WordPress
is free software that can be used to create websites and blogs. It is said to be the most used website on websites all over the world. We will explain in an easy-to-understand manner why WordPress is chosen, what it can do, and what websites are suitable for it.
What is WordPress?
WordPress is
CMS
(Content Management System) software that can be used to create websites and blogs. It is designed to allow for intuitive site management and article posting, so you can use it even without specialized programming skills. In fact, it is said that more than 40% of websites around the world are created using WordPress.
Please note that WordPress is free software, so there are no usage fees. However, there are fees such as rental
server
fees,
domain
usage fees, and writing fees when outsourcing article creation. The breakdown will be explained later in “Costs for installing WordPress”, but when creating the content to be published on your own, it costs 10,000 to 40,000 yen in the first year, and about 10,000 yen from the next year onwards. When requesting a service, you will need 200,000 to 500,000 yen for the first year, and 50,000 to 250,000 yen for subsequent years.
The world’s most used CMS (blog post management system)
WordPress is said to be the most used CMS in the world. CMS stands for “content management system,” but since it is also used for blogs, it is often called “blog post management system.”
CMS is used not only for blogs but also for official websites of companies and public institutions. With CMS, you can create content by combining not only text but also images such as photos. Additionally, since you can set the posting time for content, you can automatically manage posts without having to assign dedicated staff.
The reason WordPress is so popular is that it is easy to operate without any prior knowledge.
Essentially, in order to create a website, you need to understand programming languages such as
HTML
and
CSS
, write code, and have programming skills. However, if you use a CMS, you can create content and manage posts by simply entering appropriate characters in designated places or checking boxes, even if you do not have any programming skills.
Among CMS, WordPress is a software that allows you to create websites intuitively. It can be used without any specialized computer knowledge, and can be performed in a few steps from inputting text to decoration and publishing content.
Another reason WordPress is so popular is that it is free to use. Server fees and domain usage fees are required separately, but there are no usage fees for the WordPress system itself.
Big differences between other CMS and WordPress
The following points are the differences between other CMS and WordPress.
WordPress is
open source
software, so you can use it without purchasing any software. When you use WordPress with your own domain, you only pay domain fees and server fees.
Also, some CMS require programming knowledge, but this is not necessary for WordPress. Even if you have some experience entering text on a computer, you can easily use it.
WordPress has a large repertoire of appearance designs, and you can easily change the design to your liking. Functions that are not included in the standard WordPress specifications are distributed in the form of ”
plug-ins
,” so you can increase functionality and customize your website to be more convenient and design-friendly.
WordPress is a software that has a reputation for being easy to operate. This CMS was originally created for individuals to create blogs, so it has been designed to be easy for individuals to use. Therefore, if you create a corporate website using WordPress, it will be easy to take over even if the person in charge changes.
There are two types of WordPress.
There are two types of WordPress:
1. WordPress.org
2. WordPress.com
Please note that both are genuine WordPress, so there is no guarantee that one is the real one. However, they are not compatible, so be sure to understand the characteristics of each before choosing the WordPress that best suits your blog or website.
1.WordPress.org
WordPress.org is a website that develops WordPress software. Since we do not provide servers or domains, you will need to prepare a rental server or your own domain in advance.
The steps to use are as follows.
1. Prepare a server and your own domain
2. Upload WordPress to your server
3. Configure settings within WordPress
If you pay attention to the fact that you have to prepare a server and your own domain, WordPress.org can be said to be a bit of a time-consuming website. However, since you are not bound by the terms of use, you will be able to operate with a higher degree of freedom.
For example, you can run affiliate ads on your website and earn advertising revenue. In addition, the internal structure is
SEO
-friendly, so it is easy to appear high on
search engines
and increase the number of views.
2.WordPress.com
WordPress.com is a rental blog service. All the tools necessary to create and manage a blog are prepared on the server, so you can start blogging immediately after signing up.
In addition to the free plan, WordPress.com has four plans: Personal, Premium, Business, and Ecommerce.
