Wordpress as a Content Management System

Wordpress already has a great reputation for blogging software, but what about for general content management.  I think it is the logical choice in many situations.

Obviously, I like Wordpress enough to use it for this site.  What makes me think it is a good content management solution for more than just blogs?  Here are a few:

1)  Wordpress is easy to use.  Simplify, simplify, simplify.  Want to add fresh, new content on your site easily?  It doesn’t get much easier than Wordpress.  It’s not even tough to change your static content.

2)  Wordpress has a very flexible look and feel.  There are countless free templates out there, and it isn’t very difficult to make your own or too expensive to have someone create one for you.  True, this exists with other content management systems as well, but Wordpress is considerably more straigtforward than most in its administration.

3)  Wordpress is free and widely available.  It is easy to find a cheap hosting package that includes Wordpress.  Wordpress runs on a free database (MySQL) which helps your hosting company keep costs down and pass the savings along to you.

4)  Wordpress is widely supported.  Lots of people are using Wordpress and developing plugins and widgets that extend its functionality.  You won’t be left out on your own with Wordpress.

5) Search engines LOVE Wordpress.  It is very easy to install, configure, and maintain plugins that let search engines know about your site, and FAST.  Want to get into Google and notify them when you add updates?  Not a problem!

6)  Wordpress is built around dynamic content.  If you are selling a catalog full of products, Wordpress may not be for you.  But if you are selling a service or expertise, Wordpress lets you add content and information about your area of expertise with great ease.  Put up your static content and leave it.  For you, the real bucks are going to be made with your demonstrated knowledge of an ever-changing industry.

7)  Wordpress handles the major issues.  You do what you do, not run web sites.  With a little help, you can get your Wordpress environment set up and going and maintain the meat of the website without dealing too much with technical details.  Even if you do need help, there are lots of Wordpresss users and experts who can help.