Is WordPress enough to make a website?
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WordPress review – is WordPress enought for your website?
Are you thinking of using WordPress to build a website? In our WordPress review, we’ll go in-depth and help you understand what this platform does well and what its weak points are. By the end of this post, you should know whether or not WordPress is the right tool for your website. If you decide that WordPress is right for you, you’ll be in good company. WordPress is, by far, the most popular way to make a website. Over 43.4% of all websites on the Internet use WordPress, which is miles ahead of any other website builder. Keep reading to learn more about why that is and how WordPress works.
What is WordPress?
WordPress is an open-source content management system (CMS), which basically means that it helps you build a website. You can think of it kind of like your website’s operating system. Just like iOS or Android power your smartphone, WordPress powers your website so that you can add content and display it to your visitors. Instead of needing to work directly with code, you’ll manage content and configure your website from your WordPress dashboard. Then, WordPress will take all of your content and settings and turn them into a working website. Thanks to WordPress, you never need to get your hands dirty with code and you don’t need any technical knowledge.
WordPress.org vs WordPress.com
If you’ve googled the term “WordPress,” you might’ve noticed that there are actually two different websites that pop up when you search for WordPress. No WordPress review would be complete without addressing the difference between WordPress.org and WordPress.com. WordPress.org, also called self-hosted WordPress, is the non-profit home of the open-source WordPress software that anyone can use to build a website. WordPress.com is a for-profit company that makes it simpler to use the WordPress software, but it doesn’t give you as much flexibility as using self-hosted WordPress. In our WordPress review, we’re focused on WordPress.org, also known as self-hosted WordPress, because we believe that self-hosted WordPress is the best choice for most webmasters. Similarly, when most people say “WordPress,” they’re also talking about self-hosted WordPress.
![Is WordPress enough to make a website? 2 The WordPress software is free and running a site is affordable](https://maxiblocks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/WordPress_website_design_presentation.webp)
What kinds of websites can you build with WordPress?
WordPress originally started as a blogging tool. However, it has long since turned into a complete website builder that you can use to build any kind of website. That’s not an exaggeration. Literally, any kind of website. Of course, it still works great as a blog! Or, you can also easily add a blog to another type of website. For example, you can create a portfolio site for your work and also have a blog at the same time. You can do the same for running a business site or an eCommerce store.
Here are some examples of the kinds of websites that you can build with WordPress: blogs, business websites, portfolios, eCommerce stores, online courses, forums, social networks, membership sites, and knowledge bases. If you can think of it, you can probably do it with WordPress.
Some real-world examples include TIME Magazine, which uses WordPress to power its publishing site, Root Science, which uses WordPress to power its eCommerce store, and even The Rolling Stones, who use WordPress for their band website. Basically, no matter what you’re trying to build, WordPress can probably help you build it.
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Ten pros of using WordPress
The WordPress software is free and running a site is affordable One of the biggest advantages is that the WordPress software itself is 100% free. That doesn’t mean you’ll be able to run a WordPress site for free – there are some costs for things that you need to run WordPress, such as web hosting (for example, Bluehost or SiteGround) and a domain name, which is your website’s permanent address on the Internet. Even with those costs, you can still run a simple WordPress site for around $60 for the entire year, which is a lot less than you’d pay for other website builders like Squarespace or Wix.
It’s easy to create content on WordPress To help you create and manage your content, WordPress gives you a beginner-friendly block editor that lets you create complex layouts without needing any technical knowledge. To add text, you can just click and type. And if you want to go further, all you do is open the block inserter. You can use blocks to add new content elements, like images or buttons, as well as create layouts, like multi-column designs or spacers.
It’s easy to customize WordPress (no technical knowledge needed) Another huge advantage of WordPress is its extensibility. You’ll find tens of thousands of themes and plugins that let you change how your site looks and functions without requiring any technical knowledge. Themes control how your site looks – think of them like your website’s “clothing.” Plugins add new features to your site, like adding a contact form or a popup. All you need to do is install the extension and then you’ll instantly get new features or design options – no code required.
You can use WordPress for anything As we covered in the section on what WordPress is used for, you can use WordPress for pretty much anything, from a blog to an eCommerce store and more. This is incredibly beneficial because you never know where your website might end up. For example, let’s say you start out with just a blog. When your blog eventually becomes a success, you might want to expand into offering your own online courses or selling merchandise via an eCommerce store. With another website platform, you might be stuck or otherwise limited. But because WordPress is so flexible, you can easily add those features at any point in the future.
You control everything With self-hosted WordPress, you 100% own your site and all of its data. Your data “lives” on your own web hosting, not some third party’s servers. What’s more, you also have complete control over everything. If you have the technical knowledge (or the budget to hire a developer), you can even customize the underlying software and database as needed. Basically, if control and ownership are important to you, using a self-hosted tool like WordPress is the best route.
It’s easy to find learning resources Because WordPress is so popular, it’s easy to find resources to learn about the platform. You’ll find tons of blogs, courses, and social communities that can teach you about WordPress. This makes it easy to level up your knowledge and smooth out the WordPress learning curve.
Free WordPress themes There are thousands of free WordPress themes, which can help you create a professional-looking website without spending a penny. These themes cover a wide range of styles and purposes, so you can find one that fits your needs perfectly. Whether you need a theme for a blog, a business site, or an online store, there’s a free WordPress theme for you.
