WordPress has become the most widely used content management system for new websites. Nineteen percent of all existing websites run WordPress, and the number is growing daily. Fifty eight percent of Blog websites use it (Smashing Magazine report).
WordPress is popular because it serves users possessing every possible level of expertise, but it can have a steep learning learning curve as development issues arise.
WordPress can be highly customized by a developer, yet still be editable by anyone with a login. WordPress sites can function right “out of the box,” or they can be customized and expanded to include any imaginable functionality.
The community of users is immense and the environment is open source. There’s a very good chance that there’s already a plugin solution for any problem that might come up.
The role of a WordPress Consultant
Your website is the service portal for your business, presenting your products and services prioritized according to your business objectives. You want to be found when somebody googles what you have or do. Your website is your opportunity to be discovered.
A consultant helps you to identify your highest margin business and best methods for presenting content serving your potential market, including on your site as well as on Social Media and Search Engine marketing.
The role of a WordPress Developer
In the WordPress world, finding the right plugin and theme takes knowledge and expertise. Your developer knows what to look for to solve a problem, knowing the ins and outs of your theme and how to modify it as needed.
In the best case scenario, your consultant/developer/designer builds your site, then hands it off to your staff to maintain, offering training as needed to develop workflow for content creation.
The Day of the “Web Designer” is over!
Web “designers” have been, generally speaking, graphic artists retooled for online work. Unfortunately, the old-style graphic-oriented web designer frequently lacks knowledge about keyword presentation techniques optimizing your site for discovery, and will pick themes for their appearance as opposed to their functionality. A good developer can make any theme look like any other theme.
When shopping for a web person, make sure they know what Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Social Media Marketing are and can implement them in the design of your site.
The Day of the “Maintenance Contract” is over
The days trying to track your “web guy” down to make simple changes are over. With WordPress as your content management system, you’re in charge, and you always have access for needed changes.
