Over the past decade, I've seen many businesses and nonprofits tempted by all-in-one solutions or oversimplified online website builders. I'm talking about tools like Wix or Shopify. The idea of having an A-Z ecosystem or super simple website builder is great in theory. But the majority of organizations that take this route find that they need much more scalability and flexibility. Then you also have the question of data ownership. You're really all in on a SAAS platform.
Let's break down three simple reasons to use WordPress:
1. Scalability
One of the most unique aspects of WordPress is its scalability. Your website could have 100 visitors one day and jump to 1 million the next. And everything about your WordPress installation would remain the same. The only change would be a server upgrade which can be done easily, without any changes to the actual website itself.
It's not just website traffic that scales. Additionally, you gain the ability to compile tools as you grow. A WordPress site can start as a basic information hub or simple “business card” site, grow over time to include a shopping cart system, membership portal, or an online learning tool. WordPress makes this kind of selective scalability possible.
2. Flexibility
Do you need to change your email marketing tool? How about your online donations? Perhaps you need some advanced tracking for your next marketing or donor push? No matter what you're facing, WordPress is flexible enough to leverage the right tool for the job. This prevents technology-bloat as well as a long list of features you'll never need. WordPress gives your business or nonprofit the flexibility to run effectively and efficiently. I've seen too many organizations get locked into a one-size-fits-all solution. And this traps them into a Swiss Army Knife ecosphere— when what they really need is a bread knife. Your organization is unique and fluid and your website should be, too.
3. Ownership
In an age of Big Data, data ownership and privacy is becoming increasingly important. With WordPress, you can be assured your website data is owned by you. And it won't be highjacked in the next round of Updated Terms checkbox when you sign in to an account. Ownership brings responsibility. And yet, it allows your business or nonprofit to make whatever changes and updates needed. Stop renting your website — own it!
Conclusion
So, based on just these three key components of a good website, it's easy to understand why 35%* of the internet is running on WordPress. This statistic supports the scalability and flexibility of WordPress.
Are there instances whereby there's a better solution? Absolutely.
It's worth noting that whenever I run into a situation that calls for something better, I always recommend it. Using the right tool for the job is important. But in my 20 plus years of building websites, I've found that WordPress is one of the most affordable and efficient ways to build the right website for you.
*Editor's note 2021: Now 40% of the internet is running on WordPress.