This is the next instalment of our CMS series, where we aim to give you a bit more insight into how most websites are now built and what some of the benefits and drawbacks are with certain systems. We’ve already covered Adobe Business Catalyst, and today we’re looking at WordPress – possibly the most well known CMS to the general public.
Previously we discussed what exactly a content management system is and how it operates – you can find all that right here – but a quick recap: a CMS is basically a way to store files, but when we’re speaking in the context of a website this can also include coding that tells the internet how to read the site, plus various media like images and videos. These display in certain ways depending on the theme or layout of the site.
So What Is WordPress?
Kicking off back in 2003, WordPress (WP) was a very early adopter of the modern CMS-to-website trend and has become the popular system for casual and professional bloggers. On their site, the WP team writes that theirs is the ‘largest self-hosted blogging tool in the world, used on millions of sites and seen by tens of millions of people every day.’ So we’re not surprised if you’ve heard of it before!
The beauty of WP isn’t just the fact that it’s a CMS and it’s well known; it’s the reason behind that fame that is worth highlighting. The themes available through WP are beautiful and seamless displays that usually combine a number of recognised website design elements.
What makes it great for agencies like Wolf however is the ability to move beyond template displays; this is where the coding begins and where the simple setup of a blog ends!
Why Else Does Wolf Use WP?
Whilst the customisation and coding that agencies undertake drive your website from a simple template to a fantastic website, the basic code of WP sites is extremely clean and well structured, which is a big plus when it comes to search engine optimisation.
On top of this is the fact that the system is, first and foremost, for blogging, so when your website is ready to go, getting your thoughts out to the public is no worries at all. We like to leave out clients with a website they don’t just like the look of, but that they’re comfortable with as well – it’s the content of a blog that’s the hard part – getting your stories out there shouldn’t be.