Thinking of Starting a Website? Here’s What You Should Know About WordPress

Let’s be real—if you've even thought about building a website, you've probably heard the name “WordPress” thrown around like it’s some kind of internet magic wand. And honestly? In many ways, it kind of is.

Whether you're dreaming of launching a blog, running your own online shop, or just staking a claim on your corner of the internet, getting a handle on WordPress is a pretty smart move. It's not just for techies or web developers—it’s for people like you and me who want to create something real online without having to learn a programming language.

So… What Is WordPress, Really?

WordPress, Explained Like You’re Not a Developer

At its core, WordPress is a content management system (CMS). That just means it helps you build, manage, and organize content on a website—without forcing you to mess around with code.

It started back in 2003 as a humble blogging tool (thanks to Matt Mullenweg and Mike Little), but it’s grown into a full-blown website powerhouse. Blogs, business sites, online magazines, ecommerce stores, portfolios—you name it, someone’s built it with WordPress.

In fact, WordPress powers over 40% of all websites. Yeah. That includes everyone from small-town bakeries to Beyoncé.

What Makes WordPress So Popular?

Good question. And like most good answers, it’s not just one thing. It’s a mix of usability, flexibility, and good old-fashioned community support.

Here’s a quick hit list of what makes it shine:

• ✅ It’s friendly for beginners. The dashboard is simple. If you can handle a Word doc or a Google Sheet, you’ll be fine.
• 🎨 Endless design options. Thousands of free and premium themes let you make your site look your way.
• 🔌 Plugins galore. Over 59,000 plugins can add just about any feature you need.
• 🔍 SEO tools baked in. Clean permalinks + plugins like Yoast or Rank Math = better visibility on Google.
• 📱 Mobile-ready. Most themes today are responsive and look great on phones.
• 🔒 Security updates come regularly. Bugs get found and fixed quickly by the community.
• 🌍 Multilingual-friendly. Plugins like WPML or Polylang help with site translation.

Wait—There Are Two WordPresses?

Yeah, and it confuses everyone at first. So let’s clear this up.

WordPress.com

This one’s a hosted platform, kind of like renting an apartment.

• 🟢 Pros: Maintenance and security are handled for you. Great for personal blogs or quick launches.
• 🔴 Cons: Limited customization unless you upgrade. You’ll often have "wordpress.com" in your domain.

WordPress.org

This is the self-hosted version—the real deal.

• 🟢 Pros: Full control, unlimited plugins/themes, customizable code. Ideal for businesses or serious creators.
• 🔴 Cons: You’ll need your own hosting (like SiteGround or Bluehost) and handle your own updates.

Bottom line? If you want total creative and functional freedom, go with WordPress.org.

Why People (Still) Love WordPress

Let’s be honest—there are tons of website builders now. Wix, Squarespace, Webflow… so why are folks still sticking with WordPress?

Because:

• 💸 It’s free. No license fees. Just download and go.
• 🛠 You own it all. Your data, your design, your control.
• 📈 It’s endlessly expandable. Start with a blog, end with an online store.
• 👥 Massive community. Tutorials, forums, and support are always out there.
• 👨‍💻 Developers love it. Easy to hire pros if you ever want custom features.

Who’s Actually Using WordPress?

Spoiler: it’s not just bloggers and indie creators.

Some heavy-hitters using WordPress include:

• 📰 The New York Times
• 📺 BBC America
• 💻 Microsoft News
• 🏰 The Walt Disney Company
• 🏃‍♂️ Usain Bolt
• 🎤 Beyoncé (Queen B herself!)

Plus millions of small businesses, nonprofits, freelancers, and schools.

A Few Final Thoughts (Before You Go Sign Up Somewhere)

You know what? WordPress isn’t perfect. Nothing is. It can feel a little clunky at times, and yes—you might occasionally break something and have to Google your way out of it.

But that’s part of the fun. It’s yours. You build it. You run it. You own it.

Whether you’re a first-time blogger, a side-hustle dreamer, or someone building a new digital home for your brand, WordPress gives you the keys to the front door—and lets you decorate however you like.

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