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Why Is WordPress So Popular???

A graphics showing WordPress log at the center of websites and its elements

If you are looking to create a website or even remotely thinking about a website, then you have come across "WordPress". You have to! Since WordPress makes up about 43% of the websites!

As of 2024, WordPress is used by 62.7% of all the websites whose content management system is known.

However, along with great statistics, you also need great reasons. And that's what I intend to do here. I will talk about all the benefits of using WordPress and why it is so popular.

Little bit of history for you

WordPress started its journey as a blogging tool in 2003. It came to existence by two developers, Matt Mullenweg and Mike Little, when another blogging tool they used discontinued its services. WordPress was created as a development of the blogging software b2/catalogue. The creators found an enthusiastic response to their first versions' release.

Over the years, WordPress saw many designs and changes, ultimately emerging as one of the best and most popular content management systems. As of 2024, 835 million WordPress websites remain on the internet, and WordPress powers 14.7% of the top global sites, including Times, NBC, CNN and others.

Now let me get into the details why WordPress is so popular.

1. WordPress is Free

WordPress is Free.jpg
WordPress is Free

You have heard the term free WordPress several times in your research I bet it.

WordPress works as a free software. You can download, install, and customize it accordingly without paying a single penny and can run your website.

However, it would help if you had a domain name and web hosting to run it on the web. Domain name refers to the address of your website, and visitors and users will type the domain name in the browser to search your website. 

Now, what is web hosting? You will store all your files in your hosting, and there are many hosting companies where you can register and buy hosting.

If you don't want to go through the hassle of finding a good website hosting provider yourself, then you can go for Bluehost. It is the WordPress official recommended hosting provider.

2. WordPress is open source

WordPress is open source.jpg
WordPress is open source

The word "open source" comes up a lot when you are in the development circle. Open source software is released under its source code, allowing users to run, modify and distribute the software. Their license lets programmers change the software according to their needs.

In the case of WordPress, open source software denotes the same. The free software allows users to use it for any project, and there are no copyright issues.

WordPress allows its users to create and customize their websites any way they like. This is one of the reasons why WordPress has garnered such a big community (more on this later).

Simply no other content management system could compete with WordPress or the upgrades they brought over the years.

3. Ease of use/ easy learning curve

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Easy learning curve

Many people opt out of creating a website, afraid of all the technical stuff that comes with it. But WordPress is highly user-friendly and hence has a small learning curve.

Most of your work is concentrated in the dashboard which is very straightforward. It won't matter even if you are a beginner; you can create a perfect website. Here's a comprehensive article for any newcomer to create a WordPress website.

The website constantly releases updates, plugins, and themes you can install with just a click.

You might find it a bit tedious or overwhelming. But power through. You will run your website like a pro with little patience and effort.

4. WordPress is the best CMS all around

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WP is the best CMS all around

For a lot of people, WordPress ranks as the best CMS all around. And looking at its user-friendly features, professional WordPress themes and affordable plans, one cannot question why WordPress is popular.

With nearly two decades in the running, WordPress has continued to keep its users loyal and gain new ones. Even though many great alternatives offer almost the same features as WordPress, its loyal base of customers continues to make WordPress popular as a CMS. Let me give you some numbers to prove it. Around 500 new websites are launched every day, powered by WordPress.

5. WordPress is ever-growing

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WordPress is ever-growing

WordPress has been in business for a long time but that doesn't mean it's outdated. It continues to be the commanding force in the content management market.

It has a staggering user base that continues to push WordPress developers to keep developing it, bringing unique and pragmatic features. It started as a website builder for blogging sites but now it can be  used to build any type of website. You name it!

The growth rate of WordPress has decreased in the past year. Still the WordPress latest version runs as the dominant website builder in the CMS.

There are many other website builders and hosting providers, such as Squarespace and Wix, which are growing at a rapid rate. But they are not equipped to handle all types of customer needs as WordPress can.

WordPress continues to bring out new features, posts plugins, highly customizable WordPress themes and tools to keep the numbers in its favor.

6. WordPress offers great support system for you and your customers

A person sitting behind a laptop on a desk and different communication device icons placed around the person
WordPress offers great support system

Maintaining a website means finding yourself in situations you can't solve. I am not going to lie; running a website does take effort. Your hosting provider can minimize it, but minor hiccups are always there.

