Why is WordPress so hard to use? Why is WordPress so complicated?
Many WordPress users have asked questions like these. WordPress can seem intimidating at first glance.
But once familiar with it, it’s easy to understand why WordPress is the leading platform for web developers and business owners.
WordPress can seem complicated because it comes with a lot of customization options. Yet this variety is one of the greatest assets when building a WordPress website.
Some of these great customization options include:
- Posts
- Pages
- Themes
- Menus and more
Focusing on too many elements at one time can make using WordPress seem complicated. But, don’t give up.
The benefits of learning how to use WordPress far outweigh the effort. This article discusses why it seems complicated but why it’s worth using it.
Table of Contents
What Is The WordPress Content Management System (CMS)?
WordPress is a website builder software. It enables users to store and manage their digital content online.
From the beginning, WordPress has been known as a great page builder software for blog posts. Now, it has matured into a powerful content management system (CMS).
The WordPress CMS can power any kind of website. It enables users to publish content without using a single line of code.
Content on WordPress is consistently formatted and uploaded to your website.
At its core, WordPress is simple and straightforward. The level of complexity depends on what users want to do with the software.
Is WordPress So Complicated That It’s Not Worth Using?
Those building a WordPress site for the first time may be feeling frustrated. Asking Google ‘What makes WordPress so complicated?’ may even have lead them to this article.
This is not unusual, many WordPress users have experienced this same frustration. But most will remember the old days of laboring to build a website from scratch with HTML.
WordPress may seem a little complex but it is simpler than the old methods. So, is WordPress all that bad?
Realistically, it does require some effort and knowledge of best practices. But, WordPress is a major upgrade to the old methods and helps users avoid the technical stuff.
Reasons To Use WordPress
WordPress isn’t that bad. Many who once struggled to use WordPress and WordPress themes, now hail it as their go-to option.
Here are a few reasons why:
Customizability And Flexibility
WordPress themes give users near limitless customization options, making them ideal for website developers and users who want to learn how to create a website that stands out online.
The point is, you’re not an average developer or business. So why should your website be average?
It makes sense to use WordPress themes to create all kinds of websites.
WordPress Is Open Source
WordPress is an open-source web hosting and content management system (CMS). Because WordPress is open-source there are many benefits to users.
Users with technical ability can explore WordPress’s background code and further customize it. This is another reason why WordPress appears complex but isn’t.
A community of developers has created and released various WordPress extensions and add-ons. This has further enhanced the power of WordPress.
Web Hosting Options
To make a WordPress site, users need to choose a hosting option. There are two versions of WordPress available.
WordPress.com (a hosted option) and WordPress.org (a self-hosted option). For some, this makes using WordPress seem hard.
But, after understanding the differences of each version things become clearer. Here’s a brief overview of both.
WordPress.com (The Hosted Approach)
Many have limited technical ability, or want to avoid the learning curve when building an online presence. For such ones, WordPress.com is a good option.
This WordPress version offers a hosting service. That means that users don’t have to handle the technical stuff.
However, there are limitations to this WordPress version. These include:
- Compulsory advertising
- A branded domain name. E.g. (nameofyourdomain.wordpress.com)
- Limited ability to extend a WordPress website as desired
Depending on present needs this WordPress version could be enough.
With this hosted WordPress approach there are no upfront fees. But, to remove the limitations, users need to upgrade to a paid account.
WordPress.org (The Self Hosted Approach)
This self-hosted WordPress option is completely free. All users need to provide is a domain name and web hosting.
This is the version people are usually talking about when they mention WordPress.
WordPress.org offers various support resources to help get the most out of WordPress. For example, The WordPress Codex covers all the essential technical details of WordPress.
Learning WordPress Is Worth It!
Realistically, WordPress can seem difficult, especially when getting started. However, tools like Elementor can shorten the learning curve.
It doesn’t matter if users learn one pair of web tools before learning the other. For example, WordPress and Elementor before HTML and CSS, or vice versa.
There is a lot of website-building software out there. Yet, WordPress powers over 37% of all the websites on the Internet.
There is a reason why WordPress is the most popular method of building websites. It’s flexible and carries themes that help users personalize their website.
Users don’t need to know what HTML or PHP are. WordPress can still enable users to build a website for their:
- Membership service
- Business
- Blog
- Forum
- Portfolio
- eCommerce store
- Online courses, etc.
