WordPress is open source software originally designed for blogging (specifically, a blog publishing system), however it has become so powerful and popular that it’s being used by many business as their primary website tool. It is written in PHP and backed by a MySQL database.
Feature Highlights
- Not a web cms, but a “publishing platform”
- Requires a server that supports PHP and MySQL
- Can be used for managing regular web pages, not just blogs
- Great for small sites that are regularly updated with new content
- Wide range and selection of plugins
Advantages
- FREE
- Ideal for frequent blog article writing but can also be used as a regular site
- Does not require any knowledge of HTML
- Extremely well received amongst Web developers
- Google friendly
- SEO compatible
- Very customizable and easy to learn
- Designed for high visitor traffic (so will not break down)
- Lots of plugins to customize with: simple or complex
- Compatible with PayPal and Google Maps
- Lots of tutorials available
Disadvantages
- Manipulating some features, such as esthetics or post dates or order of categories, requires some knowledge of CSS and WP coding.
- Navigational structure is determined by the layout template (so it’s difficult to make major changes once a template has already been implemented)
- Not best option for larger sites (manly intended for blogs)
Additional Comments
- Book “WordPress for Dummies” is highly recommended
- Before beginning, it is strongly recommended that new users review all free tutorials & lessons available
