Why Use WordPress for Web Design?
After designing numerous static websites in straight HTML/XHTML, I found WordPress (aka WP) to be an awesome CMS (Content management system). Not only is it easier for the user, it offers a multitude of widgets and plugins allowing you to transition your website into your dream site.
Benefits of WordPress for Design
1.) Content Management System: – If you work with a team of people on your site, this allows multiple users to contribute and manage content. You can also control the data accessed by defining each of your team’s role.
If you are an individual running your site, a CMS is still very useful in allowing you to schedule content for future publication. When you post an article you have the option of changing the actual date. Once you have done that you will have access to the “Schedule” button that will save that document and publish it on the date you dedicated to it.
2. Plugins – There are literally thousands of plugin options for WP. Some of the popular plugins are:
- Google XML Sitemap – this generates a special XML sitemap which assists the Search Engines such as Google, Bing, Yahoo, etc. to index your pages
- Contact Forms – there are many different contact forms you can use that will assure usability and accessibility while still providing security features such as anti-spam.
- StatPress gives you “real time” traffic stats and information.
These are only some examples to give you an idea of the power of the WP Platform.
3. Widgets – For those of you that may have a static website and use “server side includes” – the widgets would replace your include files. WP and most themes come with a huge variety of widgets and you may also add additional widgets. These add to the functionality of your site and are very simple to use.
4. Moving an existing site to WP – I’ve been asked, “Is it difficult to move my static site to the WordPress platform?” The answer to that is no! I have moved two of my own personal static sites to this platform and it is definitely a time-saving feature for me.
Whether you want to build a static site or a blog – WP offers the options to be able to do both. One extremely valuable tool you can use when you have a static site on WP is the blog. You can add a Blog page to your static site and create regular blog posts with it. This actually keeps your static site “active” and believe me the Search Engines love it!
Additional Addons
Depending on your site’s needs, there are a lot of WP plugins that really take your site to the next level and improve the functionality of your site for your visitors.
WP Calendar – is an excellent addon that manages your events. It has a host of options and it’s very flexible.
WP eCommerce – is a complete integrated shopping cart addon. It works well for selling any type of products or services.
WordPress Database Backup provides an on-demand backup or a scheduled backup (your choice) of your WordPress database.
These are just a few of the choices you have with this platform and why WordPress Web Design is an excellent choice.
Check out Best Plugins for WordPress.
