10 Reasons To Use WordPress As Your CMS

A couple of years ago, WordPress — a state-of-the-art publishing platform — was almost synonymous with blogging. After all, the initial purpose and continued focus of WordPress software is blogging. However, it is also very well-suited as a CMS.

Below, we’ve listed some top reasons why you should consider using WordPress as a CMS for your website.

10. Free to use

Like many other open source content management systems, WordPress is free. At that price, it’s worth a try!

To get the software, you can download it http://wordpress.org/download/.

9. Minimal server requirements

WordPress is compatible with most hosting environments, Linux and Windows. The only requirements for use are that the server runs PHP 4.3+ and MySQL 4+. Additionally, Apache (or Litespeed) is strongly recommended so that all features could be taken advantage of.

8. Easy to install

Believe it or not, you can get WordPress up and running in 5 minutes! Don’t believe us? Take a look at their Famous 5-Minute Install.

7. Easy to upgrade

Unlike some content management systems, upgrading from version to version is fairly painless. In fact, it is even quicker than the install.

Even better, plugins can be upgraded with a simple click of a button.

6. Extensive documentation

As with any software package, you may have questions about installation, configuration, and use. WordPress has a wealth of documentation covering just about any topic or question you can think up.

Documentation can be viewed at http://codex.wordpress.org/Main_Page.

5. Frequent version releases

Although WordPress is already a great product, the WordPress developers are still hard at work, continually improving the software and incorporating user feedback and feature requests.

Unlike other content management systems which are orphaned or only updated sporadically, WordPress’ regular updates and patches keep it secure and cutting edge.

4. A plethora of features

WordPress has a wealth of innate features to facilitate the creation of blogs and complete websites. Some great features include:

• search-engine-friendly urls
• support for multiple templates
• easy management of uploaded files
• scheduling of posts
• user management
• built-in WYSIWYG editor
• revision tracking

3. API Framework

One of the best things about WordPress is its API (Application Programming Interface). The API enables complete customization of the software via the creation of additional functions or plugins. See the WordPress documentation for more information.

2. Large and loyal user community

Many thousands of websites use WordPress. And as a result, a large community of users has been developed. One of the advantages of having these users is that there is a lot of shared knowledge that can be obtained all around the internet. In addition, WordPress hosts a support forum where questions can be asked and answered by the community.

Even better, however, is that the community contributes the bulk of the plugins and themes that are freely available and hosted at WordPress.org. In fact, new plugins and themes are released everyday. This means that you can easily find a plugin to extend the functionality of your WordPress website.

1. Simple to use

WordPress has a very intuitive interface that requires very little training to use. Anyone can become a WordPress expert within a few uses.

Clearly, WordPress is an invaluable CMS. If you aren’t already using WordPress, we suggest you give it a try.