What is WordPress ? An Overview of the World’s Most Popular CMS

 

WordPress powers 65.2% of websites whose CMS we are aware of, making it the most popular CMS available. That equals 42.4% of all websites, or close to 50% of the internet. It is a well-liked choice for people looking to create a website or blog.

 

1. What is WordPress?

Websites can be created, altered, and maintained using the free and open-source CMS programme WordPress. WordPress is technically a PHP application that utilises a MySQL or MariaDB database. WordPress features also include, among others, plugins, and themes.

 

2. Difference between WordPress.org and WordPress.com

 

WordPress.org

• The free content management system software required to run a self-hosted version of WordPress can be found at WordPress.org.
• You must first buy a web hosting package and register a domain name before you can create a self-hosted website. The functionality of your website will be based on the kind and calibre of web hosting package you choose.
• Self-hosting also gives users more control over the web server space they are renting from the web hosting company.
• The complete functionality of WordPress is possible with the self-hosted version. Even ones they’ve created themselves, users are free to search for and install any WordPress theme or plugin they like.
• For customers who seek high levels of personalization and freedom and intend to scale their websites in the future, the self-hosted version of WordPress is perfect.

 

 

WordPress.com

• For all the websites it hosts, WordPress.com employs a website builder based on the WordPress content management system. WordPress.com is hosted, as opposed to its self-hosted version, which implies that it oversees the web servers that house the websites of its users.
• Users must utilise a branded domain name, such as yourwebsitename.wordpress.com, to join up for the service for free. One must upgrade to a premium subscription to use a custom domain name.
• There are further restrictions on the free version. Users cannot, for instance, install any WordPress plugins or themes.
• In general, people who want to build a website quickly and don’t mind having limited flexibility and personalization can choose hosted WordPress.com.

 

WordPress Features

 

Admin Dashboard and Settings

• The admin area is another name for the WordPress admin dashboard. It enables administrators and authorised contributors to update and maintain WordPress.
• Go to yourdomain.com/wp-admin and log in using the username and password created during the WordPress installation process to access the WordPress dashboard by default.
• All website management tools, including the content editor, theme customizer, plugins, and widgets, are available in the admin panel. Each of them will be discussed in the parts that follow.
• The dashboard also provides access to the settings menu, which users may utilise to customise WordPress. The slug can be changed, and comments can be turned off, among other options.

 

Content Editor

• Users can add, modify, and publish posts and pages to WordPress using the content editor, also known as the text editor. If you’ve used word processors like Microsoft Word before, learning how to utilise WordPress’ content editor will be a breeze.
• WordPress article generation is made much simpler by the newest editor, Gutenberg.
• Users can add blocks, which are content components made up of different text, media, and design elements, using the Gutenberg editor. For instance, by employing the proper block, users can quickly add an image gallery to a WordPress article.
• After publishing the material, users can use the settings sidebar to add tags, a featured image, and a meta description to the post or page. Numerous of these sidebar options help improve search engine optimisation (SEO).

 

Theme Customizer

• The current theme or design template can be modified by users using the theme editor or customizer. The navigation menu and homepage can both be customised by users, who can even add their own logo.
• There are several levels of customisation for each theme. Remember that there might not be many customization possibilities if you install a free theme. Most premium WordPress themes include extensive customization, functionality, and support.
• Installing a page builder plugin might make the design process more streamlined and simpler. Page builders give the theme editor drag-and-drop capabilities, which is fantastic for beginners. Elementor and Beaver Builder are two instances of page builder plugins.

 

Plugins and Widgets

• Plugins are add-ons that increase the functionality of a WordPress site. Users can add functionality that aren’t included in the core WordPress platform by installing plugins. The WordPress community’s developers produce many of the plugins. Additionally, you can make your own plugin.
• There is a WordPress plugin available for almost any eventuality, according to the official directory, which currently has over 58,000 plugins. There are those for improving a website’s speed, increasing search engine optimisation, adding forms, and more.
• There are both free and paid WordPress plugins available in terms of pricing. While commercial plugins typically have additional capabilities and even customer assistance, free plugins typically just offer minimal functionality.

 

What Kinds of Websites Can I Create with WordPress ?

 

• Blogs
• Portfolios
• Business Websites
• Charity Websites
• Online Stores

 

Popular Sites using WordPress.

 

• The New Yorker
• TechCrunch
• Sony Music
• The White House
• Beyonce’

 

WordPress Pros and Cons

 

Pros

• Low cost
• Easy installation and update process
• Simple to manage.
• Custom design
• Custom functionality
• Helpful community
• Open-source software

 

Cons

• Security concerns
• Third-party content
• Page load time

 

 

How to Start a Site with WordPress

 

• Buy a domain.
• Choose a hosting service provider.
• Buy a web hosting plan.
• Install WordPress
• Start creating content.
• Promote the website.

 

Should I Use WordPress ?

 

 

Depending on your demands, you should utilise WordPress or not. It’s an excellent option if you require a flexible and scalable platform for your website. WordPress is a remarkably flexible website platform that enables users to create a wide variety of sites.

 

WordPress may be used to develop a blog, build a company website, upload video tutorials, and draw in new customers with an online portfolio. It’s great for beginners too because it’s a lot easier to use than starting from scratch when building a website. WordPress has a sizable and vibrant community as well as a wealth of online resources and courses.

 

We hope this post has clarified what a WordPress website is for you. Please leave any comments or questions in the space provided below.

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