April 17, 2017

Debunking WordPress Myths

As you navigate the web, one in every four sites you visit is built on WordPress. Despite its widespread use by businesses, many still buy into the common and incorrect WordPress myths that circulate. Particularly for entrepreneurs looking to build a successful website for their burgeoning small business, WordPress is an outstanding platform that is user-friendly, easily customizable, and suited for organizations across all verticals.

MYTH: WordPress Is Just a Blogging Platform

This WordPress myth is probably the most common one. When it was first launched 14 years ago, WordPress was only a blogging platform. However, in the multiple years since WordPress first hit the Internet, it has evolved into a content management system (CMS) for websites ranging from simple blogs to complex, multi-page websites for industry-leading companies.

Over time, WordPress developers took their understanding of user behavior and applied it to the development of a larger, more powerful CMS with more than just the blog capabilities of the original version. Since its humble beginning so many years ago, WordPress has expanded its offerings so that businesses could easily develop outstanding websites for their customers and potential leads.

MYTH: WordPress Sites Are More Vulnerable

A pervasive WordPress myth is that these sites are not secure. The truth is that no software is ever 100 percent secure from hacker attacks. Since WordPress is a popular platform, hackers might target it for the sheer purpose of bragging rights.

Despite these focused efforts, WordPress sites can still be extremely secure if the right plugins, updates, and practices are used by site managers. Website security is an ongoing effort. If security basics aren’t regularly practiced, regardless of the CMS in use, a website is vulnerable to hackers.

MYTH: WordPress Isn’t Scalable for Large Businesses

Executives at large companies might think WordPress is sufficient enough for small businesses, but it’s not really scalable for major players. This is yet another completely false WordPress myth. One of the strongest aspects of the WordPress platform is how easily a site can be customized to meet an organization’s needs. Larger companies sometimes think that WordPress can’t handle heavy website traffic. However, how much traffic a website can manage is actually determined by your web host, not your CMS. They may also be concerned that it is too simple in its site architecture and that it can’t scale up for a site with hundreds of pages.

Unfortunately, that is a mistake. The wonderful thing about WordPress is how adaptable it is to your needs. Think of WordPress as a hunk of clay that you can mold and shape to fulfill your exact purpose. Many other CMS platforms aren’t nearly as customizable as WordPress.

MYTH: WordPress Doesn’t Handle e-Commerce

For many businesses, a digital shopping experience is a crucial component of their websites. Luckily, the myth that WordPress doesn’t support e-commerce is completely fictitious. With outstanding add-ons like WooCommerce, Shopify integration, and plugins like Shopp, adding a digital storefront to your website is absolutely an option. Also, since WordPress sites are secure (when managed correctly), your customers can shop away without concern about their personal information.

MYTH: WordPress Doesn’t Offer Support

With other content management systems, there’s a support staff that you contact if you have any problems. This system entails calling an 800 number where you’re routed through numerous options before speaking to anyone or finding the answer to your question.

Since no one technically owns WordPress, there’s a misconception that there is no support system in place for users. Of course, this WordPress myth is entirely inaccurate. Thanks to the WordPress Codex, a phenomenal support forum, and hundreds of thousands of WordPress professionals, users can remedy any issue in moments without spending an entire day on hold with a Robo call center system.

MYTH: WordPress Plugins Are Unreliable

As with most myths, there is an element of truth to this one. Yes, some plugins are unreliable. However, it is quite simple to determine if a plugin is safe and worth installing on your WordPress site. If a particular plugin has a high number of downloads, top ratings, stellar reviews, and offers support, you should not encounter any issues. Avoid untrustworthy plugins, and your WordPress site will operate as it should.

For a WordPress beginner, there are a lot of nuances to using this particular CMS that might seem intimidating. Don’t let the myths or misinformation deter your efforts. Instead, work with experts who understand how to make the most of your website while keeping it up-to-date and secure. Contact Proactive WP now to talk about your WordPress needs and concerns.