Running a small business is a complex yet rewarding endeavor. With the rise of WordPress, many small business owners are reaping the benefits of utilizing a user-friendly content management system. But, are there any hiccups along the way? What roadblocks need to be considered when utilizing WordPress for small business? How can the apprehension of using WordPress be quelled?
For all its merits, WordPress can often seem intimidating to small business owners. With the ever-changing landscape of websites and platforms, it can be hard to know where to start. While the possibility of support is a big draw, many small business owners may be unaware of the technicalities involved with WordPress or the various features it has. What’s more, there can be additional challenges related to scaling, security, or user experience that need to be addressed.
In this article, you will learn about some of the potential issues to consider when using WordPress for small businesses. It will provide insights into the common questions and concerns posed, and how the capabilities of WordPress can be maximized for the benefit of the business. The article will identify the advantages of successfully utilizing the platform and how it can help create a positive online presence. Finally, you will be given advice on how to approach the platform in order to maximize success.
Definitions
Table of Contents
WordPress – an open-source content management system (or CMS) developed by WordPress Foundation and used to manage and create websites and content. It is the most popular website development platform globally, powering over a third of all websites.
Small business – any business with fewer than 500 staff, or with revenues of less than $7 million per year. This type of business may be organized as a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company, or corporation.
Roadblock – any obstacles which impede progress or success. Common roadblocks for small businesses utilizing WordPress might include a lack of technical know-how, financial resources, and time.
When it comes to using WordPress for small businesses, roadblocks can be numerous and varied. Technical limitations, financial constraints, and limited time are all obstacles that small businesses can face when utilizing WordPress, as they may not have the technical experience necessary to set up a website from scratch, may not have the money to employ a professional website developer, or may not have the time to learn the ins and outs of the platform. They may also face compatibility issues when utilizing existing themes and plugins. Furthermore, it can be difficult to estimate the cost of hosting, purchasing themes and plugins, and maintaining a website, all of which can be considerable for a small business.
1. Understanding WordPress
Cost of WordPress
Using WordPress as a web platform is initially cost effective and a great solution for small businesses. It minimizes the costs related to hosting, development and maintenance that can bog down most small business web projects. However, as the complexity and features of the website increase, costs can quickly add up. Hosting can range from a few dollars a month up to thousands of dollars for hosting and storage for large websites. Additional costs must be taken into account such as domain name registration, security certificates, additional hosting requirements, and the cost of any themes, plugins, or other customizations.
Time for WordPress Management
Managing a WordPress website for a small business can be extremely time consuming, particularly if the person or people creating and managing the website are not particularly tech-savvy. Keeping WordPress updated with the latest version, installing security plugins, setting up and configuring themes, backing up, and supporting the website can be a challenge for those who don’t have the necessary know-how or enough time to dedicate to website management.
Security for WordPress
Safety of the website and its content must be a top priority for any small business. WordPress is generally a very secure web platform, however hackers and malicious bots still like to target websites powered by WordPress. Keeping WordPress core, plugins, and themes up to date with the most recent version will go a long way towards protecting the website, however there is always a risk of malicious code or attacks.
Customization for WordPress
Adding custom features to a WordPress website can be difficult if the person or team managing it do not have the necessary coding knowledge. Customizing themes, plugins, styling, and functionality require coding or development expertise, and if the developer who originally created the website is no longer available, the small business must find another resource to customize the website – adding yet another cost.
- Cost of WordPress
- Time for WordPress Management
- Security for WordPress
- Customization for WordPress
2. Security Challenges
Security Challenges
It is true that WordPress is a highly popular platform for website builders. However, there are certain security challenges that a small business should consider before embarking on a WordPress project.
Data Security: The WordPress platform stores all of website data, including user information, on its servers. This data can be vulnerable to hackers and other malicious individuals. Furthermore, it is possible to exploit a vulnerability in the platform’s code to gain access to user data. To protect against this, small businesses should consider using a security plugin that can detect and block any malicious code or scripts from executing on the website.
Updates and Patches: Keeping the WordPress platform up-to-date is of primary importance to keep the website safe and secure. As such, small businesses should ensure that updates and patches are installed regularly to ensure the platform’s security as vulnerabilities can be discovered and patched in a timely manner. They should also consider using a backup plugin to automatically create backups of the website in case of a security breach or system malfunction.
Password Complexity: Passwords are an important aspect of website security and small businesses should take care to create strong passwords with a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. They should also take the time to change passwords periodically and be aware of methods for brute-force hacks, such as rainbow tables.
Malicious Content: Small businesses should also be aware of malicious content that can be sent to their website. Malicious content can include malware, worms, viruses, and ransomware, which can hijack the website and demand a ransom in exchange for its release. Small businesses should take care to install an anti-malware plugin to protect against malicious content.
3. Strengthening Your Site
One of the biggest roadblocks for small businesses using WordPress is site strengthening and security. It is important to ensure that your site is both secure as well as fast, reliable and easy to use. There are a few steps you need to take to ensure this.
SSL Certificate
It is important to obtain an SSL certificate for your website. This will encrypt any data being passed between your server and the visitors, and will keep the information secure at all times. It is also important that your hosting provider has secure servers, and offers firewalls and other security measures to protect your site.
Backup and Update
Maintaining regular backups is crucial for any website. If something goes wrong, you need to have an up to date copy of all your website files and data in order to bring the site back online. Additionally, always update your WordPress core, themes and plugins as soon as the updates are released. This will ensure that your site is running on the latest version and maintain security.
Finally, you should ensure that you have security plugins installed to protect your site from hackers and malicious software. These plugins should also include features such as automated malware and virus scanning, and rigorous user authentication systems. With these measures in place, you can ensure that your site is secure and ready to go.
Conclusion
WordPress is a powerful tool for small businesses. However, as with any technology, there are a few roadblocks that need to be addressed before the platform can be used successfully. So, what can small business owners do to ensure they are using WordPress to the best of their ability?
This is an ever-evolving space and the best way to stay on top of the latest news and updates is to follow our blog. We’ll keep you up to date on the latest trends and innovations that could help your small business succeed. Be sure to look out for our upcoming posts and don’t forget to keep an eye on the new releases.
FAQ:
Q1: Are there any security measures I should take when using WordPress?
A1: Yes, it’s important to keep your WordPress website up to date with the latest version and security patches, as well as install a web application firewall. Additionally, utilize strong passwords and bans for suspicious login attempts to keep your website secure.
Q2: Can I customise my WordPress website?
A2: Absolutely – customisation is one of the most powerful features of WordPress. From customising the look and feel of your website, to integrating plug-ins that enable additional features – the possibilities are almost endless.
Q3: Can I add a payment system to my WordPress website?
A3: Yes! WordPress plugins like Woo Commerce, PayPal and Stripe allow you to easily add ecommerce capabilities to your website.
Q4: Is WordPress suitable for a mobile device?
A4:Yes, WordPress allows your website to adapt to various screen sizes, helping you create a mobile friendly website. Additionally, there are plugins and themes which are designed specifically with mobile devices in mind.
Q5: Are there any WordPress SEO plugins?
A5:Yes, there are many plugins available that can help you optimise your WordPress website for the search engines. In addition, by following best practice SEO techniques, such as adding meta descriptions and keywords, you can ensure your website content is reaching its full potential.