Introduction

When you decide to build a website, the first question is usually, “Which platform should I use?” With options like Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify on the market, the choice can feel overwhelming.

However, one name stands above the rest: WordPress.

It isn’t just a blogging tool anymore. Today, WordPress powers over 43% of all websites on the internet. From massive news outlets like The New York Times to Sony Music and arguably every successful small business blog you read, WordPress is the engine under the hood.

But why is it so popular? Here is why we should use WordPress to build our digital presence.

1. It’s Free and Open Source (You Own It)

The most compelling reason to use WordPress is freedom.

Unlike website builders where you pay a monthly subscription just to keep your site existing, WordPress.org is free, open-source software. You can download it, install it, and modify it however you like.

• No “Rented Land”: When you use closed platforms (like Wix or social media), you are renting space. If they change their rules or raise prices, you are stuck.
• Total Control: With WordPress, you own your data, your content, and your code. You host it where you want, and nobody can take your website down.

2. Unmatched SEO Capabilities

If you want your website to be found on Google, WordPress is your best friend. Search engines love WordPress because its code is clean, logical, and easy for search bots to crawl.

Out of the box, WordPress handles essential SEO elements well, but its true power lies in its plugins. Tools like Yoast SEO or RankMath guide you step-by-step to optimize your content, helping you rank higher without needing to be an SEO expert.

Key Takeaway: You don’t need to be a coding wizard to rank on Google; you just need WordPress.

3. Infinite Customization (Themes & Plugins)

One common myth is that “all WordPress sites look the same.” This couldn’t be further from the truth.

WordPress works like a building block system:

• Themes: Dictate the look of your site. There are thousands of free and premium themes available. You can make your site look like a minimalist portfolio, a corporate headquarters, or a vibrant magazine with just one click.
• Plugins: Dictate the function of your site. Need a contact form? There’s a plugin for that. Need to sell products? Install WooCommerce. Need to speed up your site? Get a caching plugin.

There are currently over 59,000 free plugins in the official directory alone. If you can dream it, WordPress can do it.

4. It Scales With You

Many beginners start with a hosted solution because it seems easier, only to realize a year later that they have outgrown the platform’s limitations. Migrating a site later is a headache.

WordPress is scalable. You can start with a simple, 5-page brochure site today. Next year, you can add a blog. The year after that, you can turn it into a membership site or an eCommerce store with thousands of products. WordPress grows as your ambition grows.

5. The Community Support

Because WordPress is the most popular platform on earth, the community support is massive.

If you ever run into an issue—whether it’s a weird error message or a design tweak you can’t figure out—someone else has already solved it. A simple Google search will yield thousands of tutorials, YouTube videos, and forum discussions dedicated to that exact problem. You are never building alone.

Conclusion: Future-Proof Your Website

Choosing a platform is a business decision. While other builders offer a “quick fix,” WordPress offers a long-term foundation.

We should use WordPress not just because it is popular, but because it offers the perfect balance of ease for beginners and power for professionals. It is cost-effective, SEO-friendly, and completely under your control.

Are you ready to start your journey?