The website you can create with the free plan is simple and easy to view, but it may be difficult to use because it includes ads from WordPress.com. On the other hand, with a paid plan, there are no ads from WordPress.com, making it easier to attract viewers’ attention to the content you send.
Also, if you want to earn advertising income from your blog, you need to apply for Premium, Business, or E-commerce. If you want to increase the functionality of your website by installing plugins, then e-commerce is the way to go for business, and if you run an online store, e-commerce is the way to go.
Note that WordPress.org does not have any terms of use, but WordPress.com, like other blog management services, has many detailed terms of use. If you violate the terms of use, your blog may be deleted, so it is necessary to always operate your blog in accordance with the terms of use.
Basic features of WordPress
For an easier way to use WordPress, look no further than WordPress.com, where you can set up a blog or website in just minutes. The basic features of WordPress.com include:
Please note that some features are only available on paid plans. You can also add the following functions by plug-in:
Let’s take a look at each function.
Writing and posting articles
WordPress is a service for creating blogs and websites. Therefore, the ability to write and post articles is basically included regardless of whether it is paid or free. All WordPress plans have a simple management screen, so even those who have never created a blog or managed a website can use it intuitively.
The management screen can be edited on a different computer as long as you enter your username and password. By informing the members involved in the operation of a blog or website about your username and password, multiple people can manage it, which not only reduces the burden of administration and writing, but also makes it easier to check for mistakes.
Also, if you outsource, just let the client know your username and password, and they can handle everything from writing to posting in one place. Not only does it increase work efficiency, but it also has the advantage of being able to recruit a wider range of authors, which improves the quality of the writing.
Post images and videos
WordPress allows you to post not only text, but also images and videos. With other blog creation services, you often have to temporarily upload images to the server, but with WordPress, you can drag and drop images directly on the admin screen, so you can easily upload images and videos. can be inserted.
A text-only blog is fine, but inserting images and videos in appropriate places will help readers understand your content better. Also, since text alone can be boring, inserting images and videos will help you avoid leaving the site mid-way.
Managing and replying to blog comments
WordPress allows you to allow readers to leave comments on each blog post. Although it can be used as a means to deepen communication with readers, it is also possible that some readers will leave malicious comments, so please change the comment settings as follows according to the article’s theme and readership. let’s.
You can also delete comments that may have a negative impact on other readers from the management screen.
Check number of views
In WordPress, you can check the number of views for each article on the admin screen. You can check the number of views without using an access analysis tool, so you can analyze your blog without any hassle.
User permission settings
WordPress allows you to change permissions depending on your login ID. WordPress users can be divided into the following three types depending on the content of their permissions.
Posters cannot delete articles. The administrator is responsible for deleting articles. Additionally, contributors do not have any rights to post or publish their articles. When outsourcing blog writing, giving the author an ID and password as a contributor will help avoid mistakes such as posting or deleting articles by mistake.
Other useful functions that can be added with plugins
By using plugins, you can add functionality that is not included in the basic functionality of WordPress. There are those officially provided by WordPress and those provided by third parties, so let’s look for the functionality you need.
Install plugins from the WordPress admin screen. If you want to uninstall it, you can do it with one click from the management screen.
SEO measures
If you want to earn advertising revenue from your blog, you need to rank high on search engines. In addition, unless product introduction pages and
e-commerce
sites are ranked high on search engines, it will be difficult to increase sales.
“SEO measures” refers to efforts to ensure that a target article or website is displayed at the top of a search engine. There are many WordPress plugins related to SEO, so let’s try implementing them.
SNS cooperation
In order to increase the number of views on your blog or website, it is essential not only to rank high on search engines, but also to increase the number of traffic channels. Some plugins can be used to link content with SNS. If you are using SNS, consider using it.
Inquiry function
Some readers leave comments with questions they are curious about, but we believe there are also many readers who would like to discuss personal questions one-on-one with a person in charge. Adding a contact form to your blog or website will allow you to quickly respond to your readers’ questions. Use a plugin to build contact forms to strengthen your relationship with your readers.
Security measures
A large number of comments may be posted that are unrelated to the content of the article. This is called comment spam, but please be careful as it not only makes other readers uncomfortable, but also violates the Terms of Service.
