What is WordPress & What is it Used For?

You might be asking yourself, “What is WordPress?” or “What is WordPress used for?” In 2024, WordPress powers more than 43% of the world’s websites, ranging from personal blogs to enterprise-level business sites. This powerful content management system (CMS) enables users to build professional websites quickly, offering flexibility, scalability and ease of use for both beginners and advanced users. 

This robust content management system (CMS) and site builder is designed to enable anyone to establish an online presence in a matter of minutes, offering options for everyone from individual bloggers to major companies. WordPress websites are perfect for building more feature-rich, customizable business websites that can be integrated with SEO, lead generation and analytics plugins. 

The WordPress platform is reliable, scalable and always free to use. Here are a few of the main characteristics of the site-building program that is most widely used worldwide.

What exactly is the WordPress content management system?

WordPress is one of the world’s most simple and popular content management systems (CMS). With the help of this users can create websites by simply adding content while the system takes care of the coding, design and backend organization. WordPress websites are flexible and because WordPress is open source, it’s free to use and supported by a large developer community. 

One of the primary benefits of WordPress is that it allows users to fully customize their WordPress site using WordPress themes and plugins. These tools enable you to tailor your website’s appearance and functionality without writing code. Whether you’re a beginner creating a WordPress blog or a developer looking to build a highly customized business website, WordPress is flexible enough to meet your needs. 

There’s an essential difference between using WordPress.com and the self-hosted WordPress.org. We recommend using WordPress.org because although it requires you to use a domain and website hosting, it means you’ll completely control your content. In addition, you can create a fully customizable online store using WooCommerce, enabling the management of products, payments and shipping. 

You can use custom themes and plugins, your site will be ad-free and you can use custom analytic tools that work better than the ones that come with WordPress.com. Web hosting is required for WordPress usage and this is where you should save the website files. We recommend specific web hosting providers like Bluehost and SiteGround for their reliability and cost-effectiveness. 

Who should use WordPress?

This feature-by-feature breakdown of WordPress shows how it functions perfectly for all users, in case you’re wondering if it’s suitable for everyone. 

WordPress began in 2003 as a piece of free blogging software created by Mike Little and Matt Mullenweg, who continue to run WordPress.org, the company that makes WordPress available to anyone who wants to create a website or blog. 

In developing WordPress and making it perpetually free, its creators hoped to “democratize publishing” by designing a site-building program allowing anyone to have a voice and presence online. 

WordPress sites are flexible and easy to install, allowing users to build and manage numerous websites through tools and platforms like Kinsta and DevKinsta. 

The same characteristics that drew bloggers and other Internet publishers to WordPress also drew in a broader audience, which included some of the biggest names in business both domestically and abroad. 

WordPress is the platform of choice for a long list of household names, including Sony Music, Variety, Time, Inc. and the Disney Company, along with millions of smaller business and personal sites. 

The most recent version of the platform has been downloaded over 22 million times so far and new versions continue to be developed by the large WordPress user community. 

WordPress is free to use and modify with WordPress plugins

WordPress is an open-source, free website creation tool written in PHP. 

It is licensed under the General Public License, which allows anyone to use the software and modify it to suit individual needs and share those modifications with others. “Open source” software is publicly available and always free, so WordPress can be downloaded anytime or installed as part of a Managed WordPress hosting package. 

In addition to being free, WordPress offers over 50,000 free plugins that can add new features and functionality to a WordPress website. 

Some of the most essential plugins include: 

1. Yoast SEO: A must-have plugin that helps optimize your website’s content for search engines. It provides real-time feedback on keywords, readability and technical SEO aspects. 
2. Jetpack: An all-in-one plugin that enhances your site’s security, performance and marketing. 
3. WooCommerce: A must-have if you’re building an eCommerce store. WooCommerce transforms your WordPress site into a full-fledged online store, handling everything from products to payments and shipping. 
4. WP Rocket: A premium caching plugin that speeds up your WordPress website by optimizing performance. 
5. Akismet: Protect your site from spam comments and improve the moderation of user-generated content. 

