What’s WordPress?
A consistent question I get asked is: Do I have to know how to code to use WordPress? And my answer is always a resounding “fuck no.”
I hate coding, which is precisely the reason I build websites using WordPress – because WordPress does not require me to ever touch code (although you can if you’d like).
Back in the day, before WordPress, developers and designers were the only people who could build websites because most sites – even simple local business and app sites – were built using HTML, CSS and Flash.
Today, just about anyone can use a content management system (CMS), which is like an easy-to-use website builder for non-coders.
Here’s a glimpse of what the backend of a WordPress website looks like:
Launched in 2003, WordPress began as a personal blogging platform.
I first learned about WordPress around 2009, when my professor made us create a blog for a class assignment.
Today, it’s is the world’s most popular CMS.
Drupal and Joomla are two others, but I’m not a fan of them at all.
First and foremost, Drupal and Joomla are way harder to use; and therefore, manage and sell.
Second, there’s a lot less support for these platforms because they’re not very popular.
Why WordPress?
Everyone (small and big; simple and complex) uses WordPress.
Because everyone uses WordPress, and because you’re interested in full stack marketing, it’s safe to say you’re going to work with a client – sooner rather than later – whose site is built on WordPress. And it’s likely that this person is going to want you to know how to use it.
It’s easy to use.
WordPress is ridiculously easy to install.
It’s customizable.
There’s massive support for WordPress.
Because WordPress is massively popular, it has significantly more plugins, themes and talent readily available to help you if you get stuck on something.
Seriously, just join a Slack group with technical people (here’s another list of Slack groups and one more), and anyone will be able to help you. There’s also probably Facebook Groups you could join as well.
“There’s a HUGE support community. WordPress isn’t just software, it has become a community. Some might even say a movement. In fact, WordCamps (1-3 day training sessions) have sprung up from grassroots efforts.” (Source)
It’s free.
It’s responsive.
It’s easy to manage.
Because it’s easily manageable, it’s easy to make changes to the site without having to call a programmer.