Mastering WordPress takes experience, depending on how you use the platform.
For a beginner, the learning curve is steep. But, within a week or two one can become comfortable with the basics of the platform.
Learning WordPress is not a one-time thing. There will be problems, but there will also be solutions such as:
- Plugins
- Tools
- New settings
Other Website Builders VS The WordPress CMS?
WordPress is not the only CMS on the market.
For example, Wix and Squarespace are also website building software. Users can create websites by dragging and dropping elements on the screen.
But, for complete control and access to advanced functionalities, choose WordPress. With WordPress, it’s possible to create advanced or basic websites.
All this without needing to look at a single line of code.
There is a learning curve, but the value WordPress brings to the table is worth the time investment.
FAQ on why is WordPress so hard to use
Oh, WordPress, Why Do You Confuse Me So?
People often ask me, “Why’s the learning curve so steep?” I tell them, WordPress is like learning a new language. At first, it’s all Greek with that dashboard and settings everywhere. But once you get the hang of it, it’s not that bad, really.
Navigating the Maze of User Interface
Now, about that user interface. Folks often wonder why it feels like they need a map to get around. I mean, it’s kinda cluttered, and if you’re new to it, it feels like a labyrinth. “Where’s the setting for this? How do I change that?” It’s a common chorus. But hey, there are tutorials out there, and with a bit of patience, it becomes second nature.
Customization – A Double-Edged Sword
Oh, and let’s talk customization. It’s like being a kid in a candy store with all those plugins and themes. But here’s the kicker – it’s overwhelming! “Why’s it so darn hard to customize my site exactly how I want it?” people ask. Well, it’s because there are just so many options and sometimes, they don’t play nice together. It’s a balancing act, really.
Plugin Pandemonium
Speaking of plugins, that’s a whole other ball game. “Why do plugins make my life difficult?” Well, they’re supposed to make things easier, but when you’ve got too many, or they’re not updated, oh boy, it can be a mess. It’s like having too many cooks in the kitchen.
The Theme Park of Confusion
Themes, themes, themes. They can make or break a site. “Why’s choosing a theme so hard?” Well, you gotta think of it like picking out an outfit. You want it to look good, but it’s gotta be the right fit too. And sometimes, what looks good in the demo doesn’t work as well in real life.
Setting Up for Success, or Not?
Now, setting up WordPress, that’s another hurdle. “Why can’t I just hit the ground running?” Well, you’ve got to lay the groundwork first, like any good construction project. It’s not just a plug-and-play deal; it takes a bit of elbow grease to get it just right.
Troubleshooting Trials and Tribulations
And when things go wrong? “Why is troubleshooting such a headache?” Because sometimes, it feels like you need to be a detective to figure out what went wrong. But hey, the WordPress community is huge, and there’s a ton of help out there if you know where to look.
Speaking the Language of Code
For those who like to get their hands dirty with coding, WordPress can be a bit of a beast. “Why do I need to know code for some things?” Well, to unlock its full potential, a little bit of coding knowledge goes a long way. It’s like having a magic key to open up new possibilities.
The User Experience Roller Coaster
Now, user experience, that’s a big one. “Why doesn’t my site look as good as I want it to?” It all boils down to the theme, the plugins, and how you set things up. It’s like baking; you’ve got to have the right ingredients and follow the recipe to get a tasty result.
Managing Content Like a Pro (Or Trying To)
Lastly, managing content. “Why isn’t it easier to keep everything organized?” Well, WordPress is kinda like a filing cabinet. You’ve got to have a system, or things get lost in the shuffle. But once you find your groove, it’s smooth sailing.
Ending thoughts on why WordPress is hard to use
If this is your first time building a WordPress website, it may seem complicated. But, don’t give up.
After learning the ropes, many realize that using WordPress isn’t hard. Trying to understand all its many features at once is what can make WordPress seem hard.
A WordPress website is a powerful tool. This is why people invest the time to learn WordPress.
It is powerful enough to run a social media website and versatile enough to run an e-commerce website.
If complete site control is not a priority, then WordPress may not be the best choice. But most businesses and developers choose WordPress because it offers limitless customization.
WordPress is for those who want their site to grow and expand along with their business.
If you enjoyed reading this article on why is WordPress so hard to use, you should check out this one about how to hide the author in WordPress.
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