WordPress is one of the largest open-source content management platforms in the world. With millions of users worldwide, it’s understandable that there are some myths around using the platform. Since there is so much information out there, it can also be difficult to keep up-to-date with all of the latest news about the platform.
Unfortunately, myths can prevent people from taking advantage of a very helpful resource that can work for all kinds of businesses. In this article, we will debunk two of the most common myths about the CMS, and demonstrate why WordPress is actually the best platform for any kind of website.
Common Myths about WordPress Debunked
Myth 1: WordPress isn’t secure
Over the years, there have been some security issues on the WordPress platform. However, staying on top of cybersecurity is a reality of being on any platform, and is not something you are ever going to get away from.
Some of the most notorious security breaches occurred in 2007/2008, 2009, 2013 and 2015. However, all of these threats were quickly addressed with WordPress updates.
Some might argue that a platform needs to provide a 100% guarantee that it will always be secure, but this is simply not possible with the adaptability of hackers online. In fact, instead of focusing on security threats, which are inevitable, people looking for a CMS should instead look at how the organization responds and handles a breach or threat.
As an open-source platform, which is one of the distinct advantages of WordPress, it is a reality that some plugins and certain open-source features might be open to attack. It is WordPress’s responsibility to provide overarching security for all users, but the truth is that users also need to take a level of responsibility when it comes to securing their site. This includes regularly updating your site and plugins, and being highly suspicious of malware.
If you had any doubt about how seriously WordPress takes security, you can take a look at their security white paper and their security archive. Both demonstrate a consistent approach to resolving security issues. The fact that WordPress has evolved and is still going, despite security breaches and threats, attests to the fact that there is a team doing the best they can to constantly stay on top of issues, which is a full-time occupation!
Myth 2: WordPress is only for blogs and certain websites
For some reason, there is a myth that WordPress is only appropriate for certain websites, but this is simply not the case.
The open-source nature of the platform means that it is literally open to everyone, no matter what website you would like to create (unless of course, the nature of the site violates any of the terms of use).
If you’re a small business starting out, or a larger business that is looking for an adaptable platform on which to build and evolve their site, this CMS is for you. WordPress might have a reputation for being used for blogs, but this really speaks to how easy it is to use and its versatility.
As we discussed above with regards to security, WordPress has also gone through multiple evolutions over the years, which means the functionality it supports also continues to advance considerably.
While custom-built sites might be appropriate for some, WordPress has shown that anyone can build a website on the platform. The benefit of using WordPress is that you also don’t have to know how to code to take advantage of SEO, security, and other features.
Since it is a versatile platform, you can also get developers involved to enhance your site, especially if you need to focus on building backend functionality to support certain kinds of features which plugins might not be able to cover.
Is WordPress for You?
As we already mentioned, as an open-source platform, WordPress is for everyone. Your site can be as simple or complex as you like. If you’re an entrepreneur starting a business, you can absolutely build your own site. It might just require a bit of effort, time, and process to go through all the steps, but it can be done.
If you’re a larger business, you might need to get developers involved to build complex functionality as you scale, but know that you can get the support you need along the way.
This is because, in addition to a security team that is constantly on the lookout for threats, another advantage of using WordPress is that there is a strong community of developers and users all over the world who can support you with whatever issues you have.
Who knows? Maybe after debunking these myths, you might become one of the millions of dedicated WordPress users and evangelists yourself!
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