Of all the online content publication services available right now, WordPress is by far the most popular. The platform has certainly had more than enough time to cement itself as a leading name in simple, flexible web development.
Statistics show that more than 33% of all websites use WordPress as their development engine, with a further 60% of sites using a CMS choosing this particular platform. WordPress has become an essential part of the online landscape, and for a tool which started as a basic blogging engine, these are very impressive statistics.
However, WordPress is no longer ‘just for blogs’. While it is still popular with bloggers, entrepreneurs and SMEs, it has evolved to the point where it can feasibly support the vast majority of enterprise needs. This is not purely based on track record, though you only have to look at the big names who continue to use the platform on a daily basis. Facebook, The New York Times, eBay, Sony – all use the WordPress engine, which is always growing, on a daily basis.
With these points considered, is WordPress now an enterprise-class CMS? While it may not have started out as a CMS at all, it is clear that he has evolved far beyond its original intentions. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why WordPress could be the development platform your enterprise may be looking for.
1. WordPress is Open Source and Secure
WordPress is built to be open source, which will be of huge benefit to. Not only does this mean that there are no license fees to pay to use the system, it means it won’t force you to work with one vendor alone. Many CMS platforms are quick to sign you up to one solution provider without room for change.
Open source systems also offer a lot of freedom. It allows enterprises to build solutions more effectively, and to spend less time and money on implementing new features. This is something which appeals to all users, big enterprises and humble bloggers alike.
WordPress needs to be regularly updated to offer peak security. It is merely a case of ensuring your theme, your plugins and your core are all working on the latest versions available. This isn’t difficult to do, meaning incredible stability is offered as standard.
Security issues surrounding WordPress mainly revolve around plugins, which can be developed and maintained by third parties. The platform’s source code, however, is regularly reviewed. This means that any problems which may arise are likely to be spotted and shut down on sight. WordPress can be impressively strengthened, to the extent that world governments and leading brands rely on it.
What’s more, you can further enhance the safety and security of your site by bringing in a secure, managed hosting platform – once which relies on extensive backups.
2. WordPress is Very Easy to Use
Publishing, editing, and reserving content for future publication is a breeze. Its interface is famously friendly and easy to navigate. This is something which has resonated with everyday users and bloggers, and something which will also appeal to enterprise users. Its intuitive dashboard is straightforward even for complete novices to get to grips with, which means there is little to no need for training.
There is also a very good chance that many enterprise employees will be aware of, and will have used WordPress in the past. They may have used it for blogging, or elsewhere in their professional careers. That means you’ll be able to hit the ground running even faster. The learning curve is minimal. This is also boosted by the fact that WordPress updates itself with backwards compatibility, and never makes drastic changes to the way its dashboard appears or operates.
3. WordPress Cares About Search Engine Optimisation
Wherever you may stand on the Google algorithm debate, search engine optimisation (SEO) is still important, and is still alive and kicking. However, Google is always ready to move its goalposts around. This is not a bad thing, but it does mean that CMS platforms need to be ready to roll with the changes.
WordPress has always been happily ticking away in the background, taking notes of what changes are brought in at Google’s end. Content can be very easily optimised for SEO. You can use third-party plugins to enhance the process even further, and to tighten up your content. This means that all current algorithm requirements will be easily achievable.
4. WordPress Supports Multi-Site and Multi-Language Management
What sets SME and enterprise needs apart in terms of web content is, of course, scale. Enterprises may need to produce content on a global scale, in multiple languages, and for multiple audiences. This means deploying complex content strategies to ensure that all markets are covered. You know where we’re heading with this – WordPress can support such needs. It is always simple to create new sites, to copy content across, and to translate your existing copy.
5. WordPress is Flexible and Ready to Scale Up
WordPress offers the possibility for you to create a truly bespoke service. Enterprises will likely need access to a CMS or design service which will allow them to build their web presence from the ground-up. WordPress’ scalability means that it can be opened up to support thousands of users at any one time, and that it can be upgraded to the extent where you could be welcoming millions of visitors per month. Providing you have the right resources and infrastructure in place, there is no limit to WordPress’ potential.
Regarding flexibility, WordPress will easily integrate with a variety of third-party solutions and services. For example, you will be able to pair it with Analytics, Payment Gateways, Booking Systems, CRMs and Marketing Automation systems. You’ll also be able to simply extend your website and add e-commerce functionality and features. WordPress’ REST API will let you integrate almost any solution you have available.
WordPress is always open to bespoke functionality development, which means there is always going to be the possibility for you to add new features unique to your needs. It’s this flexibility and almost limitless potential which sets the platform apart from the pack.
By using CDN technology, managed WordPress solutions ensure that your presence is optimised worldwide, and that your sites will continue to load incredibly quickly.
Conclusion
People often overlook WordPress as a CMS which may appear too simple, or too ‘entry-level’. However, it has continued to show that it is specialised and flexible enough to support a wealth of complex demands and continued growth. This is a CMS which is used by bloggers, SMEs, entrepreneurs and big businesses alike.
WordPress is fantastic for fast-growing businesses and enterprises. Many big-name corporations are already using the platform as a result of its boundless flexibility, ease of use and open source credentials. If your enterprise is in need of a flexible and scalable development system, WordPress is a platform which could well surprise you.