In addition to comment spam, blog and website operations are exposed to various security risks. Aim for safer operation by installing plugins that can be used for security measures.
Please note that WordPress does not have security measures included in its basic functions, so a security plugin is required to ensure safe operation. Not only is it a bit time-consuming, but there are many plugins that can be used for security measures, so you may be confused as to which one to use.
If you want to take complete security measures without the hassle, please consider Switch Plus. “Switch Plus” is a CMS that includes security measures in its basic functions. Not only do you not need to add any plugins, you also get support from dedicated personnel. Please try it out with a free trial account. For details, please download the document below.
How WordPress works
In order to deepen your understanding of how to utilize WordPress, we will explain its operating principles. By understanding this principle, it will be easier to understand the settings and operation methods.
When a visitor attempts to view a site or blog built with WordPress using a browser, WordPress, a PHP program, first obtains information about the relevant article from MySQL (database) and converts it into HTML in real time. Create it and return it to the requester. The browser reads that HTML and displays it to the user as a web page.
7 benefits of using WordPress
Creating and managing blogs and websites using WordPress has the following advantages:
1. You can create a homepage for free
2. Very easy to install and operate
3. Easy to operate even without programming knowledge
4. A wealth of plugins allows you to add the functionality you want
5. You can also create store sites, EC sites, etc.
6. Having someone with specialized knowledge allows for greater flexibility in operation.
7. Increased work efficiency as editing can be done by multiple people
Let’s take a look at the benefits of each.
1. You can create a homepage for free
You can create a homepage for free with WordPress. However, please note that server fees, domain usage fees, etc. will be charged separately.
Additionally, if you use anything other than WordPress.com’s free plan, you will be charged an annual or monthly fee. If you want to prevent WordPress.com ads from appearing in articles, earn advertising revenue, or use plugins, you need to choose a paid plan.
2.Very easy to install and operate
WordPress is a free, publicly available service that is easy to install. With WordPress.com’s free plan, you can create a simple blog or website in minutes.
It is also easy to operate and can be operated intuitively. As long as you have a login ID and password, you can access it from anywhere and collaborate on operations, so it can be used even in workplaces that have introduced
telework
or in cases where writing work is outsourced.
3.Easy to operate even without programming knowledge
WordPress is open source software that can be operated without any programming knowledge or experience. All the basic functions installed in WordPress can be handled by simply entering text or checking checkboxes, so you can easily create a blog or website.
However, when building a business-oriented (
BtoB
) website, such as a company’s official website, that looks good and is highly functional, specialized knowledge is a prerequisite. You can improve the appearance and functionality by using easily available plug-ins, but existing ones have their limitations and it may be difficult to create something unique.
4.A wealth of plugins allows you to add the functionality you want
If you want to add original designs and functions to WordPress, you will need programming knowledge and skills. WordPress is highly variable and has a structure that is easy to modify, so if you have website design and programming skills, you can arrange it with a high degree of freedom.
If the design or functionality you want to add to WordPress doesn’t have to be completely original, use a plugin. Since WordPress is a software that is used worldwide, there are many plugins available, and you can choose from a wide variety of functions.
Additionally, plug-ins can basically be implemented by simply installing them on the management screen. Even if you have no programming skills or knowledge, you can add advanced functionality to your blog or website operated by WordPress.
5. You can also create store sites, EC sites, etc.
With WordPress, you can also create store sites and e-commerce sites. When you choose a WordPress.com eCommerce plan, the following features come standard to make your operations easier and more efficient.
Additionally, if you choose a business or e-commerce plan, the data capacity increases to 200GB, so you can store images of products and services without worrying about the limit, making it easier to manage.
6. Having someone with specialized knowledge allows for greater operational flexibility.
WordPress is a software that can be operated without any knowledge of programming or website design, but if you have someone with specialized knowledge on staff, you can operate it with a greater degree of freedom. In particular, when operating websites used for business, BtoB e-commerce sites, corporate homepages, etc., people with specialized knowledge are required.
