Does anyone still use WordPress?
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What is WordPress?
WordPress is a content management system, or CMS, that lets people create, manage, and publish content online without needing advanced technical skills. It offers a variety of themes and plugins to customise websites, making it a popular choice for everyone from bloggers to small businesses and large companies. Since it started in 2003, WordPress has become a flexible and user-friendly platform that powers millions of websites around the world.
Is WordPress dying?
Despite facing more competition and some challenges, WordPress is not dying. In 2023, it powered 45.8% of all websites and held 64% of the CMS market. Its adaptability, extensive community support, and recent updates, like the latest version WordPress 6.4 Shirley, keep it relevant and dominant in the website creation world.
Reasons why people think WordPress is dying
More competition
One reason people think WordPress might be dying is because of the increased competition from user-friendly website builders like Shopify, Wix, and Squarespace. These platforms offer simpler, all-in-one solutions that appeal to people looking for quick and easy website setups. On the other hand, WordPress relies on themes, plugins, and manual updates, which can seem complicated, especially for beginners.
WordPress in Google Trends
Another reason is what we see on Google Trends. If you look at search interest for WordPress-related topics, there’s been a decline since 2015. This might suggest that people’s preferences are shifting, or it could be due to new technologies and marketing strategies from competitors. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that fewer people are actually using WordPress or that it’s less effective.
Security concerns
Security concerns also play a big part. WordPress has had its share of security vulnerabilities, making it a frequent target for cyberattacks. Users need to be proactive, using strong passwords, keeping everything updated, and using security plugins to lower the risks. Even though these security issues are a concern, other CMS platforms face similar threats.
WordPress market shares
When it comes to market share, WordPress remains the dominant CMS, but it has seen slight declines due to the rise of other platforms. In 2023, its market share was 0.2% lower than its peak in 2022. While this shows it faces competition, WordPress still holds a significant portion of the market.
Performance issues
Performance issues can also make people think WordPress is losing popularity. Websites built on WordPress can become slow, especially if they have too many plugins and complex themes. Slow loading times and timeouts can frustrate visitors and negatively impact search engine rankings. Competing platforms often offer faster, more streamlined experiences without needing as much technical know-how.
Perception of outdated design
Another factor is the perception of outdated design. Some people feel that despite WordPress’s many themes and customisation options, its websites often look outdated. Competing platforms highlight modern, visually appealing templates and user-friendly interfaces, which attract those who prioritise design aesthetics.
Why WordPress is popular
WordPress’s popularity can be attributed to several key factors. Its flexibility and scalability make it suitable for a wide variety of websites, from small personal blogs to large corporate sites. The extensive library of themes and plugins allows users to customise their sites to meet specific needs without requiring extensive coding knowledge. WordPress features a user-friendly interface that is accessible to beginners and experts alike. The strong community support, including forums, tutorials, and documentation, adds to its appeal.
Blogging
WordPress started as a blogging platform and remains one of the best tools for bloggers. It offers features such as categories, tags, a robust commenting system, and customisable post formats that support content creation and management. Popular themes like Astra and plugins like Yoast SEO improve the blogging experience. Successful blogs using WordPress include TechCrunch and The New Yorker, showcasing its ability to handle high-traffic sites while maintaining performance and usability. How Do I Design My Own WordPress Website?
Business websites
Many businesses choose WordPress for its customisability, professional appearance, and SEO-friendly features. Themes like Divi and plugins such as WPForms enable businesses to create attractive, functional websites. Built-in SEO features and additional plugins help improve search engine rankings, driving more traffic to business sites. Companies like Sony Music and The Walt Disney Company use WordPress, demonstrating its capability to support large, dynamic websites.
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E-commerce
WordPress, in conjunction with WooCommerce, powers over 28% of all online stores. WooCommerce offers scalability, an extensive plugin library, and customisation options, making it ideal for e-commerce. Themes like Storefront and various WooCommerce extensions provide the necessary tools to build and manage an online store. Successful e-commerce websites like AllBirds and Blue Star Coffee Roasters illustrate the platform’s effectiveness in handling online sales and transactions.
