Min Koontz

Written by Min Koontz

Modified & Updated: 20 Feb 2025

29-facts-about-wordpress
Source: Devopsschool.com

WordPress powers over 40% of websites on the internet. But what makes it so popular? Flexibility and ease of use are key. Whether you're a blogger, business owner, or developer, WordPress offers something for everyone. It’s open-source, meaning anyone can contribute to its growth. With thousands of themes and plugins, customization is endless. Plus, it’s SEO-friendly, helping your site rank higher on Google. Security is also a priority, with regular updates to keep your site safe. Curious about more? Here are 29 facts that will deepen your understanding of this powerful platform.

Key Takeaways:

  • WordPress is a popular and versatile platform that powers almost half of the internet. It offers a wide range of plugins, themes, and security features, making it a top choice for websites of all kinds.
  • With WordPress, users can easily customize their websites, create e-commerce stores, and improve their SEO. Its flexibility, strong community, and support for multiple languages make it a powerhouse for web development.
Table of Contents

WordPress: The Powerhouse of the Web

WordPress powers a significant portion of the internet. Its versatility and ease of use make it a favorite among bloggers, businesses, and developers. Here are some fascinating facts about WordPress.

  1. 01

    WordPress powers over 40% of all websites on the internet. This means nearly half of the web relies on this platform.

  2. 02

    It started as a blogging platform in 2003. Matt Mullenweg and Mike Little created it to enhance the b2/cafelog blogging software.

  3. 03

    WordPress is open-source. This means anyone can use, modify, and distribute it for free.

  4. 04

    There are over 58,000 plugins available. These plugins extend the functionality of WordPress, allowing users to add features like contact forms, SEO tools, and more.

  5. 05

    WordPress themes number over 8,000. Themes change the look and feel of a website, offering endless customization options.

  6. 06

    It supports over 70 languages. This makes it accessible to users worldwide, regardless of their native language.

  7. 07

    WordPress.com and WordPress.org are different. WordPress.com is a hosted service, while WordPress.org provides the software for self-hosting.

  8. 08

    Major brands use WordPress. Companies like The New Yorker, BBC America, and Sony Music trust it for their websites.

  9. 09

    WordPress is mobile-friendly. Many themes are responsive, meaning they adapt to different screen sizes.

  10. 10

    It has a strong community. Developers, designers, and users contribute to its growth and improvement.

WordPress Security and Updates

Security is a top priority for any website owner. WordPress takes this seriously, offering regular updates and security features.

  1. 11

    WordPress releases updates frequently. These updates fix bugs, improve performance, and enhance security.

  2. 12

    It has built-in security features. These include password protection, user roles, and automatic updates.

  3. 13

    There are security plugins available. Plugins like Wordfence and Sucuri help protect websites from threats.

  4. 14

    WordPress has a dedicated security team. This team monitors vulnerabilities and works to keep the platform safe.

  5. 15

    Two-factor authentication is supported. This adds an extra layer of security to user accounts.

WordPress Customization and Flexibility

One of WordPress's strengths is its flexibility. Users can customize their sites to meet their specific needs.

  1. 16

    Custom post types are available. These allow users to create different types of content, like portfolios or testimonials.

  2. 17

    It supports custom fields. These fields let users add extra information to their posts and pages.

  3. 18

    WordPress has a built-in editor. The Gutenberg editor allows users to create complex layouts with blocks.

  4. 19

    Shortcodes simplify tasks. These small code snippets can embed files or create objects within posts.

  5. 20

    It integrates with other platforms. Users can connect their WordPress site to social media, email marketing services, and more.

WordPress for E-commerce

WordPress isn't just for blogs. It's also a powerful tool for e-commerce.

  1. 21

    WooCommerce is the leading e-commerce plugin. It powers over 28% of all online stores.

  2. 22

    WooCommerce is highly customizable. Users can add features like payment gateways, shipping options, and product variations.

  3. 23

    WordPress supports digital downloads. Users can sell e-books, music, software, and more.

  4. 24

    It integrates with payment processors. PayPal, Stripe, and other payment gateways work seamlessly with WordPress.

  5. 25

    WordPress can handle large stores. It scales well, making it suitable for both small and large e-commerce sites.

WordPress and SEO

Search engine optimization (SEO) is crucial for website visibility. WordPress offers many tools to help with this.

  1. 26

    WordPress is SEO-friendly. Its code is clean and well-structured, making it easy for search engines to crawl.

  2. 27

    SEO plugins enhance optimization. Plugins like Yoast SEO and All in One SEO Pack provide tools for improving site rankings.

  3. 28

    It supports permalinks. These customizable URLs help improve SEO and user experience.

  4. 29

    WordPress allows for easy content updates. Regularly updating content can boost SEO rankings.

The Final Word on WordPress Facts

WordPress isn't just a blogging tool; it's a powerhouse that runs over 40% of the web. From its humble beginnings in 2003, it has grown into a versatile platform used by millions. With its open-source nature, anyone can contribute to its development, making it a constantly evolving tool. The vast library of plugins and themes allows for endless customization, catering to both beginners and experts. Security is a top priority, with regular updates to keep sites safe. Plus, the supportive community offers a wealth of resources for troubleshooting and learning. Whether you're building a personal blog or a complex e-commerce site, WordPress has the tools you need. Its flexibility, ease of use, and robust features make it a go-to choice for web development. So, dive in and see what WordPress can do for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is WordPress?
WordPress is a popular tool for creating websites. From simple blogs to complex portals and enterprise websites, it powers a significant portion of the internet. Easy to use and flexible, it makes website design accessible to everyone.
How much does WordPress cost?
Good news! WordPress software itself is free. However, to make your website live, you'll need a domain name and web hosting, which do cost money. There are also premium themes and plugins for additional costs, but they're optional.
Can WordPress handle big websites?
Absolutely! WordPress is mighty and can support websites with thousands of pages and millions of monthly visitors. Large organizations and media sites use it, proving its capability to handle heavy traffic and complex requirements.
Is WordPress just for blogging?
Not at all. While it started as a blogging platform, WordPress has evolved into a full-fledged content management system. You can create any type of website, including online stores, portfolios, and business sites.
How customizable is WordPress?
Highly customizable! With thousands of themes and plugins, you can modify your site's appearance and add features without writing a single line of code. Whether you're aiming for a specific design or functionality, there's likely a solution available.
Is WordPress SEO-friendly?
Yes, WordPress is designed with SEO in mind. Its code follows best practices, making sites attractive to search engines. Plus, numerous SEO plugins can help optimize your content, ensuring better visibility.
How secure is WordPress?
WordPress is secure, but like any website platform, it requires maintenance and care. Regular updates, strong passwords, and security plugins can help protect your site from threats. Also, choosing a reputable hosting provider adds another layer of security.
Can I move my existing website to WordPress?
Definitely! Migrating a website to WordPress is a common practice. Tools and services are available to help transfer content from other platforms. While it might seem daunting, plenty of guides and professionals can make the transition smooth.

Was this page helpful?

Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.