Big community WordPress has a massive community of users, developers, and designers. This community creates and shares themes, plugins, and tutorials, making it easier for you to find solutions to any problems you might encounter. The community also means that WordPress is continually improving, with new updates and features being added regularly.
Plugins WordPress’s plugin ecosystem is one of its biggest strengths. With over 50,000 plugins available, you can add almost any functionality to your website. Whether you need SEO tools, social media integration, eCommerce capabilities, or advanced security features, there’s a plugin for that. Plugins like MaxiBlocks offer extensive block patterns and layouts, making it easy to build a professional site.YouTube resources There are countless YouTube channels dedicated to WordPress tutorials, tips, and tricks. These resources are incredibly valuable, especially for visual learners. Whether you’re looking to solve a specific problem or just want to learn more about what WordPress can do, you’ll find plenty of video tutorials to help you.
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Two cons of using WordPress
There’s no official support While it’s easy to find learning resources for WordPress, one downside is that there’s no official support channel. WordPress is open-source software, which means it’s maintained by the community. As such, there’s no single entity that provides support as you’d get with Squarespace or Wix. Instead, you’ll need to rely on the community for help. But again, the WordPress community is huge, so you can usually find help with what you need.
You’re responsible for maintenance and security Another consequence of WordPress’s self-hosted, open-source nature is that you’re the one responsible for maintaining and securing your website. That sounds daunting, but it’s really not a huge deal – there are tools that can help you with this and you don’t need any technical knowledge. However, you definitely have extra responsibilities compared to tools like Squarespace or Wix, with which you don’t need to think about maintenance or security at all.
If you’re worried about this, we’d recommend something called managed WordPress hosting, which is web hosting dedicated to WordPress that can automatically handle basic maintenance and security for you. It costs a little bit more, but it’s worth it for the peace of mind. Another option would be to hire a WordPress maintenance service, though this can get a little pricey.
How to create a WordPress website
Creating a WordPress website involves several steps. First, you need to choose a domain name and select a web hosting provider. Once you have these, you can install WordPress. After installation, you’ll choose and install a theme that fits your website’s purpose. Next, you’ll install essential plugins to add functionality to your site. Plugins like MaxiBlocks can be particularly useful for building a visually appealing website. After setting up your theme and plugins, you’ll customize your site and start creating and publishing content.
Honest review of WordPress, the website platform; should you use it?
WordPress has many advantages, such as affordability, flexibility, and the vast range of themes and plugins. It’s accessible to non-technical users and offers 100% control over your website and its data. There are also extensive resources available to help you learn how to use WordPress effectively.
However, it does come with some drawbacks, such as the lack of official support and the responsibility for maintenance and security. If you’re looking for a highly customizable and powerful platform and are willing to put in a bit of effort to manage it, WordPress is an excellent choice.
Additional resources
If you’ve decided that, like 43.4% of all the websites on the Internet, WordPress is the right choice for you, we have some in-depth guides to help you get started. You can learn how to make a WordPress website, create a blog with WordPress, or set up an eCommerce store with WordPress. Still have any questions about our WordPress review and whether it’s right for you? Ask us in the comments and we’ll try to help!
For more insights on WordPress website design, WordPress Templates, and various WordPress website builders, refer to the articles linked throughout this guide.
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FAQs for WordPress Review
What is WordPress?
WordPress is an open-source content management system (CMS) that helps you build and manage websites. It powers over 43.4% of all websites on the Internet.
What’s the difference between WordPress.org and WordPress.com?
WordPress.org, or self-hosted WordPress, is the non-profit home of the open-source software, giving you full control over your site. WordPress.com is a for-profit service that simplifies the use of WordPress but offers less flexibility.
What types of websites can I build with WordPress?
You can build virtually any kind of website with WordPress, including blogs, business sites, portfolios, eCommerce stores, online courses, forums, social networks, membership sites, and knowledge bases.
What are the main advantages of using WordPress?
Key advantages include:
- Free software and affordable running costs
- Beginner-friendly content creation
- Extensive customization options without needing technical knowledge
- Versatility for building any type of website
- Complete control over your site and its data
- Abundant learning resources and community support
- Thousands of free themes and plugins
- Strong community and regular updates
- Extensive plugin ecosystem
- Numerous YouTube resources for tutorials
Are there any downsides to using WordPress?
Some disadvantages are:
- No official support channel
- Responsibility for site maintenance and security
How do I create a WordPress website?
Steps to create a WordPress website include:
- Choose a domain name and web hosting provider.
- Install WordPress.
- Select and install a theme.
- Install essential plugins.
- Customize your site and start creating content.
Is WordPress suitable for non-technical users?
Yes, WordPress is accessible to non-technical users, thanks to its user-friendly block editor and the availability of many themes and plugins that simplify customization and content management.
How can I handle WordPress maintenance and security?
You can use managed WordPress hosting, which handles maintenance and security for you, or hire a WordPress maintenance service.
Where can I find more resources to learn about WordPress?
You can find resources in the form of blogs, online courses, social communities, and YouTube channels dedicated to WordPress tutorials, tips, and tricks.
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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maxiblocks.com/pro-library
www.youtube.com/@maxiblocks
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github.com/orgs/maxi-blocks
wordpress.org/plugins/maxi-blocks
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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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