Portfolios
WordPress is an excellent platform for showcasing work through portfolio websites. It supports custom post types, gallery plugins, and portfolio-specific themes. Themes like Oshine and plugins like Envira Gallery allow creatives such as photographers, designers, and artists to display their work beautifully. Examples of standout portfolio sites include those by Semplice and Ryan Scherf, highlighting WordPress’s ability to present visual content attractively.
News and magazine sites
WordPress is a robust platform for news websites, capable of handling large amounts of content and high traffic. Themes like Newsmag and plugins like WP Rocket improve site performance and layout. Major news sites like BBC America and The New York Times use WordPress, benefiting from its scalability and ease of content management.
Educational websites
Educational institutions use WordPress for schools, universities, and online courses. Learning management system (LMS) plugins like LearnDash and LifterLMS facilitate course creation and management. Educational sites like Open University and Coursera’s blog leverage WordPress to deliver educational content effectively.
Membership sites
WordPress supports membership-based websites through plugins like MemberPress and Restrict Content Pro. These plugins enable content restriction and subscription management, making WordPress ideal for subscription-based content and online communities. Examples include The Economist and Harvard Business Review, which use WordPress to manage member access and content delivery.
Non-profit and charity websites
Non-profits and charities benefit from WordPress’s features, including donation plugins, event management tools, and volunteer sign-up forms. Themes like Charity and plugins like GiveWP provide the functionality needed for non-profit websites. Organisations like Amnesty International and Greenpeace use WordPress to manage their online presence and engage with supporters.
Forums and community sites
WordPress facilitates the creation of discussion forums and community sites through plugins like bbPress and BuddyPress. These tools improve community interaction and engagement. Examples include the WordPress.org support forums and the Creative Commons community site, which leverage WordPress to foster communication and collaboration.
Personal websites and blogs
Individuals use WordPress to build personal brands, showcasing achievements and hobbies. Themes like Ashe and plugins like Elementor allow for personal customisation. Personal blogs and websites, such as Katy Perry’s official website, demonstrate how WordPress can be used to create engaging and personal online spaces.
Niche websites
WordPress supports specialised use cases such as recipe sites, book review sites, and travel blogs. Themes like Foodica and plugins like WP Recipe Maker cater to niche markets. Niche sites like Pinch of Yum (food blog) and The Points Guy (travel blog) illustrate how WordPress can be tailored to specific content types.
Multisite networks
WordPress Multisite allows the management of multiple websites from a single installation. This feature is useful for educational institutions and corporate networks. Large networks like WordPress.com and BBC America’s regional sites use WordPress Multisite to efficiently manage multiple websites.
Custom applications
WordPress serves as a framework for custom applications such as directory sites, job boards, and event management systems. Plugins and tools like Advanced Custom Fields and Toolset Types support custom development. Examples include Angie’s List (directory) and WP Job Manager (job board), showcasing WordPress’s flexibility in building custom solutions.
Conclusion: is WordPress dying?
In conclusion, while WordPress faces challenges from newer, easier-to-use platforms, it is not dying. Its significant market share, strong community support, and ongoing developments ensure it remains a leading choice for building websites. The future of WordPress will depend on its ability to keep innovating, address security concerns, and continue providing a flexible and powerful platform for creating websites. As long as people need a customisable and scalable CMS, WordPress will remain an important part of the digital landscape.
More info
WordPress is a powerful content management system that helps in website design, making it a preferred choice for many. To get started, the first steps involve planning, choosing a domain name, and selecting a reliable hosting provider. The main costs associated with designing a WordPress website include domain registration, hosting, premium themes, and plugins, although you can design a WordPress website for free using themes and plugins available on the WordPress repository. In 2024, WordPress remains relevant, powering a significant portion of the internet’s websites. It continues to be widely used with a significant user base and market share. The benefits of using WordPress for website design include its flexibility, scalability, and strong community support. Choosing the right theme for your WordPress website involves considering your website’s purpose, design preferences, and required features. For more detailed guidance, you can visit Is WordPress good for designing websites?, How do I design my own WordPress website?, How much does it cost to design a website on WordPress?, Is WordPress website design free?, Is WordPress still used in 2024?, Does anyone still use WordPress?, and WordPress website design.
