Here’s what WordPress is, why I use it, and what it could offer your business.
The basics
What is WordPress?
WordPress is an open-source content management system (CMS). It lets you create and manage website content through a dashboard. Because its source code is available to the public, developers around the world can use, adapt and contribute to WordPress and its wider ecosystem.
WordPress is used by businesses, organisations, publishers and individuals around the world. It is one of the most widely used content management systems, according to W3Techs.
WordPress began as a platform for publishing blogs and making online publishing more accessible. It has grown into a flexible platform used for many kinds of websites, including online shops, membership sites and learning platforms.
Why I use it
Why does Web Matters use WordPress?
I’ve worked with WordPress for many years and know how to design, build and maintain WordPress websites. It also has a large ecosystem of developers and web professionals, which gives website owners plenty of options for future support.
You can extend WordPress with plugins, which add features to your website. Many are free, while premium plugins may charge a one-off fee or an ongoing subscription. The right combination depends on what your website needs.
WordPress has a broad community of designers, developers, consultants and other contributors who share knowledge and build tools. The project is supported by contributors from around the world, including Automattic, the company behind WordPress.com.
At a glance
The key benefits of using WordPress for your business
WordPress gives you a flexible foundation, with room to grow as your business and website needs change.
A short learning curve
The WordPress dashboard makes common updates manageable once you know your way around it. I can provide training so you can update text, images and other content yourself. Keeping your website current helps it stay useful to your visitors.
There's probably a plugin for that
Plugins add features to WordPress websites, from contact forms to online stores. Before installing one, it’s important to check that it is well maintained and suitable for your site.
Widely used and well supported
WordPress is widely used and has an established ecosystem of developers, hosting providers and support resources. This gives you options if your needs change or you want help from another provider.
You have more control over your website
With open-source software, the code is available for people to use and adapt. Some proprietary platforms can make it harder to move your website elsewhere, so it’s worth understanding what you can take with you before choosing a platform.
Are there any downsides to using WordPress?
WordPress has trade-offs and is not the right fit for every project. If updates, backups or security are overlooked, problems can arise. That's why I offer a WordPress website checkup to identify issues and recommend practical next steps.
Like any widely used platform, WordPress can attract automated attacks. Keeping the software up to date and maintaining reliable backups helps reduce risk. My WordPress care plans include regular maintenance and security measures such as updates, off-site backups and login protection.
My WordPress story
A little story about how a “loss” can transform a business…
In 2007, a potential client who wanted to work with me chose another company after receiving a much lower quote. Their budget was tight, so they went with the more affordable option.
I was curious about how the other designer could build the site for that price, so I asked. They were using WordPress. At the time, I thought of WordPress mainly as a blogging platform, so I started exploring it and learning how it could be used to build websites.
There seemed to be few web designers using WordPress at the time, which made me even more interested in its potential.
By 2008, I was excited enough about WordPress to attend WordCamp in Sydney, where I heard a talk from Matt Mullenweg, WordPress co-founder. The talk opened my eyes to WordPress’s potential and the community around it.
I’m still learning about WordPress today. It has continued to evolve in ways I could not have imagined when I first started using it.
Michelle