Because WordPress invites modification and improvement, it has the support of a large and growing community of designers, developers and lovers of software. 

These members of the WordPress community are constantly working on the WordPress core code and organizing events and “WordPress camps” to help people learn about WordPress and solve problems while using it. In addition, WordPress users of all levels of experience are invited to join the WordPress community and contribute in any way they can to support other users and keep the program stable and up to date. 

Why WordPress is popular in 2024

The rise of WordPress: Statistics & growth trends

WordPress has evolved significantly since its launch in 2003. As of 2024, it powers more than 43% of all websites, including prominent sites like Sony Music, Variety and The Walt Disney Company, alongside millions of smaller blogs and business sites. 

Benefits of using WordPress for websites

Flexibility and customization

WordPress offers endless possibilities for customization through thousands of WordPress themes and plugins. Whether you’re building a blog, an online store or a business website, WordPress provides the flexibility to design and extend functionality exactly the way you want. 

User-friendly

WordPress is known for its simple and intuitive WordPress dashboard, which allows users to manage their WordPress website content, install themes and update plugins all without needing any technical expertise. 

Scalability

Whether you’re running a personal blog or a large corporate website, WordPress is scalable to accommodate your growing needs. You can start small and expand your site as your traffic increases, thanks to the platform’s extensive plugin and theme ecosystem.

SEO optimization

WordPress is SEO-friendly right out of the box. With powerful SEO plugins like Yoast SEO, RankMath and All in One SEO, it’s easy to optimize your content for search engines, helping your site rank higher in search results. 

Mobile responsiveness

Most WordPress themes are fully responsive, meaning your WordPress website will look great on any device, an essential feature given that the majority of internet users now access the web via smartphones. 

WordPress works for all users

As its creators intended, WordPress can be used by anyone, from a beginner to a seasoned developer. For new users with no design or development experience, a WordPress website can be set up as a “one-click install” on a hosting platform using one of the hundreds of free-to-use WordPress themes. 

These themes allow users to customize various features, such as the site header and colors, right from the dashboard, without needing to know any code. WordPress also supports search engine optimization through plugins like Yoast SEO, which offer features such as internal linking suggestions and meta description templates. 

For users with experience in website design or development, WordPress allows access to all parts of the software, including its theme and plugin systems, application framework and scripts, so that it can be customized to suit the needs of any site. 

Because WordPress can be modified in various ways, it can be adapted and changed to grow and meet the evolving needs of an expanding business. 

WordPress for different types of websites

One of WordPress’s greatest strengths is its ability to support virtually any type of website:

Personal blogs

WordPress started as a blogging platform and it remains one of the best platforms for bloggers. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional blogger, WordPress makes it easy to create and manage blog posts, organize content by categories and tags and engage with your audience through comments. 

Business websites

Companies use WordPress to create professional business websites that showcase their products, services and brand. With thousands of customizable themes available, businesses can design their site to fit their unique brand image and add functionality like contact forms, portfolios and client testimonials. Many businesses rely on WordPress websites to showcase their products, services and portfolios. Whether you’re running a small local business or a large enterprise, WordPress themes make it easy to create a business website that looks professional. 

eCommerce stores

Using the WooCommerce plugin, WordPress can transform into a powerful e-commerce platform. This allows site owners to sell products, manage orders and accept payments online. WooCommerce is fully customizable, enabling you to design every aspect of your store from product listings to checkout options. 

Portfolio and creative websites

For freelancers, photographers and designers, WordPress provides beautiful portfolio themes that showcase creative work in an elegant and organized manner. You can easily create galleries and project pages to display your best work to potential clients. 

Membership websites

With WordPress, you can build membership websites that allow users to sign up, pay for access and view exclusive content. Popular plugins like MemberPress or Restrict Content Pro make it easy to create subscription-based services or online courses. 

