WordPress is a widely popular open-source content management system (CMS) that allows users to easily create and manage websites, blogs, and online stores. It was introduced in 2003 and has since grown to become the most widely used CMS, powering over 40% of all websites on the internet. You can find more details about WordPress on Wikipedia.
Basic WordPress Setup
Before you can run WordPress, you will need a Domain Name. The domain name is the address that people will use to access your website. You should choose this name wisely, depending on what kind of website you want to build. If it is a personal website, you would want to choose something like yourname.com. If it is a website for your business, you might want to use something like yourcompanyname.com. It is not always easy to find the best domain name for your site, especially if your preferred name is already taken. But there is plenty of help for this task online. Just google it.
Second, you will need Web Hosting. This is the space on the internet where your website will be stored. You can choose a hosting provider like Bluehost, Hostgator, SiteGround, or DreamHost. WordPress itself recommends Bluehost as their top recommended web host. Many web hosting providers offer a one-click installation of WordPress, making it easy to set up your website.
Advantages of WordPress
One of the key advantages of WordPress is its ease of use. Even users with little to no technical expertise can create a professional-looking website with its intuitive and user-friendly interface. WordPress offers a vast range of customizable themes and plugins, which allow users to add various features and functionalities to their websites, such as contact forms, social media integration, e-commerce capabilities, and more.
Another advantage of WordPress is its flexibility. It is highly customizable and can be used to create a wide variety of websites, from personal blogs to corporate websites, e-commerce sites, and more. WordPress also allows users to switch between different themes and plugins to change the look and functionality of their website without affecting their content or data.
WordPress is also SEO-friendly, meaning it has built-in features that make it easier for search engines to crawl and index websites created with the platform. This helps improve a website’s visibility and search engine rankings, which can lead to more traffic and potential customers.
WordPress is also cost-effective, especially for small businesses or individuals who may not have the budget for a custom-built website. Many of its themes and plugins are free, and even paid options are often affordable compared to other CMS options. Additionally, WordPress’s vast user community means a wealth of free resources are available, such as tutorials, forums, and support groups, which can help users troubleshoot issues and learn more about the platform.
Finally, WordPress is constantly evolving and improving. Regular updates and new releases ensure the platform remains secure, stable, and up-to-date with the latest web development standards and technologies. This means users can continue to rely on WordPress for years without worrying about their website becoming outdated or obsolete.
Security
We mentioned it before, and we will keep bringing it up. No software is safe. And WordPress is no exception. If you want to keep your website secure, you need to protect it actively. And this is especially true for websites (like online shops) that collect personal data from users, including credit card information.
To protect your website, you can use a service like SiteLock for a small monthly fee. However, you can also choose to install some excellent and free plugins for an excellent level of security. I would recommend Jetpack (which provides secure logins and protection from brute force attacks), Akismet Anti-Spam, Anti-Malware Security and Brute-Force Firewall, NinjaFirewall, and UpdraftPlus (for backups of your WordPress site).
You should also get an SSL certificate for your WordPress site to ensure that any data transmitted between your site and your visitors is encrypted and secure, which can help protect sensitive information like login credentials or payment details from being intercepted by unauthorized third parties. Additionally, having an SSL certificate can also boost your site’s credibility and improve your search engine rankings.
Summary
WordPress is a powerful and flexible CMS that offers a range of advantages to users. Its ease of use, flexibility, SEO-friendliness, cost-effectiveness and ongoing development make it an attractive option for anyone looking to create a professional-looking website or online store.
