simultaneously earning you thousands of dollars.