Have you also already heard of WordPress without ever daring to ask what it was? Don't panic. We explain everything to you, with a good dose of humor and without the jargon of a bearded developer who lives in a basement (unless this basement is well appointed, obviously).

WordPress, what is this thing?

WordPress is a bit like the Lego of the web: a system that allows you to build a website without having to code like a Russian hacker. Basically, it's a website creation tool (CMS for short) which powers more than 40% of sites worldwide. Yes, even the one from your aunt who sells handmade soaps, the one from the super serious law firm and the one from your favorite rock band.

What is PHP used for?

What is it for, concretely?

It is used to make a website. Point.
But not just any site! WordPress allows you to create:

  •  Showcase sites (to say “Hello, we exist, see how beautiful we are”)
  •  Blogs (to tell about your travels or your passion for garden gnomes)
  •  Online stores (thanks to the WooCommerce plugin)
  •  Portfolios (for artists, photographers, graphic designers and other visual magicians)
  •  Information, association, event sites… in short, almost everything except a connected toaster.

Should we choose WordPress for our website?

Yes, unless you love suffering

WordPress is:

  •  Flexible : it adapts to (almost) everything.
  •  Scalable : your site can grow with you. No need to redo everything at each step.
  •  Well referenced : WordPress is Google's little darling. Like a four cheese pizza at midnight.
  •  Open-source : it's free, which means more budget for other important things (like a good coffee and croissants while you work).

But be careful, WordPress is not a magical little pony either.

The advantages of WordPress (to shine in society):

  • A large community and tons of resources (tutorials, forums, extensions)
  • Regular security updates
  • Thousands of themes to change your look without breaking everything
  • Plugins to add features like a pro
The cons (because nothing is perfect, not even you):
  • If poorly configured, it can be slow as a Monday morning
  • If you install 127 plugins, your site becomes a digital Frankenstein
  • It requires a little maintenance, like a green plant (but with less

Who is WordPress for?

To everyone. From the local baker to the underground artist, from the ambitious business to the post-apocalyptic knitting association.

Our advice? Hire a local web designer for your site WordPress

Because your cousin who “already tweaked a site in 2012” is not not a professional and platforms like Shopify, Wix or other… well it’s a bit like buying a pre-assembled piece of furniture: it looks simple, but there’s always a screw missing!

A local web designer:

  • Understands your real needs, not just those at $12.99/month
  • Can personalize your site to the pixel (or almost)
  • Knows how to optimize the site so that it is fast, secure, and well positioned on Google
  • And above all: it is there, close to you, not on the other side of the world or in the depths of a conversational agent (chatbot).

Not to mention the fact that he knows the local market, the public's tastes and will not give you a contact form in Mandarin by mistake.

In summary (and we promise, then we leave you)

WordPress, it is the digital chameleon of the web. Powerful, versatile, accessible. But like any tool, it is better put it in the right hands if you want a professional result.

So yes, you can go it alone… But if you want a beautiful, fast, functional site capable of attracting Google and your customers, a local web designer remains your best ally.

And if you came across this article, maybe it’s destiny trying to tell you…