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I still remember the early days of my online presence, when building a website meant hiring a web developer or programmer to do it for me. The coding process was expensive and time-consuming, and only a lucky few had the skills to navigate it. But then WordPress came along, revolutionizing the way we create and manage websites. In this article, I’ll share my personal experience with WordPress, highlighting its benefits, limitations, and best practices for getting the most out of this powerful platform.
# What is WordPress?
WordPress is a software that makes it easy to build and manage websites without needing any coding knowledge. Created in 2003, it’s a Content Management System (CMS) that’s free to use and has become the most popular CMS on the market. With WordPress, you can create a website in minutes, without needing a computer science degree. It’s this ease of use that has made WordPress a go-to choice for millions of website owners around the world.
**A Brief History of WordPress**
Before WordPress, building a website required hiring a professional developer or programmer. But WordPress changed the game by creating a visual way to build websites without needing to code. This innovation made website creation accessible to non-technical people like me, and it quickly gained popularity.
**Why is WordPress So Popular?**
Today, around 43% of all websites on the internet use WordPress. Its popularity stems from its endless possibilities and flexibility. You can customize your website with thousands of free and paid themes, plugins, and extensions. With WordPress, you can create small business websites, blogging sites, e-commerce platforms, portfolio sites, and much more.
**The Two Faces of WordPress**
When researching WordPress, you’ll come across two websites: wordpress.com and wordpress.org. Here’s the difference:
* **WordPress.com**: This is where you can create a free website using WordPress’s web hosting. While it’s a great option, be aware that there are limitations to free websites, such as the inability to install plugins that can drastically improve your website’s functionality.
* **WordPress.org**: This is where you can download the WordPress software for free and use it on your own website with your own hosting. This is the best option if you want full control over your website and its features.
**Self-Hosting vs. WordPress.com**
While wordpress.com offers free website creation, I personally recommend self-hosting your website using WordPress.org. Self-hosting gives you full control over your website and its features, and it’s often more cost-effective than paying for wordpress.com’s premium services. Popular hosting companies like Hostinger offer affordable plans that include WordPress installation, making it easy to get started.
**Practical Tips for Getting the Most Out of WordPress**
If you’re new to WordPress, here are some practical tips to keep in mind:
* Always choose a reputable hosting company that offers WordPress installation.
* Explore the vast library of free and paid themes, plugins, and extensions to customize your website.
* Learn about WordPress’s front-end and back-end interfaces, and understand how to use them effectively.
* Regularly update your WordPress installation and plugins to ensure security and compatibility.
**Leaving a Legacy**
In the years since WordPress’s inception, it’s become an indispensable tool for creating and managing websites. Its innovative platform has empowered millions of users like me to create online presences without needing advanced technical skills. And with its endless possibilities, WordPress will continue to shape the future of the web, one website at a time.
As I look back on my experience with WordPress, I’m grateful for the flexibility and customization options it offers. Whether you’re a seasoned web developer or a newcomer to the world of online presence, WordPress is an excellent choice for creating and managing websites. With its vast library of themes, plugins, and extensions, you can craft a unique online presence that reflects your vision and goals.
I’ve spent years perfecting my WordPress skills, and I’m happy to share my expertise with you. In the next article, I’ll dive deeper into the world of WordPress, covering advanced topics and sharing insights from my real-world experience.