WordPress themes: Building a visually appealing site

One reason WordPress is so popular is its virtually endless flexibility. WordPress themes control the design and layout of your website. You can select from thousands of free or premium themes available in the WordPress directory and from third-party marketplaces. 

• Free themes: Free themes are a great starting point, especially for beginners. However, they often come with limited customization options and fewer advanced features compared to premium themes. 
• Premium themes: Premium themes generally offer more features, better support and greater customization. You’ll find premium themes with advanced layout builders, SEO-optimized code and compatibility with a wide range of WordPress plugins. WordPress plugins can also be purchased from third-party developers and installed through the site’s WordPress dashboard. 

Beyond that, anyone can buy and install a custom WordPress theme created by designers worldwide. 

How to choose the right theme:

• Look for a theme that matches the type of website you’re building (for example, blog, business site, portfolio). 
• Ensure the theme is responsive and works well on both desktop and mobile devices. 
• Choose a theme that supports SEO best practices and loads quickly to enhance your site’s performance. 

WordPress.org vs. WordPress.com: Key differences explained

There are two primary versions of WordPress: WordPress.org and WordPress.com. WordPress can be downloaded from WordPress.org, which offers information, tutorials, access to the WordPress community and essential WordPress software. 

WordPress.org (Self-hosted WordPress): With WordPress.org, you need to purchase a domain name and a web hosting account to install WordPress and run the software. This version provides full control over your website’s customization and management options. Additionally, you can integrate advanced tools like Google Analytics for deeper insights into performance.

WordPress.com (Hosted WordPress solution): This version is hosted by WordPress itself and offers a more limited experience. You can build a site for free, but customization options are restricted unless you upgrade to a premium plan. You also don’t have access to custom themes, most plugins or advanced code editing. 

WordPress.org, the source for WordPress, is frequently confused with WordPress.com, a third-party hosting solution that allows users to set up and run a site for free as a subdomain of WordPress.com itself. 

But unlike WordPress itself, which can be installed anywhere and modified as needed, WordPress.com sites are limited to the platform’s choice of themes and users don’t have access to the site’s PHP code or the many plugins and other themes available for use with WordPress itself. 

You can get a more detailed comparison of WordPress.com vs WordPress.org here. 

WordPress hosting: What you need to know

To run a WordPress website, you need to select the right hosting provider. We recommend Bluehost, which makes it easy to install WordPress with a single click and optimizes its servers for WordPress sites. 

Why choose Bluehost?

• One-click WordPress installation: Bluehost makes it simple to install WordPress in just a few clicks. 
• Optimized for WordPress: Bluehost’s servers are fine-tuned for WordPress site, ensuring fast loading times and a high level of security. 
• Free domain: When you sign up with Bluehost, you get a free domain for the first year, along with SSL certificates for added security. 
• 24/7 support: Bluehost provides around-the-clock support for all your hosting and WordPress-related needs. 

Getting started with WordPress

One of the major benefits of using WordPress is its versatility. You can use it for your portfolio or your Fortune 500 business – it’s that flexible.

For beginners, numerous resources are available, including free WordPress tutorials, video tutorials, glossary explanations and a free WordPress blog setup service. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting your WordPress website up and running: 

• Sign up for Bluehost: Start by choosing a web hosting option. After signing up, you’ll receive a free domain and access to their one-click WordPress installation process. 
• Install WordPress: Bluehost’s setup process makes it easy to install WordPress in just a few clicks and make your WordPress website live. 

• Choose a theme: Once installed, pick a theme that suits your website’s purpose. Choose from thousands of WordPress themes to design your WordPress website. 

• Install essential plugins: Add functionality to your site by installing essential WordPress plugins like Yoast SEO, Jetpack and WooCommerce. 

