WordPress is the easiest and the most preferred way of building your own blog or website. WordPress powers nearly 25 percent of all the websites on the internet. In other words, one of out every four websites/blogs is built on WordPress.
Technically speaking, WordPress is an open-source CMS (Content Management System) licensed under General Public Licensed Version 2.0.
This means WordPress software can be used or modified by anyone for free, including for commercial purposes.
What is Content Management System?
It is basically software or a tool that makes it easier to create, modify, and manage various website elements, including content, even if you're not tech-savvy or know programming.
WordPress has made building a website accessible and possible for everyone without having to be a developer or have any specialized technical knowledge.
What Kinds of Websites Can WordPress Make?
Initially, WordPress was a software platform used primarily to create blogs than conventional websites. However, WordPress as a CMS has transformed and evolved over the years, including massive changes to its core code.
These changes and WordPress's ecosystem of widgets, plugins, and themes have enabled it to develop just any type of website today.
WordPress is used today to not only build huge numbers of blogs and websites, but it is also a highly popular platform to create eCommerce websites. WordPress powers a wide range of websites, including –
Business Websites
Portfolio Websites
Blogs
eCommerce Stores
Resumes
Forums
Social Networks
Membership/Subscription Sites
Affiliate Websites
And, just about any kind of website you can think of!
What's The Difference Between WordPress.Org & WordPress.com?
While there are many differences, the primary difference between WordPress.com and WordPress.org is basically who's hosting your website.
This platform is often referred to as self-hosted WordPress. It is open-source software that's free to install and use on the host of your choice and create a website that's 100% yours.
On the other, WordPress.com is powered by WordPress.org and is a for-profit software offering paid services. It is also an easy-to-use software but doesn't offer as much freedom or flexibility as WordPress.org.
Commonly, when someone refers to WordPress, they're most likely talking about self-hosted WordPress (WordPress.org). If you want to build and own a website with complete control over it – WordPress.org is your go-to option.
To get started with WordPress.org, you need to purchase –
Web Hosting
Domain Name
Who Made WordPress & How Long Has It Been Around?
WordPress was created as an independent project in 2003, originally being an offshoot of a project called b2/cafelog.
Being open-source software, it is currently developed and maintained by a huge community of talented contributors from across the globe.
Tracing back the very roots of WordPress's creation – it was a collaboration between Mike Little and Matt Mullenweg.
Over the years, Matt Mullenweg has become the face of WordPress and found "Automattic," the parent company of WordPress.com.
The history of WordPress per se since its birth way back in 2003 till now is a pretty long one and deserves an entire blog of its own.
However, it can be said without a doubt that WordPress has come a long way to becoming the most popular tool to create just about any type of website.
The contributions made by the contributors and the community surrounding WordPress are its biggest strengths and functions as its support system, empowering continuous development.
Who Uses WordPress?
WordPress is used by everyone today, from students to freelancers and from multi-national conglomerates to small mom-and-pop operations, and everyone in between and beyond.
Some of the biggest and well-known names in the corporate landscape use WordPress. Let us name some of our top picks –
Yes, you heard that right. WordPress powers the official website of the White House.
The official blog on Microsoft's website is built on WordPress. Microsoft also uses WordPress to publish blogs for its ancillary products like Windows, Skype, etc.
Many famous brands across the globe prefer using WordPress, including The Rolling Stones. WordPress powers the brand's entire website.
Why Should You Use WordPress?
Now you know that some of the biggest brands use WordPress, and nearly 25 percent of the internet are websites built on WordPress.
But, the question remains, why should you choose WordPress?
Irrespective of the type of website you want to create, there are more than many reasons to use WordPress. Let us enumerate some of the biggest reasons for you to use WordPress.
WordPress is an Open-Space Software – And it's FREE!
Being free and open-source software is undoubtedly one of the biggest advantages WordPress offers. You just need to pay for hosting and domain, and you're all set to build any type of website you want with WordPress.
