If you are a regular WordPress user, you may have heard this question quite a few times “ why WordPress so complicated?”.
Well, you can’t blame them. WordPress can look very overwhelming at first glance. People often think it is complicated because there are many customization options. So, users can quickly get confused when trying to take it all in at a time.
WordPress was designed to allow users to customize it in near-countless ways. It was also designed to support many types of websites. Therefore, feeling a little intimated is normal when you first cross swords with WordPress. Let’s reveal the reason and their solution.
5 Reasons That Users Find WordPress Complicated
WordPress has changed website building and designing for good. Thanks to WordPress, you can create a full-fledged website and it will be up and running in no time. However, this will happen only if you are familiar with WordPress and you know your way around it.
But, those just beginning to use WordPress will find it difficult. They will always ask the question, “ why is WordPress so complicated?” because,
1. The initial setup and installation of WordPress is quite daunting
WordPress is open-source software, not a service like website builders (Wix, Weebly, Squarespace, Blogger, etc.), and it needs to be installed on a server before it can be launched.
Although you will find many WordPress-based hostings available in the market, you will see that it is still not as easy and straightforward as starting your work with website builders. The hosting will provide you one-click WordPress installation.
But that’s not all. You will need to configure some more settings inside WordPress to make it work. And that is where most users struggle and find it hard to use WordPress.
2. WordPress themes & plugins can become complicated
After installing WordPress, you will need two things,
- Themes control all the design elements and general website behavior.
- Plugins are add-ons that extend the capabilities of a WordPress website.
Both themes and plugins give unlimited flexibility to WordPress websites. You can customize your website and design your website however you like with themes and plugins. However, the configurations of themes and plugins will seem difficult for new users. Sometimes your WordPress feature image may not work correctly for theme customization.
There are so many options and customizations one tends to get lost amidst all this.
3. Categories & tags are difficult to understand
You must use categories and tags if you publish content on your WordPress site. As WordPress was primarily built for blogging purposes only, it still uses the categories and tags options initially designed for blogs to manage their blog posts.
That is why you will find categories and tags for managing your blog posts.
So most users make a mistake with the WordPress structure and use multiple categories with no tags and vice-versa, which results in difficult navigation.
4. Complicated settings of WordPress
WordPress is highly customizable. That is why there are many settings to customize as per the user. But for a new user, those customizations will look complicated.
The users will not find any universal default step-by-step structure in WordPress that they can follow. There is also no setup wizard or anything like that website builders usually have.
5. No built-in analytics
The best way to know that your website is performing as expected is to gather data and analytics.
However, there are no built-in analytics settings inside WordPress. You will not find any data on your website without third-party solutions.
Some plugins will help you gather all the data regarding your WordPress site. However, the initial setup of these plugins is quite complex. What may complicate matters further is that there’s no single third-party Analytics solution, and users must choose from various options like Google Analytics, Clicky, Jetpack by Automattic, etc.
Although there are quite a few reasons as to why WordPress is so complicated. But there are ways to make WordPress simple. We are going to discuss the next.
How to Make WordPress Easy to Use
a. Utilize pre-built themes
Choosing from thousands of pre-built themes can simplify your design process. In 2021, over 40% of websites used themes, making it easier for newcomers to create professional-looking sites.
b. Leverage page builders
Using page builders like Elementor can eliminate coding needs. It’s an intuitive tool for dragging and dropping content, empowering over 5 million active users to design without technical skills.
c. Install essential plugins
With over 55,000 plugins in the WordPress repository, you can add functionalities easily. These plugins range from SEO tools to e-commerce solutions, catering to your site’s specific needs.
d. Access WordPress community support
The WordPress community is vast and responsive. Engaging in forums and local meetups can provide personalized assistance, contributing to WordPress powering 39.6% of all websites as of 2021.
e. Invest in a managed hosting service
WordPress hosting can handle technical aspects like security, speed, and updates. A study showed that 29% of WordPress users prefer managed hosting for a hassle-free experience.
f. Follow tutorials and online courses
Many platforms offer comprehensive WordPress tutorials. Enrolling in these can reduce the learning curve, with 63% of users claiming improvement in proficiency after taking an online course.
g. Implement SEO-Friendly plugins and techniques
Utilizing SEO-friendly plugins like Yoast SEO can maximize your site’s visibility in search results. A survey indicated that WordPress users who implemented such tools saw an average increase of 34% in organic traffic, making it a valuable strategy for growing your online presence.
h. Plan regular backups and updates
Automating backups and updates ensures site integrity. Approximately 50% of WordPress users affirm that regular maintenance practices significantly reduce complications.
i. Hire professional assistance if needed
If the complexity still overwhelms you, professional WordPress developers are widely available. Hiring expert help has led to 22% of businesses experiencing increased growth and ease of website management.
j. Use Lighter Themes and Plugins
When using a WordPress site, you need to use plugins and themes. And many plugins and themes are available in the WordPress repository.
Don’t get carried away with the flashy features and options. Choose the ones that have enough features to get your work done. Select the light plugins and themes. That way, you won’t get too confused and easily figure out the settings quite quickly.
These strategies align with modern trends and make WordPress accessible to both novices and experienced users, enabling the creation of dynamic and engaging websites.
FAQ(s)
Why is WordPress so difficult?
WordPress can be complicated because it is a complex, powerful, and at the same time, highly flexible content management system (CMS). The power and customizability of WordPress may make it a little hard to understand at the beginning.
Why is WordPress so bad?
WordPress is not built for high performance, and adding plugins can slow things down even more.
Is WordPress hard to manage?
No. WordPress is as easy to use as a word processor. So learning how to use it well is simple. It’s just a matter of getting a handle on how to use its point-and-click interface.
Is WordPress overrated?
No, It’s the most used open-source CMS available. Over 74.6 million websites are powered by WordPress.
Final Word
We’ve delved into why WordPress can be complex and highlighted practical solutions to overcome those challenges. If you’re a beginner poised to launch your following website with WordPress, take heed: the journey may seem intricate at first glance.
But don’t fret; with the proper preparation and utilization of the numerous resources and support available, you can easily navigate WordPress’s complexities. Whether through tutorials, plugins, or community assistance, your path to creating a stunning WordPress site is well within reach.