In my “Web Development Toolkit” series I go over some of the tools I deal with on a day-to-day basis with creating and managing websites to provide some insight into my choices and solutions.
WordPress accounts for 40% of all websites, as of 2021. Of all websites using content management systems, WordPress accounts for 64%.
Why is WordPress so widely used?
WordPress is open source and provided with the GNU General Public License, allowing developers to easily create plugins, themes, and tools with no barrier to entry that might exist in another CMS, with the red tape of source code access being removed, anyone who wants to get involved with creating for WordPress can get involved. The sheer number of options and tools created by the community have sent WordPress light years beyond its competitors.
With such wide adoption, WordPress sets the standard with what modern consumers have come to expect from a website. Easy integration of features that are often taken for granted like social media feeds and contact forms allow more time to be spent creating user experiences that drive goals for clients.
What is so good about WordPress websites?
In cases where clients want control over their web projects, or to transfer ownership to another provider WordPress is the best option simply because of its levels of adoption. Simple brochure websites are largely not tied to their creators and can be managed by people with an entry level skillset. CMS that are less friendly to entry level users provide problems to ongoing management if the original developer or agency is not around to provide support or provides unsatisfactory support for the client.
Why use WordPress over another CMS?
The wide usage of WordPress ensures wide compatibility, often if a third-party service requires integration, an existing solution exists for WordPress, rather than the client having to foot the bill for a custom integration.
Sometimes, other CMS are more tailored to the requirements of the job. In general, an e-commerce website with thousands of products that require constant management is better suited to Shopify or Magento.
Is WordPress a “future proof” choice for websites?
WordPress has been at the top of its game for so long now and has so much market penetration that it is highly unlikely that support would dwindle. CMS that charge a premium to use are more likely to be left defunct or without support if their project proves to be unprofitable and is abandoned by it’s development team.