There used to be a time when creating websites were difficult. In the 1990s and early 2000s when first websites were designed, they all were based on codes. They all were created by developers using basic HTML and CSS.

Updating them was an even more tedious task. Every time new data had to be displayed, developers had to do it manually by again editing the codes. Everything was both complicated and confusing for developers let alone the common users.

So basically, if you didn’t take the necessary classes, you wouldn’t have had a clue on how to launch a site without the help of a professional.

Of course, millions of custom built sites, even as of today are still based on manual coding, which explains why they can be expensive.

But guess what, long gone are the days when without having extensive knowledge about coding you wouldn’t be able to set up your site.

Today all you have to do is to choose a proper web hosting and a CMS, and within 5-10 minutes you are all set to go. And this brings us to the question, What is Wordpress? It is your user-friendly platform towards creating your website.

In this article, you are going to get familiar with some of the basics associated with this amazing blogging and content management system. And when you reach the end, you might just be inspired to get that website of yours off the ground.

What Is Wordpress?

As it has already been stated, it is a user-friendly platform. But what exactly does this mean to you?

Well, in very straightforward terms, Wordpress does all the coding for you. This translates into a platform where you interact with the system much like you would with the operating system of your computer (Windows, Apple). Instead of punching in a bunch of complex code, everything is simplified and presented in a user-friendly manner.

However, it’s not just a platform that makes website creation easier. It also comes with a bunch of tools to help you boost the visibility for your site. More details about how Wordpress is utilized will be discussed later, but for now, you should know it is not an intimidating experience.

In fact, a 10-minute tutorial is enough to let you spread your wings and experiment.

But once again, you have to use the tools effectively if ranking the site is a priority.

Is Wordpress The Best Platform?

You should know that it isn’t the only platform available to you. There are others, and they provide a different experience and approach.

For example, some of them are still very code-based, but this gives the creator more control. Others are almost similar to this platform but are slightly inferior in terms of the integrated functionalities they make available to their users.

Plus, it says a lot about a platform when most of the websites on the internet are using it, even big and influential companies. But this doesn’t necessarily mean YOU are going to love it.

The fact is that people have different opinions, even things like web creation platforms.

So take the time to explore your options, but keep in mind that Wordpress has a very strong reputation for a good reason. In addition to making sure the plugins of your site are updated as they should be and giving you easy access towards becoming a webmaster, WP is a leading name on the internet.

Why Is Wordpress User-Friendly?

Now, you might be wondering just how user-friendly Wordpress really is?

Well, to give you some idea of what’s waiting, you operate from a dashboard with quick-navigation tabs on the side panel. These tabs will take you wherever you need to be, from choosing and editing the theme to installing and customizing plugins, it really doesn’t get easier than this.

But what about professionals who need more control?

Wordpress does allow for you to make code changes to a certain degree, so even professionals will be more than happy with the options they get.

The Difference Between Free And Premium Themes

In order to get your website up and running, you will have to install a theme. You’ll be given a choice between a free or premium theme, and both categories have thousands of options. But what are the differences between the two except for one costing money?

With a free theme, you will be limited in certain ways. For example, you will only get to change the theme up to a specific point, whereas premium theme owners can do a lot more. But this doesn’t mean you should check out all your options.

If you are just starting out and learning the tricks of the trade, testing with a free theme might be the best way to go. Only when you are serious about your website should you consider spending money on a premium theme.

Premium themes also offer a more unique look, given that they are not readily available like free themes. So, with a free theme, you risk blending into the crowd, which is not something you want.

Everything Depends On You

Even if you use the most powerful platform for your website, it doesn’t necessarily mean success is waiting. The reality is that there are thousands of sites you’ll be competing against, and if you just slap a site together in five minutes, you can’t expect it to reach or sustain a high ranking.

Thought, creativity, and effort need to go into every step if you want to stand out and be noticed. You should also consider how popular the niche for the website is, and whether you execute the right search engine optimization tactics. Wordpress can only take you so far. It’s up to you to make it the rest of the way.

Are you still wondering what Wordpress is? Or are you thinking about registering and starting your website right now? Yes, with such an easy and powerful platform, the idea of finally launching your site doesn’t have to be a dream anymore.