Is WordPress Only for Blogs?
You’ve heard of WordPress, right? You know people use it for blogging. But sometimes you hear about people using it for a website or even an online shop. What’s the deal? Isn’t WordPress just for blogs? WordPress did originally start out as a blogging platform, meaning it was just for blogs. But it’s been eating its spinach and growing big and strong. WordPress is now a hugely powerful publishing platform that allows you to create any type of website: a blog, a regular website, a regular website with a blog, an e-commerce store, an online portfolio, even an online game. So to answer your question…
Is WordPress only for blogs? NOPE!
By the way, we’re talking about self-hosted WordPress on your own domain name, not a free blog at WordPress.com. You can use WordPress to make a regular website for your business. If you also want a blog on that website, WordPress can do that too. You even get to choose where the blog appears on your website. One out of every five websites on the Internet uses WordPress. Even Fortune 500 companies like Playstation, Best Buy and Public Storage use WordPress.
Here are some examples of the many different kinds of websites made with WordPress:
agnesross.com
dcdiaperbank.org
rollingstones.com
Do you have any questions about what WordPress can do for you? Leave a comment below, and I”ll reply personally with an answer.
I’m a 58 year-old with a creative business. I don’t have a store (hopefully someday), I peddle my wares mostly at wine festivals and other “events”. And while I’m computer saavy, I’m not really social media saavy (am I spelling that right?) My website is hosted by Vistaprint and I have to admit that it’s not the greatest, but I don’t have the means for something better. I know I need to spend more time on my site, but working a full time job and making my art doesn’t leave a lot of time. Any suggestions?
Hi Audrey. I just had a peek at your website. It looks like you’re off to a good start. Here are a few suggestions for you.
The first few paragraphs on your home page are about you. This is great stuff that really builds a personal connection with visitors, but that info is probably better on your about page rather than right at the top of the home page.
When someone visits your site, they decide in about 5 seconds to stay or leave. At first glance, your site looks like a personal website and it’s hard to tell that you’re actually making and selling things. I would add info about your wind chimes and lanterns, along with some product photos to the very top of your home page. That way visitors immediately know what your site is about and if it’s what they’re looking for. It will help with SEO as well.
You might also want to rename some of your navigation menu items. These are the links on the top right of the page. Instead of ‘Fun Stuff I Make’, I would have a link to ‘Wind Chimes’ and ‘Lanterns’. Think of it like the categories in your Etsy shop. This will allow people to quickly find what they’re looking for and will also help with SEO.
I hope that helps. Keep up the great work! Every little bit helps. 🙂