No better time like today to convert your old HTML site to WordPress content management system (CMS). Why you ask? Here are 10 reasons why WordPress CMS makes the most sense.

Reason 1 – Everyone else is doing it

According to a daily report by w3techs.com, over 50% of all websites that utilize some type of content management system use WordPress. That’s over 16% of all websites world wide. The usage of WordPress as a preferred CMS has increased by 3% in just one year, while other CMS like Joomla, Drupal, vBulletin and Blogger, to name a few, either lost market share or gained very little.

Reason 2 – Versatility and customization

WordPress was originally created as a blogging software. But over the years it has evolved into a versatile CMS that can be used to manage any site. Nowadays, WordPress is used to power all kinds of websites: corporate brochure sites, online shopping sites (e-commerce), photography and art galleries, small businesses like hair salons and catering companies, vendor directories, social communities, etc.

Creating the look and feel for your websites can’t be any easier with WordPress themes. There are multiple sources on free and low-cost templates on the web. But for truly one-of-a-kind website, a custom theme development is the way to go. Here at Velvet Ink Media in Tampa we specialize in creating custom websites for companies of all industries and sizes.

Reason 3 – User-friendly

If you can send a text message or edit a text document, you can manage your own WordPress site with a simple visual editor. It’s that easy! No more calling a web master and waiting for days to correct a typo. What if you have a limited time offer? By the time a web master gets to it, the offer will be worthless and you just lost potential customers. With tools like text and image editors, shortcodes and widgets, WordPress gives you the freedom to manage the content on your website on your terms and your time.

Reason 4 – Adding functionality is a snap!

WordPress developers have built an large library of plugins (over 19,000!) which can be used to extend the functionality of your website. Forms, calendars, website security and back-up, comprehensive SEO, page pagination, spam protection, e-commerce, image galleries, and so much more. With multiple versions, plugins are easy to install and try out. Some plugins can be used right “out-of-the-box” while some must be configured and styled to fit the look of your website. Again, that’s when the help of a professional WordPress developer is priceless. At Velvet Ink Media, we have used a ton of plugins over the years, so we can help you find and install the right one for your website.

Reason 5 – Integration with other software

Recognizing the value of WordPress, many software companies now offer complete WordPress integration of their products either through plugins or API. CRM, Amazon, Constant Contact and MailChimp, IDX feed, social networks like Facebook and Twitter – just to name a few.

Reason 6 – Multi-site use

You can use WordPress to create a network of sites with multiple users and multiple sub-domains. For example, you are a landlord who manages several apartment complexes. Each complex can have its own website to provide information to current and potential tenants. However, you can easily manage every site from one admin panel and allow access to your colleagues to perform certain functions, like write a blog or update an events calendar.

Reason 7 – SEO

WordPress offers  several built-in search optimization tools. Simple site navigation and permalink structure help search engines crawl your website and gather information necessary to index your pages in its database. Great third-party plugins are available to expand  SEO functionality. But since search engines actually read your website, the key driver in SEO success is the content that you place on every page and post. No one can do this for you (except for content writers which cost money) but you. So use the tools at your fingertips to drive traffic to your site.

Reason 8 – Open-source software

What does that mean? It means that multiple developers put their brains together to come up with this great software and made it available to everyone for free. The software is licensed under GPL. It also means that WordPress is constantly evolving, changing and improving as more people join the circle and come up with better solutions.

Now, it is not to say that anyone and everyone can use it. WordPress provides a solid CMS foundation which can be customized to fit anyone’s needs. Expert knowledge of PHP/MySQL is needed to manipulate the code. That’s why hiring a expert developer, like Velvet Ink Media team, is always a good idea.

Reason 9 – Support and upgrades

Since WordPress is an open-source software, there’re tons of information available to help you address any issues: developers, user forums, tutorials, etc. WordPress software can be installed on Windows or Linux servers; most web hosting companies offer a “one-click” installation. Velvet Ink Media offers hosting services, which means we take care of installation, server configuration and maintenance for you.

WordPress regularly releases upgrades for its software which include bug fixes and improved functionality and features, like security. And it makes it simple to keep up with upgrades through the admin panel – one click and you’re done. At Velvet Ink Media, we develop websites using the latest version of WordPress to ensure long term usability. We also offer maintenance plans to help you keep your website up to date and quickly fix any issues that may come along with the next new WordPress release.

Reason 10 – Cost effective solution

Yes, you have to spend some money upfront to design and develop  a unique website for your business. But once completed, it’s virtually maintenance free. You don’t need a web master to edit the content. Support is available for free through forums and documentation. And if you ever encounter an issue you cant solve or want to change the look and feel of your website or add a new feature, Velvet Ink Media is here to help. We are experts at custom web design and WordPress development. We will save you time and money to help you make your business a success.

If you’re still in doubt, give us a call. We’ll be happy to assess your needs and offer a custom WordPress solution for your website.