WordPress understands this, and they have worked tirelessly to create a line of expert support who will guide you through these situations. The 24/7 support teams are always there for you; just a call or chat away.

Moreover, there are several WordPress help desk plugins which will solve any issues in a short time. You can check out WordPress ticket systems which allow you to track customer service tickets on your website.

Then there is the WhatsApp chit-chat plugin to provide customer support to your website visitors. Other notable ones include KnowledgePress WordPress theme, Live chat, Sarah discusses, and Total desk.

These WordPress popular posts plugins along with their customization options can solve any problem.

7. Everything is customizable in WordPress

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Everything is customizable in WP

You can create just the website you imagined with WordPress, and its array of customization options and posts plugins. 

WordPress offers functions like drag-and-drop builder, highly customizable WordPress themes, and posts plugins to create your WordPress site. You can create labels and separate pages and sections of your website through them.

You can choose these features based on the likeness of your website. You can activate, deactivate, or change features, options and designs at any time. This is one of the reasons why people are drawn to WordPress. They actually can see the site they imagined come to life.

8. You can find plugins for everything, literally

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Plugins for everything in WP

What is WordPress plugin - Plugins are software that is installed on the website to add different functionalities. WordPress plugins are as popular as the WordPress website itself. The importance of plugin in WordPress is undeniable.

You will find many valuable and advanced plugin in WordPress that will transform your site. These plugins do it all, starting from doing simple tweaks in the content to providing powerful SEO tools. These plugins save a lot of time and offer website developers the flexibility to design a website that is compatible with their work or business.

Here are some of the most popular and powerful plugins right now –

Elementary: Page customization and building

WooCommerce: Quick integration of dashboard, multipurpose setup and payment functions

Wordfence: Security of your website

AIO SEO: WordPress SEO plugin

MemeberPress: Membership site

UpdraftPlus: For backup and storage.

9. WordPress has a massive friendly community for support

massive friendly community for support.jpg
WP has massive friendly community for support

WordPress has a thriving community of users. They have created a panel of information-solving challenges and offered solutions to them. Thousands of blogs talk about the WordPress website, its development, and the pros and cons. There are global events held to strengthen the network of WordPress users and enthusiasts. 

The WordPress community is like an ecosystem built around the website to show its reliability and loyalty to its users. It grew from its inception as WordPress blog. You can always look for solutions and guidance regarding the site and its issues there.

10. WP sites are easy to maintain and scale

WP sites are easy to maintain and scale.jpg
WP sites are easy to maintain and scale

WordPress sites are really easy to maintain. Moreover, managed-to-host plans will take care of your website for you. The programs are flexible and affordable. They will take responsibility for everything, from backing up your files to updating new themes and plugins. In fact, updating is as easy as clicking a button here.

11. WP prioritizes SEO optimization

WP prioritizes SEO optimization.jpg
WP prioritizes SEO optimization

A website needs traffic to get visibility to its audience. SEO is all about that, and they work and provide ways to get more visitors to your website. WordPress offers some powerful SEO tools to maximize engagement of your site. The SEO Framework, Yoast SEO, and All in One SEO Pack are some of them. To use them you do not need a degree in SEO.

12. WP gives full ownership of the website and its content

WP gives full ownership of the website.jpg
WP gives full ownership of the website

You have full rights to your content and website. Since WordPress is a self-hosted software, it allows its users to set up their websites. You don't have to rely on one hosting platform forever. You can change your provider accordingly. Does it get any better than this? Yes, it does. Since you control your site, you can change the CMS. But why will you want to do that!

Few issues to keep in mind

I have discussed why you should get on board with WordPress. However, there are some things you need to know also before you sign up.

Security

The security of the website falls entirely upon you. It would help if you kept a strict routine to maintain the updates, security plugins and suggestions from time to time.

It does get your site a risk if you fail to adhere to these security practices. Many people go for hosting providers for these matters, but not everyone can afford them. So, keep that in mind before you create your site.

Version Update

The updates frequently come, which is a good thing. However, managing them is time-consuming. When you fail, sometimes, your website may break and you can also find yourself at risk of hacking.

Conclusion 

WordPress is a favorite and reliable website builder. With its highly customizable WordPress theme, WordPress seo plugins, WordPress popular posts plugin and array of customization options, WordPress definitely hits the charts. 

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