WordPress is a robust tool for developing and managing websites. It does not matter if it is a blog, personal site, business website, or e-commerce store, all can benefit from WordPress. However, if you are not technically proficient, you might run into trouble with this software. In this scenario, it is better to opt for a WordPress alternative.
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What is WordPress?
WordPress is a content management system (CMS) that enables you to construct and host websites. It contains a template and plugin architecture system, equipping you to customize any website according to your requirements. It’s a popular tool amongst individuals who do not have any prior coding experience but want to build their blog or website. WordPress is free to use for everyone. Any person can install and use it for free.
Why use WordPress?
After the launch of WordPress in 2003, people mainly used it to create blogs. However, due to advancements in the software, now it can be used to build any kind of website. You can develop the following:
Lifestyle Blogs
Since WordPress originated as a blog space, it has features that are perfect for this purpose.
- It can differentiate between pages and posts
- The software’s – what you see is what you get (WYSIWYG) editor makes post creation easier
- There are options for users to leave their comments, but you can also moderate them and see which ones to remove
Once WordPress is installed all you need to do is choose a theme that will appeal to your audience and decide upon the goals you want to achieve with your blog.
Business Websites
Developing a business website can be harder on WordPress because it needs more posts and pages than an average site or blog. It requires additional resources and functionality. However, WordPress can cope up with these demands because of its built-in CMS capabilities.
All you have to do is choose a website theme to accomplish your objectives and customize it accordingly. Page-building platforms such as Divi can also help to make the layout process easier.
Professional Portfolios
WordPress can also be a great option to showcase your personal brand. It has plenty of options for themes appropriate for a professional portfolio. WordPress’s “Posts” functions can be used for highlighting the specific pieces of content that you want people to give extra attention to, these can be in text, image, video, or audio format. On the other hand, “Pages” functions can be used to design the homepage, contact page, etc.
Mobile Applications
Developing an app can cost you a bit more. However, WordPress plugins can turn your site into an app without any problems. It will make it more convenient for users to access most features of your site via a mobile app than a browser.
E-commerce Stores
WooCommerce, WordPress’s e-commerce plugin, makes it straightforward to create an online store. This plugin enables your visitors to enjoy their shopping experience at the front end, while at the same time, you can manage products, shipping, and payments on the back end.
All the above-mentioned options make WordPress an enticing alternative for people to have. It makes life easier for individuals and business owners to develop their desired website or online store without the need to learn excessive coding. However, there are still some who find it hard to work with WordPress.
Who Shouldn’t Use WordPress?
Are you technologically oriented or not? If not, then you won’t even get past the installation process. Everyone does not know how to set up an FTP client. However, if you can successfully install the software, it might get technical at some other point. For example, your themes or plugins might collide with a WordPress update.
Furthermore, if you are one of those who ignore updates, then you should also not use WordPress because it can increase the risk of getting hacked. It would make it easier for hackers to get access to your website. After all, when something gets as popular as WordPress, it becomes more prone to attract criminals.
WordPress Alternatives
As we have come to know that WordPress can be laborious for some people to use, there are some alternatives that can prove to be more helpful in certain situations.
Wix
Like WordPress, Wix is not a multitasker. However, it is one of the best website development software currently available. A website can be created using Wix with zero coding knowledge because of its drag-and-drop feature. All you have to do is answer some questions, and Wix will build you a website using its Artificial Design Intelligence (ADI).
This platform offers the chance to improve site functionality as you can integrate with more than 250 applications. It is also one of the few website-developing tools that enable users to create customized animations.
However, not all Wix features can be availed using their free plan. In order to access their advanced features, you will have to upgrade to a premium plan.
Wix may be a better website creation software, but WordPress is an all-in-one solution that can help you ease many of your problems. Wix can only be known as a WordPress alternative, nothing more.
Joomla
Similar to WordPress, Joomla is an open-source content management software (CMS). You can use it to create a blog or any kind of website. There are some features this WordPress alternative offers that no other CMS can:
- Joomla can create sites that can be translated into seventy languages. Its multilingual system enables websites to be available in several languages, making access easier for people who do not know how to read or speak English.
- This software offers more than eight thousand extensions from the Joomla Extensions Directory to extend your website’s functionality.
- It also has built-in SEO tools, helping websites built on this platform to get ranked easily on Google.
Even though Joomla can be an asset for individuals and organizations, it can only be used by people who have sufficient technical knowledge because of its steep learning curve. Joomla’s setup process is considered to be one of the most complex, making it a viable option only for people who are skilled enough.
Shopify
If you are looking for the best WordPress alternative for creating an e-commerce store, look no further than Shopify. It is beneficial for beginners who need a fully functional store without having to get too technical. Store owners prefer to use Shopify rather than WordPress because it is much easier to set up, operate, update, and manage. Other features of this software being in so much demand are:
- It is a completely hosted software that provides technical support 24 hours a day.
- The backend features are easy to navigate as users do not have to go through any hassle to add products or other variants.
- Shopify offers numerous extensions that require no transaction fees.
Overall, WordPress is considered to be the better software. However, when it comes to designing and developing online stores, nothing tops Shopify.
WordPress Alternatives: Which One to Choose?
The WordPress alternatives mentioned above can serve as suitable options for different purposes. However, your final decision will depend on the budget you have and what kind of platform you want to develop. Let us know in the comments below about your favorite WordPress alternatives!
