It’s been bothering me for some time now.
More and more clients and prospects have been expressing their frustrations with their websites.
The story usually goes something like this: They pay a web developer thousands of dollars to build a basic site with custom coding (or try to improve the website they already have) and they’re upset with the results. Then they feel stuck with a site they can’t stand and can’t even change because it’d cost too much. What’s more, they feel trapped by the programmer/designer who they have to rely on to make even the simplest changes to the site.
Now don’t get me wrong, my purpose is not to blast web designers. There are plenty of excellent, professional web designers around who provide a very valuable service.
However, many small business owners are just in need a basic, clean and professional looking site that’s easy to update and maintain and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. Fortunately, just such an option exists.
If you haven’t met already, allow me to introduce you to WordPress.
Originally a software package used primarily for blogging, WordPress has become an amazingly robust Content Management System that small business owners can use to easily create professional looking websites for their businesses.
Here are 7 reasons WordPress may be the perfect option for your small business’ website:
1. It’s FREE. Simply go to WordPress.org and you can download the software – for free! The only thing you’ll have to pay for is hosting (which you’ll have to do for pretty much any business website). The good news is there are a number of quality hosting companies where you can host your WordPress site for just $5 – $10 per month. And many of them offer an option called Fantastico (at no additional charge) that lets you install WordPress in just a few clicks without having to download the software. Which leads us to reason 2 for using WordPress . . .
2. Ease of Use. Besides being easy to install, WordPress is very easy to use. Sure, if you’re technically challenged, there will be a learning curve in using WordPress. But there are plenty of tutorials around on the web to help you. And once you get the hang of things it’s quite easy to add or update content – it’s basically like using a word processing program like Microsoft Word. You don’t need to have a programming bone in your body to successfully maintain a WordPress site.
3. Themes. There are hundreds (if not thousands) of themes available for WordPress. A theme is basically a template that changes the look and feel of your WordPress site (a theme can also alter the behind-the-scenes options to make WordPress even easier to customize and use). Some of these themes are free, others you have to pay for. You can also have a custom theme designed so your site meets your exact specifications.
Using themes you can pretty much get whatever look and feel you want for your WordPress site. And if you get tired of one theme, simply install another and you can instantly and completely change the look of your site – without having to touch the core content already on the site.
4. Plugins. A plugin is a piece of software you can add to your WordPress site that enhances the functionality of WordPress. There are plugins that help with your site’s search engine optimization, improve site security, fight spam, design a contact form, add e-commerce functionality, etc. And the best part is most of these plugins are free!
5. Search Engine Optimization. The search engines LOVE WordPress sites. Add a few SEO-friendly plugins and then you’ll really be in good shape.
6. Support. WordPress is an extremely popular and commonly used piece of software. There are thousands of people available to help you if you have problems. Whether it’s asking for help in a forum or hiring a WordPress pro, a solution to whatever issue you may have is not far away.
7. Freedom. When you host your own WordPress site, you’re in control. You can easily edit content, add new pages or posts to your site, switch hosts, etc. yourself. If you hire someone to do these things for you and decide you’re not happy with them, there are plenty of other fish in the WordPress design/programming/support sea.
There are certainly situations where having a custom designed website done by a qualified professional makes a lot of sense. However, for many small business owners that just need a basic site and/or blog, I’d look no further than WordPress. It’s tough to beat it’s combination of price, flexiblity and functionality.
Related posts:
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- Blogging for Small Business Resources
- Two Reasons Why Google AdWords Just Became Even More Powerful
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Isn’t WP wonderful Adam? I hear many of the same frustrations from clients. WP is a great solution for many of them.
Not to mention, just the act of blogging can increase your landing pages, long tail rankings and overall site ranking. If there’s one thing I could emphasize to business owners, its that blogging is one of the best (and cheapest!) investments you can make for your online strategy.