FAQs on the Current State of WordPress in 2024
Does anyone still use WordPress in 2024?
Yes, WordPress is still widely used in 2024. It powers over 45.8% of all websites and holds 64% of the CMS market, demonstrating its continued popularity and relevance.
What is WordPress?
WordPress is a content management system (CMS) that allows users to create, manage, and publish content online without needing advanced technical skills. It offers a variety of themes and plugins for customization, making it suitable for blogs, business sites, e-commerce platforms, and more.
Is WordPress dying?
No, WordPress is not dying. Despite facing more competition and some challenges, WordPress remains the dominant CMS with a significant market share. It continues to evolve with updates and new features that keep it relevant in the website creation world.
Why do some people think WordPress is dying?
Some people think WordPress is dying due to increased competition from user-friendly website builders like Shopify, Wix, and Squarespace, a perceived decline in search interest according to Google Trends, security concerns, slight declines in market share, performance issues, and perceptions of outdated design.
What makes WordPress still popular?
WordPress remains popular due to its flexibility, scalability, extensive library of themes and plugins, user-friendly interface, and strong community support. It is suitable for a wide variety of websites, from small blogs to large corporate sites.
Is WordPress still recommended for websites?
Yes, WordPress is still highly recommended for a wide range of websites. Its customizable nature, extensive plugin ecosystem, and robust community support make it a top choice for professional and personal sites alike.
Are there security concerns with WordPress?
While WordPress has had security vulnerabilities, these are actively addressed through regular updates and a vigilant community. Users need to be proactive by using strong passwords, keeping everything updated, and employing security plugins.
What types of websites are best suited for WordPress?
WordPress is suitable for various types of websites, including blogs, business websites, e-commerce stores, portfolios, news and magazine sites, educational websites, membership sites, non-profit and charity websites, forums, personal websites, niche websites, multisite networks, and custom applications.
What are the alternatives to WordPress?
Alternatives to WordPress include Shopify, Wix, and Squarespace, which offer more straightforward, all-in-one solutions that appeal to users seeking simplicity over customization.
Is there still demand for WordPress developers?
Yes, the demand for WordPress developers remains strong. Many job listings seek skills in WordPress theme and plugin development, and there are ample opportunities for freelancers and agencies specializing in WordPress.
Is WordPress worth the investment?
Yes, WordPress is worth the investment considering its cost-benefit ratio. While there are costs associated with premium themes, plugins, hosting, and maintenance, WordPress offers excellent value for money, particularly for those needing advanced customization.
Is WordPress easy to use?
WordPress is known for its user-friendly interface. Beginners can benefit from a vast array of resources, tutorials, and community support, while experienced developers appreciate the extensive customization options and control.
Can I build a professional website with WordPress in 2024?
Absolutely. WordPress remains a strong contender for creating professional websites in 2024, offering advanced theme development, robust functionality, and a high degree of customization suitable for both beginners and experienced developers.
WordPress itself
Official Website
wordpress.org – This is the official website for WordPress, where you can download the software, find documentation, and learn more about using it.
WordPress Codex
codex.wordpress.org/Main_Page – This is a comprehensive documentation resource for WordPress, covering everything from installation and configuration to specific functionality and troubleshooting.
WordPress Theme Directory
wordpress.org/themes – The official WordPress theme directory is a great place to find free and premium WordPress themes. You can browse themes by category, feature, and popularity.
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Kyra Pieterse
Author
Kyra is the co-founder and creative lead of MaxiBlocks, an open-source page builder for WordPress Gutenberg.
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