First, to understand what WordPress is, and the correlation between a platform (WordPress), framework, and theme – consider building a house. The platform (or WordPress) is your foundation, sturdy and rooted deep into the earth to provide a secure footing. The framework (of which your theme is build on) is your framing, and drywall; the quality of which is dependent on the builders. Finally, the paint, flooring, crown molding, cabinets, and countertops would be your WordPress theme; for functionality and appearance. To build an excellent house (website), all three of these parts are important, but without that sturdy foundation – the house would crumble.
In 2003, WordPress was created as the simple solution for the everyday blogger. Significantly reducing the need of costly web developers, WordPress was an easy cost-effective alternative for the everyday man and woman whom needed a blog.
While still the most suggested and most popular tool for bloggers, WordPress’ newly grown legs let the beast walk out of the calmed blogger lakes and spread across the lands. With the changing web demographics, WordPress’ genetics went through rapid evolution, creating the all around website solution it is today. The evolution was driven by its open-source methodology, which enabled development by the masses.
Why WordPress has created such a hype:
#1 The Platform
As a semantic personal publishing and buildable CMS platform – WordPress holds the power of e-commerce compatibility, SEO execution, and so much more. Professional, secure, and easy to backup, WordPress as a platform holds more value than what meets the eye.
#2 Ease of use
WordPress is organized, easy to learn, and inexpensive. The themes cover the hard coding, while plugins and widgets cater to thousands of additional needs, such as: increased functionality, user friendliness, and user interaction.
The everyday person can easily set up a website in a cost effective and time efficient manner. Simply by typing and clicking, one can have a professional or personal website up in the matter of minutes.
#3 Compatibility
While there are many different independent frameworks, combining different themes or plugins, there is always the constant variable of WordPress. Focusing on an end result (your website), each combination must include WordPress and the addition of a framework and theme (or plugin).
Compatibility is wide spread throughout WordPress. One plugin built on a single framework will work for themes derived from different frameworks (if developed correctly). This allows everyone to benefit from developments on WordPress.
Why does this matter? It has created a never ending cycle of improvement and advancements, which allows for continuously improved finished products for WordPress users.
#4 Features
The expansion of WordPress has had a chain reaction in the features offered. Every website is built with a purpose in mind, whether it be: blogging, awareness, socialization, personal, or selling products and services. WordPress caters to any and every website need.
#5 Online awareness – SEO friendly
People spend thousands and thousands of dollars on Search Engine Optimization (SEO). In short, SEO involves many parts and pieces that most people do not even understand. Luckily, with a couple of simple plugins, you can have the ability to promote every page and post you put up.
#6 Monetization
Monetization through WordPress websites should be titled, “generating revenue online for dummies.” It’s so simple, kids are doing it. Aside from selling products and services, setting up affiliate offerings and promoting ad’s literally involves a few clicks. With implementation, you can go to sleep and wake up a few dollars richer every day.
WordPress has come a long way since its’ beginnings. It has proved to be a solid foundation for web development and users a like. With the rapid evolution of WordPress and its growing functionalities, it is exciting to see what the future holds for this amazing platform.
For an excellent selection of easy to build responsive WordPress themes, visit CyberChimps.com/store/. If you’re looking to create a website, or planning on refurbishing your existing website, these themes will get you pointed in the right direction.
Is your business in need of help? To inquire about CyberChimps Enterprise Consulting Services, please visit our website at: CyberChimps.com/consulting/.
Article by Grant Lapinski, Business Development Supervisor, CyberChimps Inc.
