WordPress is a free and open source blogging tool and a content management system (CMS). It runs on a web hosting service.

Some of the key features of WordPress are the inclusion of plug-in architecture and a “theme” system.

Themes:

Themes allow users to change the look and functionality of a WordPress website without altering the information content or structure of the site.

Plugins:

There are currently more than 28,000 plugins available to extend the functionality.

Thousands of WordPress themes exist, some free, and some premium (commercial) templates.

The plugin architecture of WordPress allows users and developers to extend its abilities beyond the core installation.  WordPress has a database of over 28,000 plugins. A developer can choose a set of plugins to provide custom functions and features. These enable them to create websites tailored to specific needs.

Examples of such customization may include SEO (Search Engine Optimization) enhancements,  photo galleries, slide shows, special display effects, menu enhancements, advanced search capabilities,  calculators, weather widgets, interactive maps, event calendars, and much more.

Popularity of WordPress:

More websites today are being built with WordPress than any other single platform.

WordPress is used by more than 18.9% of the top 10 million websites as of August 2013. WordPress is the most popular blogging system in use on the Web with more than 60 million websites. As of 26 November 2013, version 3.7 had been downloaded nearly 10 million times.

The popularity makes it easier to find support for WordPress development, learning, updating, improving performance, performing SEO, and making enhancements. Although WordPress itself is free and open source, the organization releases new versions only in accordance with the strictest industry standards and best practices for development and testing. You can be assured that WordPress is solid, stable, and performs quite robustly.

Some advantages of WordPress for your own business website:

Flexibility – You can change the look and feel of your website to suit your needs and style. Use it for a blog. Use it as an online store (eCommerce website.) Use it as a portfolio of your work. Exchange recipes, tips, favorite photos. Use it as a campaign fundraising website or for eLearning or help desk or product support website.

Add on functionality – Start with the basics and add on over time as your needs change and grow.

You’re in control – If your needs change, you’re not stuck. Import content from other web platforms. Upload content from databases or spreadsheets.

Easy updating – You don’t need advanced technical skills to update pages, add blog postings, add photos, or perform common tasks. Some of the plugins can be used to simplify maintenance and streamline your workflow.

Search Engine Optimization – SEO is closely tied with getting results. And WordPress has numerous features that make it easier to perform proper SEO.

Plays well with others – Social media platforms (like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn) can help you leverage your efforts with your website. And vice versa. There are ways to configure things so that your Facebook page (for example) automatically updates when your website is updated. Or the other way around.

Looks good = Themes can give your website a jump start with an attractive and functional look and feel.

Sounds easy?

Or does it sound hard? Should you go it alone or seek professional assistance? We invite you to contact us to help you sort out your needs and capabilities. Whether you want to dip your toe in or take a plunge, we can help make your experience productive and efficient. Call us to help you choose your path. We won’t steer you wrong.

http://player.vimeo.com/video/33505230