3 Crazy WordPress Myths and the Facts That Will Destroy Them
What You Should Know About WordPress – Myths vs. Facts
For a CMS (Content Management System) that is so popular, there certainly are a whole lot of myths surrounding WordPress. Myths surrounding its uses, and whether or not it is the right choice for every situation.
If you’re trying to find a website solution for your blog, online store, or business, you’ve probably heard many stories—both good and bad—about WordPress that have left you scratching your head in confusion.
These are a few of the more commonly heard myths and misconceptions about WordPress and what you really need to know.
Commonly Heard WordPress Myths
Myth: WordPress is a Security Risk
Fans of custom-made, static HTML sites like to drag this myth out as the reason for remaining stuck with difficult-to-manage sites or other more challenging to use CMSs.
While WordPress may be a less secure option than a custom coded HTML site, it is by no means the huge security risk that some people would have you believe.
Fact: Putting Good Security Practices Into Place Seriously Reduce Your Risks
Driving a car increases your risk of being in a car accident, but that doesn’t mean you never drive or get in a car.
It just means you take precautions to reduce your risk when you are driving a car.
WordPress is no different.
With a few very basic security measures in place, your risk of being hacked is nearly non-existent. To start:
- Creating strong passwords, that are ideally, long, unique, and random and make sure to change them regularly.
- Never use “admin” as your user name.
- Create user accounts for any of your staff or VAs and give them only the permissions they need. Don’t make them an administrator if what they are doing for you doesn’t require administrator privileges.
- Choose a secure hosting environment.
- Keep your site’s themes and plugins up-to-date.
Myth: WordPress is Difficult to Learn
Most often heard when discussing drag-and-drop types of website builders such as Wix, Squarespace, and Weebly. This is one of the biggest myths that keep many people from even considering using WordPress for their site.
Fact: Every Website Builder has a Learning Curve
Yes, learning WordPress can be pretty overwhelming when you first get started.
Is WordPress easy to learn? The answer to this question is relative.
Here’s the thing: any software program that offers as much versatility and flexibility as WordPress does is bound to have a bit of a learning curve.
Moreover, those other website builders? Do you think they are exempt from having a learning curve?
They all have their quirks and difficulties too. One of the most significant differences is that there is a huge WordPress community that is tremendously helpful to those looking for answers.
It’s easy to install WordPress and customizing it is simple with WordPress plugins. You can even install plugins like Google Analytics to help you keep track of your site traffic.
Most WordPress users end up loving the platform because it’s easy to integrate most functions you need. If you find a good web host that can help you with the troubleshooting issues for your website or blog, then you will love WordPress.
The site you are currently on is a WordPress website.
If you ever need to know how to do anything on a WordPress site, simply spending 30 seconds on YouTube, Google, or any search engine researching what you want or need to do will reveal the answer.
Myth: WordPress Is Just for Bloggers
While it may be true that WordPress was originally developed as a blogging platform. WordPress has made many changes and evolved over the past several years, making it the ideal choice for a variety of website needs.
Fact: Themes & Plugins Make WordPress Work for Nearly Every Situation
Whether you want to build a membership site, an e-commerce site, a sales page, a business directory, or a simple “brochure” style website, WordPress is designed to handle it all.
There are thousands of plugins and specialty, premium WordPress themes available to extend the basic functionality and encompass nearly anything you can dream of.
The fact that WordPress is by far the most commonly used CMS online today. That simple fact alone should reassure you that these myths are just that…myths.
However, don’t take my word for it. Try WordPress out for yourself, and I think you’ll agree.
Ready to get started with your own blog? My step-by-step how to start a blog tutorial will walk you through setting up your blog in less than an hour!
Great points, especially the learning curve! Every site and program is different and they all have their learning curve, but once you start to figure it out you may just surprise yourself!