If you’ve looked into building a website for your business, chances are you’ve come across WordPress. But what exactly is it—and why do over 40% of all websites on the internet use it?
This article breaks it down in plain English, whether you’re tech-savvy or just starting to explore your options.
What Is WordPress?
WordPress is a free, open-source content management system (CMS) that makes it easy to build and manage websites without needing to write code. Launched in 2003 as a simple blogging tool, WordPress has evolved into a full-fledged platform that powers everything from small business websites and online stores to enterprise portals and news sites.
There are two versions:
- WordPress.com – A hosted service where WordPress handles everything for you.
- WordPress.org – A self-hosted version that gives you full control (and is the version most businesses use).
Why Do So Many Businesses Use It?
Easy to Use
You don’t need to be a developer to run a WordPress site. Its user-friendly dashboard lets you create pages, publish blog posts, and upload images with ease. If you can use Microsoft Word, you can learn WordPress.
Highly Customizable
With tens of thousands of themes and plugins available, WordPress can be tailored to almost any business need—whether you need a booking system, an eCommerce shop, a photo gallery, or a customer portal.
Cost-Effective
WordPress itself is free. Hosting and premium themes or plugins can cost money, but it’s still one of the most budget-friendly ways to get a professional-grade website.
Scalable for Growth
Start small, grow big. WordPress supports everything from a simple one-page site to a complex multi-language platform. You can scale your features and hosting as your business expands.
SEO-Friendly
WordPress is structured in a way that makes it easy for search engines like Google to index and rank your content. Combine it with plugins like Yoast SEO or Rank Math, and you’ll have a strong foundation for organic traffic.
Huge Community and Support
With millions of users and developers worldwide, there’s an answer to almost every WordPress question. Free tutorials, forums, and expert services are easy to find.
Full Ownership
With a self-hosted WordPress site, you own your content and control your site. You’re not locked into a proprietary platform that can shut down, change pricing, or limit features.
A Word of Caution: Flexibility Comes with Responsibility
One of the reasons WordPress is so widely used is because of how much freedom it gives you. But that same flexibility can also lead to problems if it’s not handled carefully.
With thousands of plugins, themes, and configuration options available, it’s easy to unintentionally break your site, introduce security risks, or cause performance issues—especially if updates and installations are done without a clear strategy.
In short, WordPress gives you control—but it also expects you to manage that control wisely. If you’re not experienced with the technical side of things, it’s worth having someone in your corner who is.
Is It Right for Your Business?
If you need a website that’s professional, flexible, and grows with your business, WordPress is a solid choice. It’s trusted by small businesses, major news organizations, and global brands alike.
Whether you’re launching a new product, taking bookings online, sharing updates with your customers, or building an online store—WordPress gives you the tools to do it, without locking you into expensive software or custom code.