WordPress has been a leading content management system (CMS) for quite some time. However, there are a few things to take into account before you choose it for building and running your site. This guide looks into the major aspects to consider when making this choice.
Plugins
WordPress features over 40,000 plugins, so it won’t be hard to find one for every imaginable function. It’s important not to go overboard with them, though. It can be tempting because of how much functionality they add and how interesting and flexible they can make your site. Keep in mind they will slow it down if you install too many. Consider which ones you’ll really need and eschew the rest.
Security
One of the biggest downsides of using WordPress is that it can be vulnerable to threats if not properly secured. Small businesses need to take extra care to ensure that their WordPress websites are secure and protected against hacks and malware.
Errors
The most common WordPress errors are HTTP, MySQL, PHP, and JavaScript errors. You might get an error message because of a memory or server problem, a corrupted file, or because two or more plugins are incompatible. An HTTP error means the server did not transmit data to the browser. You will encounter HTTP errors the most frequently.
Other infamous errors include the white screen of death, 500 error, and database connection error.
Design
WordPress features thousands of themes, some free and some paid. Choosing a single design can be very difficult. You need to explore the features of the most suitable theme depending on the niche of the website.
Above all, consider its mobile responsiveness. The number of people who surf the net on their mobile devices is constantly on the rise. You can use Google’s mobile-friendly test tool to check the responsiveness of the design. You’ll also need to regularly update the theme because updates come with security improvements like new features and bug fixes.
Finally, don’t forget to check if the design of your choice is compatible with Yoast, All in One SEO, or another essential WordPress SEO plugin.
Updates
WordPress releases frequent updates to its platform, which can be a hassle for users unfamiliar with website maintenance. These updates are important, however, as they often contain security elements that can make your website perform better and make a positive contribution to your visitors’ user experience.
Support
Not all CMS platforms offer direct support, and WordPress is one of those that don’t. As a free, open-source project, WordPress is open to the community and has an informative support forum. It is visited by millions of people. Likewise, millions might be available to help with any platform-related issues you experience.
You might get an answer to your question within minutes – or not. There is never a guarantee. The most common issues are covered in every event.
How Many Sites Do You Run?
If you’re managing multiple sites, running them on different platforms will be costly and inefficient. Your users will navigate them more easily, and you might even save money on hosting if you have them within a single CMS. Teamwork will be more productive as well.
Third-party Integrations
WordPress websites are equipped with impressive third-party integration options. These are where your site syncs with another account or platform, allowing an open and free data exchange between your website and the third party.
Third-party integration is indispensable in today’s marketplace. A platform needs more than quality content and visually appealing images. Your online presence should be about high value for end users, automated workflow, and streamlined operations.
The Bottom Line
Hopefully, this guide clarifies the things to consider before setting your site up on WordPress. You can now make an informed decision about how to proceed.
