The Indian sub-continent sees hundred of computer engineers graduate every year along with BCA and MCA qualified students, all of whom are trained in HTML programming. What goes with the education system is mostly books and exams which are offtrack with market needs. WordPress and Content Integration are two such skills.
Why WordPress
Three iconic technologies, WordPress, Blogger by Google and Adsense were launched in 2003. Blogger or blogspot was already there acquired by Google while WordPress was originally a blogging platform. Within the next few years, each of these rose to gain dominance. WordPress moved on to first become a CMS and later a full fledged content management framework. 43% of websites on internet uses. It dominates the blogging and CMS scene. There are 17 articles published on WP every second all around the world. Everyday around 500 websites are created using Word Press. The rest of the share is between Shopify, Joomla and website builders like Wix. It is free and open source consisting of 55,000 plugins and 10,000 themes. Just the stats only should convince anyone to use it.
Why CMS
A website is a piece of code written in HTML. It can be either made using a text editor or IDEs like Eclipse or Microsoft Visual Studio. Top websites of the world build for security and performance are created this way. Most websites today are dynamic showing content to visitors based on their requirement and in a language they prefer. With dynamic websites came the problem of updating content which required computer programmers to update content. Content Management Systems came along to help creators update content without the need to make changes in the code.
The year 2003 was also the time when CMS came onto the scene. A content management system is a collaboration platform where people having multiple roles like editor and authors can work on their content at the same time and publish content whenever it is ready without the need to hire a computer programmer. Even the initial design and layout can be created by anyone without writing a single line of code. Every CMS offers a front end interface where every aspect of the functionality of the website could be managed. It began with Mambo and Drupal and later was taken over by Joomla till we had WP coming on scene and casting everyone aside. Make way for the King.
The power
To demonstrate the might of WP, its creators Automattic Inc touted the famous three step installation. With themes and plugins you can create a fully functional website without writing a single line of code. Blogs, forums, e-commerce stores, directories, content galleries, portfolios virtually anything can be created. For those wanting something more than in house, paid support is also available. There are also quite a few things which happen automatically at the back end.
- SEO – With plugins like Yoast and Rank Math, SEO is a breeze. WordPress and plugin creators follow latest trends in SEO closely and incorporate them in the workflow. You are always prompted.
- Speed – Cache plugins like Litespeed and WP Super Cache give you website speed and compression.
- Design – Page builders like Site Origin and Elementor can help create any design as per your need.
- Dynamic – The core is build on dynamic web technologies. Even though your content is static, you get full advantage.
- Mobile First – WordPress themes are responsive which means your website will change the layout depending the size of screen. The complete ecosystem is focused on mobile first design, means it is intended to be viewed on mobile phones.
Why WordPress is so dominant is because it is future proof. Any new or emerging technology will find its place in WordPress in time and taken care of at the back end.
If not WordPress, then what
If you are in the market for website development chances are that you will be approached by freelancer programmers who will push you the case for HTML websites. These are usually made using Bootstrap CSS framework and is advertised using fancy words like dynamic website and responsive design and an unbelievable price. The problem begins after the website is ready and paid for. Every time a change is required, you have to approach your programmer. Updating regular content with a team of creators becomes a challenge. The biggest hit is taken by your SEO because HTML websites have virtually no SEO inserted by design because of the low cost charged by developers.
Joomla is the fifth most popular CMS if you are looking for an alternative. Wix is another popular technology which is a drag and drop website builder. A few hosting providers like GoDaddy also provide drag and drop website builders which enable you to create visually stunning website in minutes. Most of these alternatives are plagued with reduced functions as compared to WordPress.
Why WordPress
WordPress gives you control and collaboration. It is friendly, intuitive and works with ease for all. WordPress is also a good career option for content creators and integrators who wish to provide single window services to their clients. Why WordPress, because that is what WordPress junkies do throughout the day.
I am an MBA graduate with dual qualification in Finance and HR. I have done a Google Certified course in Digital Marketing. With many such qualifications under my belt, I am now focused on women entrepreneurship. With brands like SukaOne and Narisakti, I help women to make their idea to reality and navigate their way through the maze of digital work.