As a web developer and designer, I’m often asked which content management system (CMS) I recommend for building websites. My answer is almost always the same: WordPress. And I have good reasons for that.
What is a CMS and Why is it Important?
First, let’s take a step back. A Content Management System (CMS) is a software platform that allows you to create, manage, and modify digital content without deep technical knowledge. For entrepreneurs and businesses, the choice of a CMS is crucial because it determines how easily they can manage and update their online presence.
WordPress: The Undisputed Leader
WordPress stands head and shoulders above other CMS systems, and for good reason. Here are some features that make WordPress so special:
- Ease of Use: Even without a technical background, you can easily add and edit content. This gives entrepreneurs direct control over their online presence.
- Flexibility: With thousands of themes and plugins, you can adapt WordPress to virtually any need. From a simple blog to a complex e-commerce site, WordPress can handle it.
- Large Community: WordPress has a huge community of developers and users. This means constant improvements, extensive support, and a wealth of online resources.
- SEO-friendly: WordPress is optimized for search engines, which is crucial for online visibility.
- Scalability: Whether you’re a starting entrepreneur or running a large company, WordPress grows with your needs.
A Look Under the Hood: How WordPress Works
As a web developer, I’d like to give you a simple insight into how WordPress works. Think of WordPress as a well-organized toolbox for building websites:
- The Foundation: WordPress is built with PHP, a programming language specifically for websites. It uses a database (think of it as a large, organized cabinet) to store all your content and settings.
- The Appearance: WordPress themes are like the paintbrush and wallpaper for your website. They determine how everything looks to your visitors.
- Extra Features: Plugins are like handy gadgets you add to your site. They add new functions without having to rebuild the entire site.
- Safety First: WordPress has built-in security features, like a sturdy lock on your front door.
Why This is Important for You as an Entrepreneur
You don’t need to be a technical expert, but a little insight can help you:
- Have better conversations with web developers
- Make smarter decisions about your website
- Solve simple problems yourself
- Better plan for future growth of your site
As your web developer, I ensure that all these technical matters run smoothly, so you can focus on your business.
WordPress in Numbers
The dominance of WordPress in the CMS market is impressive:
- WordPress powers more than 43% of all websites on the internet (W3Techs, 2023).
- More than 60% of all websites with a known CMS use WordPress.
- WordPress is used by 14.7% of the top 100 websites in the world.
Big Names Trust WordPress
It’s not just for small businesses. Big brands like The Walt Disney Company, Sony Music, and The New York Times use WordPress for their websites. Even tech giants like Microsoft and IBM use WordPress for certain parts of their online presence.
When Might WordPress Not Be the Best Choice?
Although WordPress is suitable for the vast majority of websites, there are situations where a custom-made solution might be preferred:
- For very large, complex web applications with specific technical requirements.
- For companies with an internal development team that prefers full control over the codebase.
But even in these cases, WordPress can often still play a role, for example in managing content for certain parts of the site.
Conclusie
As a web developer and designer, I remain enthusiastic about WordPress. It offers a perfect balance between ease of use and power, making it suitable for virtually any type of website. Whether you’re a small entrepreneur taking your first steps online, or a large company looking to optimize its digital presence, WordPress offers the tools and flexibility you need.
Want to know more about how WordPress can strengthen your online presence? Feel free to contact me for a no-obligation chat!
NL 
EN