Whether you run a small or large business, a custom WordPress website can help you showcase your products and services while keeping all of your website files in a single location — and without any knowledge of web frameworks or special technical skills. A content management system (CMS), such as a WordPress website, allows you to create an easy-to-navigate user interface for website visitors that is tailored to the needs of your online store and presents information in a logical, cohesive manner. So, how does a WordPress CMS function, and why is it the best CMS for your company?

Keep reading this ultimate guide to finding out, then contact us to discover how we can help you set up your own site with a WordPress CMS.

Using a WordPress Website as a Content Management System: An Ultimate Guide

One of the primary reasons to use this popular content management system is its popularity and the open source nature of its construction. This popular CMS, which has a 43% market share as of 2022, simplifies the setup of a static or splash page for your website with just a few clicks and uses a template system for quick, simple page creation. A WYSIWYG editor allows you to make small changes on the fly and can be used from your desktop or laptop computer as well as mobile devices.

CMS Options for Fuss-Free Web Design

CMS features such as drag-and-drop functionality allow you to quickly create navigation menus and add images to posts, and you can even post via email if you need to add content while you’re on the go. If you want to interact with website visitors, enable comments with a single click, and add custom fields to change how your website collects information from them. These useful features are just a few of the reasons WordPress maintains its market share lead among CMS options.

Headless WordPress vs Legacy WordPress

Headless WordPress does not imply that websites do not use headers; rather, sites that use this technology work on virtually any browser and device, regardless of whether the front end was designed for desktop computers or mobile devices. A legacy WordPress website, similarly, only works on the devices for which it was designed. A headless CMS uses a plug-in called WordPress Rest API, which, when combined with custom post types, allows you to further personalise how visitors see your content. While this feature may not be useful for beginners, experienced WordPress CMS users may find the Rest API to be a useful addition to their website.

How To Use WordPress as a CMS

Installing WordPress for your custom website provides an elegant solution for your web design needs, whether you need blogging software, a headless CMS, or a legacy content management system. The steps below outline the procedure for converting WordPress into a CMS suitable for your online store.

Get Web Hosting for Your Own Domain

The first thing your own website requires is a home on the internet, which includes web hosting and the purchase of your own domain. Keep in mind, however, that not all WordPress hosting providers are created equal. While you can install WordPress from a freely available zip file, a good web hosting company will usually provide one-click installation of the CMS. A managed service provider, such as WP DevCare, is preferable. We have a few options for your company based on your needs, and we can quickly upgrade your service if you outgrow your previous plan.

Choose a WordPress Theme

It’s time to decide how you want your legacy or headless WordPress site to look and function now that you’ve found a home for it. Though WordPress includes a default theme, you’re probably looking for something more personalised. Themes, fortunately, are easy to find and install, with options ranging from free themes to premium themes that cost a little or a lot of money. Regardless of how much you pay for your theme, most are simple to customise using WordPress tools in the admin area. WP DevCare can assist you with uploading and updating the theme you choose for your site if you are unsure how to do it or prefer someone with more technical skill to handle it for you. Most themes, whether default, free, or premium, include a template system that allows for quick page creation and aids in the creation of custom post types.

Add Functionality with Plug-Ins

Plug-ins are third-party applications that add new features to your website’s functionality. You can improve your SEO, track website visits with Google Analytics, perform manual backups in the admin area, and connect your site to social media platforms with the right plug-ins installed. Other plug-ins enable you to create websites with galleries, add calendars that highlight important business events, create a custom post type, or display pop-ups advertising special sales and deals. WP DevCare understands plug-in architecture and the need for frequent updates, so choosing us as a managed provider ensures smooth installation and updates.

Considerations When Using a WordPress Site as a CMS

Using WordPress as your site’s content management system has many benefits, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility. Because it is such a popular CMS, it is also a popular target for intruders, so you must maintain site security. This also means that certain plug-ins may require frequent updates to address security issues, and WordPress updates may interfere with the functionality of third-party applications used by your website. Changing web hosts can also be difficult because site migration necessitates some technical knowledge. Finally, because the WordPress CMS is free, you do not have access to support.

Fortunately, WP DevCare comes in handy here by balancing all potential problems with solutions. Our managed service plans not only assist you in installing and updating core WordPress files, troubleshooting plug-in issues, and adding custom themes, but they also assist you in keeping your site secure through daily backups and malware scans. Real-time uptime monitoring ensures that website visitors have easy access, and plans with WooCommerce support can even help you set up an online store seamlessly. Contact us today to learn how WP DevCare can help your business grow and thrive on the internet.