Why WordPress Sucks (or Does it?): A Comprehensive Look

Introduction

WordPress is one of the world’s most popular content management systems (CMS). It powers over 40% of all websites on the internet, making it a dominant force in the online world. But despite its popularity, some believe that WordPress sucks. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at why people say WordPress sucks and whether or not these claims hold any weight.

For clarity, we’ve built hundreds of successful WordPress sites over the years, but we’ve seen a lot of horror stories along the way. Most recently, a client came to us with a site that had over 100 plug-ins installed. So let’s dig in…

Why WordPress Sucks (or does it?)

There are several reasons why some people think WordPress sucks. Here are a few of the most common:

• WordPress security is often criticised for its security vulnerabilities. Because it’s such a popular platform, it’s a prime target for hackers who want to exploit weaknesses in the system. While WordPress does have security measures in place, it’s still up to individual users to take additional steps to protect their sites.
  
  At Devstars, our deployment, launch, update and hosting procedures ensure that WordPress can pass even the most rigorous penetration (PEN) testing.
• Complexity: WordPress is relatively user-friendly but can also be quite complex. There are many different options and settings to navigate, which can overwhelm new users.
  
  We recommend limiting user-level access, this not only improves security but makes the interface far easier to use. 
• Maintenance: Because WordPress is constantly updated, it requires regular maintenance to ensure everything runs smoothly. This can be time-consuming and frustrating for some users.
  
  We recommend monthly or at least bi-monthly updates are done. Backups and rollback procedures need to be in place, and we always do a test run on a staging server to avoid any surprises.
• Customisation: While WordPress is highly customisable, some people find that customising their site can be difficult and confusing.

However, it’s important to note that many of these issues can be addressed with the help of plugins, themes, and other resources.

The Benefits of Using WordPress

While there are certainly some valid criticisms of WordPress, there are also many reasons why it’s a great choice for building a website. Here are a few of the benefits of WordPress projects:

• Flexibility: WordPress is highly flexible and can build many websites, from simple blogs to complex e-commerce sites.
• Customisation: While customising a WordPress site can be challenging, it also means that experienced developers have great control over how their site looks and functions. You can also leverage plugins (like those that enhance accessibility and SEO), to help you reach your vision.
• SEO: WordPress is designed to be SEO-friendly, making it easier for sites to rank well in search engines.

Community: WordPress has a huge community of users and developers who contribute to the platform, which means many resources are available for those who need help or advice. WordPress has the biggest pool of developers. However, there is a vast range of skill levels and competencies. Choose carefully; knowing how to install a theme or a plug-in does not make you a WordPress developer.

Common WordPress Myths (Debunked)

Several myths about WordPress are simply untrue. Here are a few examples:

• WordPress is only for bloggers: While WordPress is often associated with blogging, it can be used to build many projects. At Devstars, we’ve used WordPress for a one-page site to press centres for Nokia. Even the White House uses WordPress.
• WordPress is not secure: While there have been security issues with WordPress, the platform has come a long way in terms of security measures and is generally considered a safe choice for building a website as long as it’s managed competently and updated regularly.
• WordPress is difficult to use: While there is undoubtedly a learning curve when it comes to using WordPress, it’s also designed to be user-friendly and accessible to people of all skill levels.

Exploring Alternatives to WordPress

While WordPress is a popular and, as we’ve established, strong choice, it is by no means the only option for building websites. Other CMS alternatives cater to various needs, from small businesses to large-scale web development projects. Let’s take a closer look at a few significant alternatives and how they compare to WordPress sites.

• Statamic: Unlike WordPress, which uses MySQL, Statamic utilises Flat File technology, converting your content into static pages. This difference means less server strain and potential for faster load times. However, it doesn’t have the extensive plugin library available in WordPress.

• Drupal: Drupal, like WordPress, allows for extensive customisation, making it an ideal choice for advanced web development projects. One of its standout features is the advanced custom fields, providing greater flexibility than core WordPress offerings. But, Drupal could be overkill and excessively complex for small businesses.

• SquareSpace: Known for its designer templates and ease of use, Squarespace is a good choice if you’re less tech-savvy but still want an attractive site. However, it doesn’t offer the same level of customisation or control as WordPress core or other more advanced CMS options.

When considering these alternatives, it’s crucial to keep in mind your specific needs and capabilities. No one solution fits all, and what works best will depend on your individual project or business requirements.

So – Does WordPress Really Suck?

In conclusion, while there are certainly some valid criticisms of WordPress, it’s also a powerful and flexible platform that can be used to build a wide range of websites. While some users may find it challenging to navigate and maintain, many resources are available to help with these issues. 

Ultimately, whether or not WordPress sucks depends on your needs and preferences.

So, the next time you hear someone say, “WordPress sucks”, take a closer look at their reasoning and consider whether or not it’s a valid argument.

Thank you for reading this “Why WordPress Sucks (or Does it?)” article. We hope you found it informative and helpful in making an informed decision about whether or not WordPress is the right choice for your website.

Please get in touch if we can help.