You will never have to pay a single penny to use WordPress. It isn't the case with many of WordPress's competitors like Wix, Squarespace, etc.
WordPress Is Extensible
As mentioned earlier, the WordPress community of developers and contributors is huge. It has made WordPress's ecosystem one of the largest of its kind around any CMS software out there.
What does this mean for you?
It means you've tons of plugins, themes, and widgets to choose from.
Think of it as finding an app from the Android marketplace or iOS app store for your smartphone compared to a Windows Store for a Windows Mobile (I know it's dead, but you get the point).
So, even if you don't know programming or are a developer yourself – you can still create, manage, and modify a WordPress website any which way you want.
What are WordPress Themes?
WordPress Themes of various kinds are available in the WP's ecosystem. These themes can be fully or partially customized depending on the theme's developer and don't essentially require any coding skills.
Themes mainly change the way your website looks.
What are WordPress Plugins?
Plugins influence the functional aspect of your website. The plugins can be simple, like a 'Contact' or 'Request a Quote' form or more advanced plugins to create an elaborate eCommerce store.
With various plugins available, starting from ‘Facebook Likes Counter’ or one to show 'Visitors’ Count' on the homepage, rest assured you'll find whatever you're looking for in WP's ecosystem.
The internet is flooded with over 5,000 Free WordPress themes and 50,000 Free WordPress Plugins, and tons of paid and premium options.
The point is there are endless options for WordPress users, something other platforms cannot boast of, at least not in the foreseeable future.
WordPress Is Easy To Install
You don't have to be a tech-savvy programmer or a developer to create a WordPress-powered website. Just click a few buttons with self-explanatory instructions, and WordPress is installed on your website.
Moreover, most of the web hosting these days –
Have the option to preinstall WordPress, making it easier for the users to get started right away!
Offer WordPress dedicated tools that make installation easier and user-friendly.
Can I Install WordPress On My Personal Computer?
Yes, absolutely!
There are tons of reasons why you must install WordPress on your local PC.
With WP installed on your local computer, you can install a new plugin or play around with different themes in a safe space without fear of breaking your website.
Experiment with your website and all that WordPress's ecosystem has to offer till your vision becomes a reality.
Several tools allow you to install WordPress on your Windows or Mac PC, such as DevKinsta.
WordPress Is Flexible
Our discussion so far has revolved around how flexible, and versatile WordPress as a CMS and website building platform is, but it can't be pressed enough.
With WordPress, you can create and build just any type of website you wish. Most of all, these websites are scalable and evolve with you. How?
If you ever decide to add a social network or a forum to your website – it's no problem at all. You can install plugins that get you started with a forum or a social network in just a few clicks.
The point is that WordPress doesn't confine or limit you regarding the website functions. WordPress allows you to scale as you grow and ensures you can modify, adapt, and evolve without starting from scratch.
It's Easy To Find WordPress Help
As mentioned earlier, WordPress is the most popular content management system and website-building software on the internet.
It means you've access to tons of helpful resources and assistance online if you find yourself stuck anytime, anywhere, while experimenting with WordPress.
You'll find tons of WordPress related –
Tutorials
Videos
Forums
Facebook Groups
Developers
WordPress Professionals/Experts
Whenever needed, you can turn to these resources to get free or even paid help.
So, What Is WordPress? It's Undoubtedly the Best Way to Create a Website!
WordPress allows you to create whatever kind of website you want from scratch without technical knowledge or experience with coding.
Whether you're looking for a simple blog, a business portfolio website, or an extensive eCommerce store – WordPress is the most preferred option.
However, don't get confused between WordPress.com and self-hosted WordPress.org. These are two different platforms, and in most cases, it is WordPress.org that is being referred to when talking about WP or used to build a website.
Self-hosted WordPress.org allows you to have more comprehensive control over your website while giving you more access to perks, resources, and tools offered by the massive online WordPress community.
Don't look any further than WordPress if you plan to build a website.
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