WordPress is a commonly used content management system/blogging platform. It is currently the most popular CMS in the world, powering almost 25% of all new websites being built. WordPress is a great choice for anyone who is new to building or running a website. WordPress has a rare combination of great functionality, ease of use and a very reasonable cost.
Let’s talk about cost right off the bat. It is a pretty easy subject to cover actually. WordPress is a whopping $0. That’s right, WordPress is totally free and released under the GPL license. On top of that, you can also choose to use WordPress.com for your hosting solution. With WordPress.com you can build your website using WordPress and it is hosted on their powerful serversÉall for free! For maximum flexibility though, most users will want a self hosted solution. This is still relatively cost effective. Basic users will be able to run their WordPress site on a $10/month budget host like Bluehost. All you need besides that is a $10 a year domain name. For that relatively low cost, you can run your own self hosted WordPress blog.
Another great feature of WordPress is the ease of use. Yes, there is a learning curve, but that is true of any website platform. I found WordPress significantly easier to learn than most other options. Everything is controlled by the “Dashboard”. You can log into the dashboard of your site from any computer that has internet access. Once in there, you will be able to totally control your site. You can add content by using the WordPress editor. It is about as easy as using a word processing program. You can style your webs tie using themes. You can actually change the entire style/look of your website with a simple theme switch. You don’t have to worry about any tech-y coding or anything. Just click a new theme!
WordPress also happens to be one of the most versatile website platforms out there. Just about any site you can dream of can be made with WordPress. While it was once a simple blogging software, it is now the first choice of major companies and small business alike. CNN, GM, Reuters and Forbes are among the major companies that use WordPress to power their blogs. Just about any function you want for a WordPress site you can find with a plugin. There are plugins/themes that allow you to build:
- Online stores
- Membership Sites
- Blogs
- Directories
- Portfolios
- Business Websites
- Real Estate Website
- Restaurant Website
WordPress combines an unbeatable price point (free) with complete flexibility and ease of use. This combination is exactly why you should consider WordPress as your website solution. If you want to test the waters, head to WordPress.com and sign up. It is totally free and will get you used to the WordPress Dashboard. Good luck!