Why Should a Small Business Use WordPress?

September 4, 2023
No-Code Websites, Small Business Marketing, Small Business Websites

When creating a website for your small business, WordPress stands out as a popular choice. Its user-friendly content management system (CMS) is a key draw, but there are numerous other benefits and drawbacks to consider. So why should small businesses use WordPress? Let’s explore the pros and cons of this platform.

User Friendly

The obvious benefit of WordPress is that it is a content management system which means people with no coding experience can edit pages and posts themselves. This is as opposed to custom-coded websites that you need to hire a developer to build and you cannot edit without them.

Cost Effective

Compared to custom-coded websites, WordPress is cost-effective. It provides a vast library of pre-built components and themes, saving you time and money on development. Think of it like Legos. With WordPress, you have thousands of Lego blocks, all different colors and shapes and you can use them to build anything you want. With a custom site, you don’t have any legos, you need to make the building blocks yourself, meaning it’s a lot more time-consuming and therefore more expensive.

Extensive Plugin Ecosystem

So if you don’t make the building blocks yourself who does? Well, WordPress is an open-source platform which means that any developer can build WordPress tools (called plugins) and offer or sell them to anyone who uses WordPress. Many developers offer free plugins and make money by either having a paid version you can upgrade to, or through brand recognition, they can sell other plugins they’ve developed.

Competitive Market

So don’t these plugins leave me dependent on a developer? Not necessarily; with so many developers out there creating WordPress plugins, there is always another option. It’s a highly competitive space which means the customer is in control. If you’re not happy with a plug-in you can just replace it.

Scalability

Small businesses often experience growth over time. WordPress is highly scalable, allowing you to expand your website’s capabilities as your business evolves. Whether you’re just starting or rapidly expanding, WordPress can accommodate your changing needs with ease.

Is there a downside to using WordPress?

Compatibility Issues

One negative aspect of using WordPress is that occasionally you’ll get a Lego block that doesn’t quite fit correctly. That’s when you may need to find a new block or ask the person who made that Lego to fix it. Another disadvantage is that because WordPress is so popular and widely used (and open source) it has become a target for hackers. Luckily this is preventable by taking certain security precautions.

Security Concerns

Due to its widespread popularity and open-source nature, WordPress is a prime target for hackers. However, this risk can be mitigated by taking security precautions. Implementing regular updates, strong passwords, and reputable security plugins can safeguard your website from potential threats.

Maintenance Overhead

WordPress websites require ongoing maintenance, including updates for themes, plugins, and the core platform. Neglecting these updates can lead to vulnerabilities and potential security breaches. It’s important to allocate resources for regular website maintenance.

The pros and cons of using WordPress

PROS:

  • User Friendly CMS
  • Cost Effective
  • Pre-built functionality
  • Pre-built templates
  • Many free options for design and plugins
  • Paid options for more advanced functionality
  • A competitive Market gives the user more power
  • Highly scalable

CONS:

  • Plug-ins can be abandoned and need to be replaced
  • Some plugins are not compatible
  • Can be susceptible to hackers
  • Ongoing maintenance

WordPress offers numerous advantages for small businesses, including its user-friendly CMS, cost-effectiveness, and extensive plugin ecosystem. However, it also comes with some challenges, such as compatibility issues and security concerns. By understanding both the pros and cons, you can make an informed decision on whether WordPress is the right choice for your small business website.

Share your thoughts