Additionally, if you do not have someone on staff with specialized knowledge, you can outsource just the site construction and operation. WordPress can be operated on different computers as long as you have an ID and password, so outsourcing is easy. We will issue you an ID and password as an administrator who can use all functions, and have you improve the design and functionality.
7. Increased work efficiency as editing can be done by multiple people
When operating a website, you need to be aware of the richness of the content. Even if you provide excellent information that cannot be obtained elsewhere, you will not be able to gain the trust of users if the content is small and the information layer is not deep.
Additionally, websites that are not fully functional will also have a hard time gaining trust from users. If a user is interested in your product or service, but the inquiry form is not set up or they cannot proceed to purchase the product, you may end up losing the user you have acquired.
Since WordPress can be edited simultaneously from multiple computers as long as you have an ID and password, it is possible to build a highly complete website with a lot of information and functions in a short period of time. Additionally, adding products and information regularly will help you gain repeat customers. Those aiming for highly efficient operations may also consider using WordPress.
6 disadvantages of using WordPress
Although WordPress has many benefits, there are some points to be aware of. In particular, the following points may be disadvantages, so consider countermeasures before implementing WordPress.
1. It may be difficult to introduce without experts
2. No individual support such as telephone or inquiry desk
3. Separate security measures need to be taken
4. Separate infrastructure (server construction) construction required
5. SEO measures are minimal
6. Pay attention to plugin version control and compatibility
I will explain each point.
1.Introduction may be difficult without experts
By using plugins, you can improve the design and functionality of WordPress without any specialized knowledge. However, if you want to pursue originality or add a highly complete design and functionality to your corporate homepage, plug-ins alone are not sufficient.
For example, when customizing a theme, knowledge of programming languages such as HTML and CSS is essential. You will also be required to be familiar with the structure of WordPress. Therefore, if you do not have experts in programming or WordPress, it may be difficult to implement.
2. No individual support such as telephone or inquiry desk
WordPress does not offer phone support. Although there is support in FAQ format, the response is limited and you cannot immediately find out what you want to know.
When you have a problem or question, it is common to resolve it using a message board called a community forum, which is used among users. Of course, community forums are a place for users to share knowledge with each other, so even if you find a solution, it’s up to you to actually operate and improve WordPress. It can be said that knowledge such as programming is required in order to deal with problems when they occur.
3. Separate security measures need to be taken
Since WordPress is a CMS with many users, it is thought that there are quite a few users who find vulnerable parts and gain malicious access. Since it is open source software, anyone can see the mechanism and code, which is not a good security measure.
Additionally, with WordPress, you can access your blog or website from anywhere as long as you have an ID and password. This is an advantage of WordPress, but on the other hand, malicious users can access it with just an ID and password, so it can also weaken security.
Due to these circumstances, WordPress requires stronger security measures than general CMS. Please implement the following methods to advance your security measures.
4. Separate infrastructure (server construction) construction required
When using WordPress, you need to prepare a server. Many rental servers support WordPress’s easy installation feature, but not all servers support it.
In some cases, you may need to install a server from scratch, and configuration skills such as PHP are required. If you find it difficult to use it properly, consider using a rental server that has WordPress already installed.
5. SEO measures are minimal
Of the WordPress.com plans, only Business and Ecommerce support SEO. However, businesses and e-commerce also do not have advanced SEO practices in place.
In order to rank high on search engines, you will also need to carry out SEO measures on your own. Consider outsourcing to a website creation company or content production company that specializes in SEO measures.
6. Pay attention to plugin version control and compatibility
Because WordPress is open source software, vulnerabilities are discovered quickly and updates are frequently made. You can easily update WordPress from the admin screen, so be sure to check and update it frequently.
However, even if you update WordPress, the plugins will not be updated. It is necessary to check the status of each installed plug-in and update it from time to time.
Also, the latest version of WordPress may not be compatible with the installed plugins. To avoid problems, be sure to update your plugins before updating WordPress.
To improve the design and functionality of WordPress, you need to install many plugins. However, the disadvantage is that the more plugins you have installed, the more management work you have to do, such as updating them.
