Is WordPress Good? A Comprehensive Review for 2024

In 2024, WordPress remains a solid choice as a website builder. It continues to be a highly popular and adaptable website building platform, used by millions of websites globally for a variety of purposes, such as blogs, eCommerce stores, and corporate websites. Its enduring popularity is attributed to its adaptability, ease of use, and wide range of themes and plugins which provide unlimited customization options.

What is WordPress?

WordPress is a content management system (CMS) that is free and open-source, utilizing PHP and MySQL, and it can be utilized without needing to code. By 2024, it was responsible for more than 43% of websites on the Internet. Established in 2003 as a blogging platform, it has developed into one of the most robust website solutions.

The Distinction Between WordPress.com and WordPress.org

Understanding the difference between WordPress.com (a hosted platform) and WordPress.org (self-hosted software) is crucial. While the fundamental software is no cost for both, there are several notable differences between the two.

WordPress.com is a blogging service that is hosted and operated by Automattic, the same company responsible for WordPress. It offers an easy-to-use interface for building blogs and simple websites without the need for hosting or installation. Nevertheless, there are restrictions on customization options, plugins, themes, and monetization.

WordPress.org, also known as ‘WordPress,’ is the self-hosted variation of WordPress. People acquire the software from WordPress.org and set it up on a web hosting platform. This choice provides a wide range of customization options with numerous premium plugins and themes available for free, along with full authority over monetization, SEO, and site functionality.

WordPress Themes and Plugins Make it Extremely Flexible

Additions to a WordPress website that enhance its capabilities and design are plugins and themes. Arguably, these are the factors that contribute to WordPress being superior to other website builders.

Plugins in WordPress are additional software components that introduce fresh functionalities to a website. They are similar to applications for your website. A few typical instances are:

• Ecommerce plugins (like WooCommerce) to turn your site into an online store
• Contact form plugins to add contact forms to your pages
• SEO plugins to optimize your site for search engines
• Social media plugins to integrate social sharing buttons
• Security plugins to protect your site from hackers

WordPress plugins are themes that manage the overall look and structure of your WordPress site. They are responsible for the overall look of your website, including the color scheme, typography, page layouts, and navigation menus. Themes enable you to modify how your site looks without impacting its main features. Divi is a popular WordPress theme that transforms website design into a visual, code-free process.

What Kind of Websites is WordPress Good at Building?

WordPress is a highly adaptable platform capable of creating various types of websites. WordPress Core offers all the necessary tools for building a website. Yet, it is the multitude of plugins and themes that transform WordPress websites into finely tuned sites for various purposes. Some examples are provided below.

Websites for Small Businesses

WordPress offers strong features and customization choices that are ideal for developing professional business websites. Sony Music, Microsoft News, and Renault Group use WordPress to display their products, services, and brand identity.

Online shopping platforms

The WooCommerce plugin has the ability to turn WordPress into a fully operational eCommerce platform. Websites such as Angry Birds utilize WordPress and WooCommerce for online sales of their products and merchandise. This adaptable solution is perfect for both newbies and experienced sellers looking to start selling products online.

Websites that provide news, magazines, and blogs.

Prominent news sources like TIME Magazine, The New York Times, Reuters, BBC America, and Wired use WordPress for content publishing and management due to its origins in blogging and vast content management features.

Websites for Non-Profit Organizations

The Jane Goodall Institute and The Obama Foundation are examples of nonprofit organizations and foundations that utilize WordPress for sharing their goals, receiving donations, and connecting with their supporters. The open-source and community-driven philosophy of WordPress aligns well with nonprofits’ ideals. Additionally, a WordPress site may have lower costs through careful planning compared to other options.

Websites of educational institutions and governmental organizations.

WordPress is well-suited for educational institutions and government agencies because of its adaptability and ability to grow. For instance, the White House website is constructed using WordPress. WordPress Multisite is among the top tools for building network websites.

How Does WordPress Compare with Other Website Builders?

WordPress is a versatile and strong website creator that competes well against popular platforms such as Wix and Shopify in various aspects, albeit with distinct differences.

Wix

A snapshot of the Homepage of Wix displays a user-friendly website builder with drag-and-drop features, perfect for newcomers and individuals seeking a simple setup. In comparison to WordPress, this platform provides fewer customization possibilities, yet its user interface is more user-friendly for individuals without technical expertise.

Target audience: Novice and non-tech-savvy individuals who favor a simple installation procedure and user-friendly interface.

Primary Focus: Users prefer simplicity and user-friendliness, enabling them to easily generate websites even without technical expertise.

WordPress Comparison: With its extensive collection of plugins, WordPress offers a wider range of advanced features and capabilities, making it better equipped for complex websites. Wix’s prices soared as websites began requiring additional features.

Shopify

Shopify is a unique eCommerce platform that stands out in building and managing online stores. Although WordPress can support eCommerce with plugins such as WooCommerce, Shopify provides a more seamless and user-friendly experience for online stores from the start.

Ideal User: Entrepreneurs and businesses who are dedicated to establishing and overseeing online retail platforms.

Main Attraction: Their preference leans towards the seamless eCommerce functionalities and user-friendly interface, enabling them to establish online stores in a fast and effective manner.

Comparison of WordPress: WordPress offers greater versatility and customization, with an increasing number of developers creating innovative products for the platform.

Get in touch with ForgeEra

For a customized web development strategy that fits your business requirements, connect with ForgeEra. We offer current tools, professional guidance, and a network of similar professionals to keep you competitive in the ever-changing industry.