Posted on Apr 14, 2014

What You May Not Know About WordPress

What You May Not Know About WordPress

 

WordPress is the most popular website builder available – by a long haul. All over the world designers use it every day to create every type of website that you can imagine. But despite this, WordPress is still referred to as a “blogging platform.” So here are some things you may not know about WordPress that shows it can do more than blog.

 

WordPress is a bit like…baking soda. Of course baking soda is for cooking but it has many other uses. It can unclog drains, remove ink from painted surfaces, and remove stains from stainless steel (oh, the irony!). You can use it to brush your teeth, deodorize under your arms, and exfoliate your skin. It can put out small fires and create cool children’s science-experiment volcanic eruptions.

 

As baking soda is about more than baking, WordPress is much more than blogging.

 

Static Website

 

WordPress is capable of creating beautiful static websites, also known as brochure websites. In many respects it can do this job better than any other website platform. Here is why:

 

  • It is easy to learn and use
  • It builds static websites fast
  • Customization is easy with plugins
  • Detailed customization is possible with simple HTML and CSS knowledge
  • It can grow with your business so you will not have to change platforms as your website gets bigger and more popular

 

In addition there are thousands of themes to choose from so you can get the right look.

 

Ecommerce

 

Whatever you are selling, WordPress-built websites can sell it. Several ecommerce plugins are available which can turn your website into a full-on shop or a tool to sell one or two products. You can sell goods, services, or digital items and you can use WordPress to manage your offline inventory (with plugins). Remember that your ecommerce site should also have a Pinterest account. There are WordPress plugins that help combine the two.

 

Review Website

 

A review website is not just a website that attaches graded stars or a rating to an article about a product or service. You need the right coding so that Google and the other search engines recognize that your pages are reviews, plus you need a way to categorize and compare the various reviews. Finally you need to display the content in a way that is easy for your users to read and find the information they are looking for.

 

WordPress is capable of these requirements.

 

Directories and Classifieds

 

There are lots of different types of directory and classified websites. They include the self-explanatory business directory and items-for-sale classifieds. But there are others. For example, a job listing page on a website is a directory. A list of sponsors on an arts website could be built as a directory, as could various teams and players on a sports website.

Whether your website is a directory or classifieds website, or has these functions included, WordPress can handle it.

 

Forum

 

Discussion forums remain popular places despite the growing use of social media. They work in sectors where a passionate community comes together around a common interest, and they work in help and support situations.

 

Forums have been around for years. But most forums these days are part of wider websites. A website built using WordPress can easily include a forum that retains the overall look and feel of the rest of your site.

 

And if all you want is a forum, WordPress can do that too.

 

While you’re brushing your teeth with baking soda, or using it for a variety of other ways, think about the various types of websites that WordPress is suitable for. It’s likely suitable for yours too. You’ll be off on the right track – starting from one the most versatile platforms. 

 

Editor's Pick: WP Essential / Managed WordPress

 

For those who are not technically inclined, or just very busy, new WordPress hosting solutions are now available. iPage has released the new WP Essential plan, which features integrated themes, plugins and a streamlined WordPress control panel. This allows website owners to focus on their content without the constant need to maintain the platform.  This new offering will reduce the hassles associated with running a WordPress site and leave business owners or bloggers more time to focus on their web presence.

Comments