For easy system management, why not try using “Switch Plus”, which has all the necessary functions. Since no plug-ins are required, version control can be completed by simply updating the Switch Plus itself. For details, please download the document below.
WordPress installation steps
When installing WordPress, we recommend a server that allows you to use Quick Start. If your server supports quick start, install it using the following steps.
1. Use WordPress Quickstart
2. Decide on a server plan
3. Choose your domain
4. Enter basic information such as WordPress URL
5. Enter payment information such as WordPress usage fee
6. Check the verification code and registration information
7. Receive the verification code
Once you receive your verification code, you can start using WordPress. Log in to the management screen using the following steps.
1. Click on the “Site URL” in the email containing the verification code.
2. Click on the “Administration screen URL” in the same email.
3. Enter your username or registered email address and password on the login screen and click Login.
Cost of installing WordPress
WordPress itself is free to use, but if you choose a paid plan, a monthly (annual) fee will be added.
|
Plan name |
Monthly fee per month |
Annual fee per month |
| personal | 1,100 yen | 500 yen |
| premium | 2,100 yen | 900 yen |
| business | 4,600 yen | 2,900 yen |
| e-commerce | 8,000 yen | 5,220 yen |
Even if you create your own blog or website using WordPress, you will need to pay for things like rental server fees, domain usage fees, and fees for using paid WordPress themes. The rental server fee is approximately 6,000 to 13,000 yen per year, and the domain acquisition and maintenance fee is approximately 1,000 to 2,000 yen.
If you outsource, things like content creation will cost more. Additionally, when hiring a website production company that provides consulting, it is not uncommon for costs to exceed 1 million yen per year.
|
Management body |
Operate and manage by yourself | Outsource operation and management |
|
first year |
Approximately 10,000 to 40,000 yen | About 200,000 to 500,000 yen (more than 1 million yen if you include consulting) |
|
From next year onwards |
About 10,000 yen | About 50,000 to 250,000 yen (more than 1 million yen if you include consulting) |
How to use WordPress
After deciding the domain and server, logging in to WordPress, we will finally create blogs and websites using WordPress. Let’s proceed with the next procedure.
1. Decide the “theme”
2. Make the basic settings of WordPress
3. Select / add necessary plugins
4. Create an article
I will explain each step.
1. Decide the “theme”
The appearance of the blog and website created in WordPress is determined by the theme. Many themes are also presented on the WordPress management screen, so choose one that suits your preference or that has the necessary functions.
WordPress themes include paid and free. There are many paid themes, such as the screen optimized for smartphones. In addition to the themes presented on the management screen, the theme provided by the third party can be used. Let’s look for it with a search engine.
If you are worried about the theme of WordPress, please refer to the following article.
2. Make the basic settings for WordPress
After determining the theme, set the basic settings for WordPress. The basic settings include titles, logo, main images, backgrounds, categories, menus, etc. In each case, the procedure is specified, so you will not be lost.
In addition, there are some basic settings that do not have to be set. Let’s specify as much as you can.
3. Select / add necessary plugins
WordPress itself does not have a simple function. There is no problem if you just create a blog or website, but when you want to take security measures or take SEO measures, you need to extend the function with a plug -in.
Plug -ins can also be used to enhance the design. Select the required plug -in and add it from the management screen.
4. Create an article
The 1 to 3 process is basically completed only once. After that, create an article and increase the content.
If you use WordPress as an e -commerce site, you need to increase the content. If you have a lot of content, not only will you stay longer for users, but also provide users the necessary information, improving reliability and satisfaction.
Site suitable for WordPress
The following is a website that is suitable for creation with WordPress.
WordPress is a suitable CMS for providing information as a hobby or operating as a personal blog, even if it is a free plan, because it has all the basic functions necessary for creating and publishing articles. If you introduce themes and plugins that can be used for free, you can operate a website with low cost.
In addition, it is possible to earn advertising revenue with premium, business, and e -commerce plan, so it can be used as an affiliate site.
WordPress is also suitable for corporate blogs. It is not only possible to specify the update time, but can be operated by multiple people, so it is a system that can be shared within the team to write a blog post.
