When trying to decide between a website designer, a platform, or a website service, there are so many choices it can seem overwhelming. On one hand, you’ve got agencies claiming their custom built CMS is the perfect solution to your website needs; meanwhile, DO-IT-Yourself services like Wix and Squarespace are tempting for their pricing, templates, and more. But at the end of the day, what’s going to be your sure bet and work best for you in the long run.
Obviously, if you’re here reading this blog, you’re considering a freelance web developer like myself, but whether you go with a freelance designer, a creative agency, or attempt to do it yourself, WordPress is a great choice and there are a number of reasons why!
1. WordPress is an easy-to-use, beginner-friendly CMS
The problem with many CMS systems is that learning them can be tedious and they can often be super frustrating for users who aren’t technologically savvy. But with WordPress, you’ve got a simple interface and the perfect model for a beginner who knows nothing about coding, the Web, or development. As with any content management system (CMS), it takes a few times of adding a post, editing some content, or uploading a photo to get used to the system, but WordPress makes it easy and it’s literally the type of process than can be learned in a matter of a few minutes.
But even the most technologically advanced users can enjoy WordPress as well, as it gives plenty of areas to edit code, add custom CSS, and edit theme files with the built in editor. The beauty of using a freelance WordPress developer, is having them build your site with the nuts and bolts of WordPress, and then handing over the reigns for you to edit and work at your leisure.
2. With WordPress plugins you have the power to install basically any new feature at your fingertips
One unique and powerful feature of WordPress is that there are small pieces of code called “plugins” that you can install, activate, or uninstall at any time, that basically allow you to add unique customizations and features to your website with the click of a button. Need an online shopping cart experience? There’s WooCommerce. Tired of using the new Gutenberg editor? There’s always the Classic Editor plugin. Need a simple contact form to collect information? There’s Gravity Forms, Contact Form 7, Ninja Forms – take your pick!
Often times, plugins can be complicated though, and take a bit of custom development or CSS to make them look right or work correctly with your site. That’s where a freelance WordPress developer comes in. Also, plugins need to be maintained and updated as new versions come out, or they can serve as opportunities for hackers to compromise your site. That’s why it’s important to have someone on your team who knows how to handle your site, WordPress, and plugins. But in the right hands, they’re valuable tools that can help make your website successful and move your business forward.
3. WordPress is Search Engine friendly
What’s the point of building a website if no one visits it? Obviously to make your site, your business, and ultimately you successful, you need visitor to your website. And that’s how WordPress makes things easier. SEO or Search Engine Optimization is the art of making your website organically rank higher in search engines or appropriate keywords and keyword phrases, thus allowing visitors to more easily find you.
WordPress has a number of components that make it easier to implement solid, SEO techniques and practices. In addition to WordPress’ own built in features, there are several plugins that assist with SEO even further. Yoast SEO plugin is a premium plugin (with a free version) that walks you through many of the SEO best practices, including social media display, keywords, readability, and more.
4. WordPress is free, popular and open-sourced
WordPress now powers over 35% of all websites on the entire internet. That’s millions and millions of websites. You know what that means? There are a ton of WordPress developers and programmers out there. So, if you hire someone to build your website in WordPress and get tired of them or their services, you’re not stuck with a “custom” CMS that only they can edit. Or let’s say you attempt at building your own site (in WordPress of course), and quickly realize your time is better served building your own business, it’s not difficult to find a WordPress developer who can seamlessly take things over for you.
In addition to it’s popularity, WordPress is completely open source, which means it’s been highly tested and is extremely customizable. Literally, there’s just about nothing you cannot do or accomplish with the WordPress platform.
5. WordPress is a safe and secure platform
Obviously with 35% of the world running WordPress, you know it’s got to be safe and secure. But what does that actually mean? There are millions of sites that are hacked every day, infected with malware, stolen information, compromised data, etc. And WordPress in and of itself isn’t immune to these issues. But with the security features that are constantly updated, and the way that WordPress works, it makes it relatively easy to secure and shore up your site unlike many other platforms out there.
In addition, with security plugins, advanced login systems, 2 factor authentication, and more, WordPress can be sealed up and secure – whether you’re running a personal blog or million dollar a year e-commerce website. As with any system, there is always the chance of compromise, but with the right precautions, updated settings, and top notch plugins, WordPress makes your site and information ultra-secure and gives you the peace of mind that you need to run your business worry free.
If I haven’t sold you on WordPress yet, feel free to reach out to me and let’s discuss how WordPress could specifically benefit you and your project. I’ve helped hundreds of other clients built their dream site as a freelance WordPress developer, and I can help you with yours. What are you waiting for?
