We are often asked by clients and potential clients alike, why we use WordPress as our platform of choice to build websites. We are also very often asked whether we do build HTML websites.
In order to answer this question, we will have a look at the following important considerations:
- What is a HTML website?
- What is a WordPress website?
- Why do we prefer WordPress?
What is a HTML website?
Technically there is no such a thing as a HTML website. Technically the so-called HTML websites are actually websites that were built by using HTML, CSS and often Javascript. All there these languages are used in unison to build a complete website. In practise however a website that is built by using the mentioned three website languages are referred to as Static HTML websites or just HTML websites. The correct term would be a static website. For the purpose of this article we will refer to a HTML website.
It is important to consider the term “static” for a moment. This will enable us to differentiate between a “HTML website” and a WordPress website, amongst others. Static in this context simply means that a website is written in code and that any amendment to the website need to be done in code as well. Let’s look at an example. HTML is used to add content such as text, images, links, videos onto a website, CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) is then used to style the content that was added with HTML. CSS gives a website its unique look. If needed, JavaScript can be added to the website to give it specific functionality and render the website interactive to visitors, such as forms etc. As mentioned it is important to understand and remember that any change or amendment to the website need to be done using the mentioned three coding languages.
I think you would have noticed that this implies that unless the website owner has mastered the coding languages he/she will have to pay a designer/developer every time the website need to be updated.
What is a WordPress website?
No, it is not a blogging platform. It may have started as a blogging platform in 2003 but has grown into a complete website solution. It can literally be used for any type of website that you can imagine. WordPress falls into a category of websites which is termed CMS (Content Management System). A Content Management System is a type of website where the website owner can take control of his/her website once the designer developer has built it and handed it over. A Content Management System is a website that can be updated as often as is necessary without any knowledge of coding. If a paragraph on a specific page need to be updated or replaced in totality, the website owner can do it him/herself instantly.
It is important to know that WordPress, as is the case with other CMS websites, is also built with HTML, CSS and JavaScript. In addition to these coding languages it also employs the very powerful PHP and MySQL coding languages. These two languages are used for communication between a website and its database. For this article, we will not discuss these languages.
WordPress, as you would have noticed, is a fluid system that can be managed by any person.
Why do we prefer WordPress?
We mentioned earlier that WordPress is a Content Management System. WordPress is not the only CMS available. There are other very good CMS contenders out there, some of which we have used. We will not refer to these other CMS platforms in this article as it is not our intention to evaluate them. We have not used all of the available platforms and is therefore not able to make informed comparisons.
Back to the question; why do we prefer WordPress. Let’s have a look at a couple of reasons why WordPress is our go to platform.Wordpress is Open Source:
This simply means that WordPress’ core is free. The software that makes WordPress work out of the box is free. This equates to massive cost cuts for the end client as opposed to having the core functions developed by a developer.
- WordPress is mobile friendly:
With the continued increase in the use of mobile devices to access the internet no decent website should not be mobile friendly. The inherent mobile nature of WordPress, once again equates to cost savings as there is no need to create different set of rules for different devices as would be the case with a Static HTML website.
- WordPress has matured graciously:
WordPress was launched on 27 May 2003, which means it is now almost 14 years old. In the tech industry that is huge. This means that the software has been developed over many years into a reliable platform used by many companies and individuals. During 2016, stats showed that 26,7% of the top 10 million websites were built with WordPress.
- WordPress Community:
Since WordPress is Open Source, it has established itself as one of the biggest communities. There are literally thousands of developers who are constantly developing new functions for WordPress in the form of developing plugins. This active community also ensures that WordPress is a stable and reliable platform
- WordPress is easy to manage:
Once, a WordPress website has been created and launched it is extremely easy to maintain. If you know how to use a word editor, you will be able to manage your own website. In addition, it is also easy to update the website to ensure its integrity and security. The administration panel from where the website is managed and maintained has a very intuitive interface.
- WordPress is SEO friendly:
WordPress has been created in such a way that it is Search Engine Friendly. Its framework is constructed in such a way that it can easily be “crawled” by search engine bots. In addition there are a growing number of quality plugins available to enhance a WordPress website’s SEO.
- WordPress is E-commerce ready:
There are several E-commerce plugins available to turn your WordPress website into an online store. Some major online stores are built on the WordPress platform. WebScripto makes exclusive use of the WooCommerce plugin to build reliable online stores. This may be a topic for a future article.
- WordPress is multi-user ready:
Out of the box WordPress is already multi-user capable. This means that you can allow collaboration between different role players on your website and allocate specific functions or levels of authority to individual team members.
- WordPress integration:
WordPress works very well with most other powerful platforms out there such as email campaign software such as Aweber or Mailchimp to name two. It also integrates very well wit popular payment gateways such as Stripe or PayPal. Many South African online stores uses the PayFast Gateway as it was specifically developed for the South African market and currency.
- WordPress as a membership service:
WordPress is perfect for use as a membership service which can convert a website into additional income. If you have exclusive content WordPress can be the perfect paid membership platform for you and your members.
- WordPress design freedom:
WordPress allows website designers absolute freedom over the design aspect of a website. Although there are thousands of templates available designers have the freedom to create unique websites that meet their clients’ briefs. With WordPress, no two websites should ever look the same.
These are just some of the reasons we use WordPress exclusively. Although we offer website support and maintenance services we are excited with the level of authority with which our clients are managing the websites we have built for them. WordPress.
You are welcome to comment on the above or leave a question. Your feedback is always appreciated.
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