WordPress. You’ve all heard of it, but do you know what it is, how it works, why you’d consider using it and what the benefits are? Perhaps not – but that’s what this article should be able to help you with!
As a starting point, here’s a one-liner that summarises WordPress so that you’ve got a bit of background as you read further down…
WordPress is an open-source content management system that allows anyone to use their tools to create websites or blogs for free, without having to know programming or computer coding.
A quick definition…
A Content Management System (CMS) is the back end of a website that allows you to add and modify content on your website, as well as add or modify elements of its design.
Where does WordPress come from?
With roots back in 2003, WordPress evolved from a blog site creator to become a collaborative full website building toolset in which thousands of developers contribute pieces of code and free or premium plugins that give the platform its trademark flexible functionality.
What sort of websites can be built using WordPress?
- Business websites
- Marketing websites
- Ecommerce websites
- Blogs (this is where WordPress started)
- Portfolios
- Social networks and Forums
- Membership-based websites
- And many, many more!
How does it work, in more detail?
Basically, WordPress gives you a ‘chassis’ upon which to build your website, and then you select themes that match your design and functional requirements, and add specific extra functionality using Plugins.
All the code is created by around 45 000 global contributors, meaning that you have a large selection of themes, widgets and plugins to choose from, all of which integrate into the main WordPress foundation.
WordPress is based on a very simple methodology, as follows:
- Decide what you website needs to have and what it’s purpose is (very important!)
- Set up your domain and hosting provider (you may need help with this, but that’s no problem!)
- Install WordPress
- Choose your theme
- Add posts and pages to your website
- Customise it to suit your individual needs
- Install any plugins needed to add required functionality
- Optimise your website’s meta data and functionality to improve SEO, page speed etc.
- Publish!
Why is WordPress a good option?
WordPress offers businesses a cost-effective, attractive and flexible option for professional websites, with mobile responsiveness, SEO, a simple CMS and other easy-to-use functions included.
Because it has ready-to-use themes, it’s faster to get a website project planned and launched, which impacts on cost too.
And customization is simple too – working with a development partner who understands WordPress, you’ll be able to custom-develop any exclusive functionality or designs needed to give you the comprehensive solution for your business.
Various WordPress plugins mean that your website will be able to integrate easily into your other existing systems such as ERP, CRM and finance packages, adding value to your complete business revenue and supply chain.
Find out more about Realnet’s WordPress options for your business today – call us on 01223 550800 or email info@realnet.co.uk for more!