• Create pages and posts: Using the WordPress dashboard, you can start creating pages (like “About Us” or “Services”) and blog posts to engage with your audience. 

WordPress is also extremely user-friendly. It’s easy to change something on your site and you won’t need to rely on a webmaster to make the changes in his or her time because you can do it yourself in seconds. Also, you don’t need to learn the programming language HTML, CSS because the WordPress software script does that for you! 

Installing the WordPress software script on your computer only takes a few minutes. Make sure that you have the newest version of WordPress installed. Once installed, you can create your webpage quickly without needing to learn HTML, something that would have taken you months, if not years, to perfect. 

Because WordPress is open source, there are new advancements and improvements daily. This constantly evolving system was created by a community of members devoted to making the platform the best option, bar none, for people who want to start their own website. 

If you use the self-hosted WordPress.org, you will be responsible for the updates, but they only take one click. Easy enough!

WordPress vs other CMS platforms

Below, we explore some of WordPress’s top competitors, highlighting their unique features and how they compare to WordPress’s flexibility and community support. 

1. Joomla: Joomla is a powerful CMS known for its extensive user permissions and flexibility in creating complex websites. Unlike WordPress, which is often praised for its user-friendly interface and extensive plugin ecosystem, Joomla requires a bit more technical skill to master but offers advanced customization options for those with web development experience. While WordPress is famous for its ease of use and rich plugin options, Joomla is more complex. It requires greater technical skill but provides more advanced customization for users with web development experience. 
2. Drupal: Drupal excels at building highly customizable, scalable websites. It’s a top choice for developers working on complex projects and enterprise-level applications. The platform offers strong security features and comprehensive content management tools. However, compared to WordPress, Drupal requires more technical expertise, which can be challenging for beginners.
3. Squarespace: Squarespace is known for its sleek design templates and user-friendly drag-and-drop interface. It’s ideal for creatives and small business owners who prioritize aesthetics and simplicity. However, unlike WordPress, Squarespace lacks extensive plugin and theme options, limiting the ability to enhance functionality and design to the same extent.
4. Wix: Wix is a user-friendly website builder with a wide range of customizable templates and a drag-and-drop editor. It’s great for those looking to create simple websites. While Wix simplifies website creation with a managed platform, it falls short of WordPress’s flexibility, especially in SEO optimization and advanced functionality. 
5. Shopify: Shopify is a leading eCommerce platform that simplifies building and managing online stores. It offers powerful tools for inventory management, payment processing and integration across multiple sales channels. Unlike WordPress with WooCommerce, Shopify focuses solely on eCommerce, providing a streamlined experience but less flexibility for non-retail websites.

WordPress continues to stand out among these alternatives due to its extensive plugin architecture, active community and scalability. These features make it a versatile choice for a wide range of websites, from blogs to large multinational corporations. 

WordPress support

The WordPress ecosystem is not just about software; it’s about the strong community support that comes with it. We adore WordPress for its flexibility and scalability, but navigating its extensive features can sometimes be challenging, especially for newcomers. 

Fortunately, there’s an official WordPress forum and numerous blogs and community sites dedicated to helping users optimize their WordPress hosting and website functionalities. These resources are invaluable for troubleshooting and learning from the experiences of others. 

For those who might need more tailored WordPress support, services like Bluehost offer premium, paid assistance. Bluehost provides one-on-one attention to help you with everything from initial setup to advanced customizations, ensuring your WordPress site performs optimally without any guesswork. 

Final thoughts

WordPress remains the most popular website platform for a reason, it’s flexible, powerful and easy to use. Whether you’re building a blog, a business website or an eCommerce store, WordPress offers endless customization through its vast selection of themes and plugins. 

By choosing Bluehost as your WordPress hosting provider, you’ll enjoy fast speeds, robust security and 24/7 support to ensure your website runs smoothly. If you’re looking to create your own website, WordPress and Bluehost provide everything you need to succeed online in 2024 and beyond. 

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