A site that is not suitable for introduction of WordPress
On the other hand, the next website is not suitable for WordPress.
WordPress can enhance the search function using plug -ins, but it does not necessarily support complicated search functions.
For example, in the case of EC sites with a large number of products, it is necessary to be able to search under the conditions required by users. It will be more useful for users to search not only in size and color, but also for vague keywords like the use and imagined words.
However, WordPress has an e -commerce plan, but it is not a CMS exclusively for EC site, so there are many parts that cannot meet the small needs of the seller. If you are aiming for an EC site that is easy for users to use, consider using e -commerce platforms such as SHOPIFY and EC malls such as Amazon and Yahoo! Shopping.
WordPress is not suitable for large sites. The business with a lot of data capacity, e -commerce, is limited to 200GB, so it is inappropriate for websites with a lot of information provided in photos and videos, and websites that have a lot of pages with a lot of pages.
Also, WordPress is required to use plug -ins to increase security because the basic functions can hardly take security measures. However, due to open source software, it is assumed that another vulnerability will be found immediately even after security measures, and malware with security holes may be created.
Don’t use WordPress for sites that take care of customer personal information like EC sites or sites where security hardness is directly linked to reliability, such as corporate websites.
Frequently Asked Questions about WordPress
Although there are points to be aware of, WordPress is a CMS that is easy to use overall. Simple functions can be used for free, so it is suitable for hobby sites and blogs.
Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers about WordPress. If you are not sure to use WordPress, check it out.
Which is recommended for WordPress or free blog?
If you want to create a blog, a free blog is better. WordPress is a CMS that can be used to create blogs, but is not a blog -only software. Therefore, not all blog -related functions are provided, and in some cases it is necessary to add functions with plug -ins.
On the other hand, a free blog is a blog -only service, so the functions that are necessary are usually in place. There are some paid options, but there are some that are specialized in blog management, so it is unlikely that they are paid but useless.
Which should be used for WordPress free theme or paid theme?
WordPress’s theme should be selected for functions and designs, not paid or free. There are some themes that have excellent functionality and design even for free, but even if you pay, you may not be able to get as expected.
Also, when choosing a paid theme, check the fee structure. There are also themes that only need to be paid once when introducing, but there are also themes that are expensive (monthly fees, annual fees, etc.) during use. It is important to note that if you choose a theme that costs a lot of money, the operating costs of blogs and websites will be used.
What should I check when selecting a WordPress theme?
In WordPress, you need to choose carefully because the appearance and functions of the appearance and functions are determined by the theme. Let’s pay attention to the next point.
When operating a website for the purpose of advertising revenue, product and services, and company introduction, it is important to have many users see it. In order to increase the number of views, SEO measures are indispensable because the search engine must be displayed in the top.
There are many WordPress themes that have substantial SEO measures. For example, there are some that can insert metal descriptions, heading tags, and set a bread waste list.
Also, pay attention to the design. If you use it as a corporate homepage, it is necessary to be able to operate intuitively for users, as well as the company’s image.
The fact that the function is substantial is also the point of choosing a theme. If there is also a responsive support that changes the design automatically depending on the user’s device, it will be a more readable and easy -to -use website.
After introducing the theme, make sure that you can receive support. In particular, overseas themes may not be supported in Japanese. If the support is not enriched, make sure that the user’s community using the theme is developed.
What is the convenient plug -in to put first?
The necessary plug -in depends on what blog website you aim for. Here are some useful plugins, so let’s introduce them as needed.
Choose a valid CMS as a marketing tool
When you create and operate blogs and websites, you can consider WordPress, which is widely used worldwide. However, it is important to note that WordPress has the risk that there are many users and the risk of security measures is difficult. You can enhance security by using plug -ins, but plug -ins cannot be automatically updated, so it is necessary to manage it frequently.
If you are looking for a CMS that is simpler and better for security measures, please consider “Switch Plus”. “Switch Plus” can be used not only as a blog and website, but also as a marketing tool. It is also possible to issue a free trial account and try the feeling of use. First, download the materials from the following and check the details.