Last week, we talked about how there are so many features that can be integrated into a website, however, the platform that your website uses will determine HOW and at what expense a feature can be added to your site.
Unless you have an in-house team of web developers or very large budget, having a website built on HTML usually is not a good solution. However, a CMS like WordPress is a good solution for a website, especially if you want more than just a pages with words and pictures.
WordPress is one of the most used website platforms on the planet.
It is open source, which means you don’t pay to use the core web platform. WordPress will come with the ability for you to add blog posts, pages, and images to your pages and posts. You can restrict access to certain parts of your site and manage comments made to your blog.
If you want to add specific functionality to your site, it will require the use of a “Plugin.”
A plugin is separate software that integrates with WordPress to accomplish a specific task. For example, if you want to have online event registration, you would need to add a plugin for that. If you wanted to have a shopping cart on your website, you would need to add another plugin for that.
Installing plugins is not difficult, however, each plugin will need to be configured so it integrates well with your website. And although it doesn’t require a developer to do this, it is helpful if you are technically minded in order to make sure that the installation and configuration properly. If you aren’t up for the task, it is best to hire a company like OurChurch.Com to handle the “heavy lifting” for you.
Being able to more easily and less expensively add features to your website is one of the biggest benefits to a building a website using WordPress. However, there are drawbacks to using WordPress as your web platform. Next week, I will talk about some of the drawbacks of using WordPress.
Do you currently or have you had a website built on WordPress? If so, what was your experience? Please post your comments below.
If you would like to talk with one of our experts about having OurChurch.Com build a website for you, please click here for a FREE consultation.
President at OurChurch.Com
Mark has served as the President of OurChurch.Com since its founding in 1996, leading the Custom Website and Sales departments with dedication and expertise.
Over the years, he has managed hundreds of custom website, graphic design, and marketing projects for churches, non-profits, businesses, and schools.
Beyond his professional work, Mark is deeply committed to serving his community. He coordinates and packs over 700 meals each week for children through One Community Now’s Pack A Sack for Kids program, volunteers in the Children’s Ministry at Generations Christian Church, and participates in a weekly Bible study.
