Why I Use WordPress

This post was originally published on my personal blog in Jan 09.  I want to share it with you in case some of you are asking, “Why should I use WordPress?”

When I decided to start my own blog I started researching what host I should use.

Here are some of the reasons I choose WordPress as my blogging platform then:

1. WordPress.com was free. I didn’t want to pay anything to anybody until I was sure that I wanted to continue and be serious about blogging.
2. It gave me as much control as possible over my site. Control was a big issue. I wanted to be able to have options and personalize my blog. Having a picture of my choice in the header is a matter of a couple clicks.
3. Successful bloggers recommended it. Over and over I read that the options and growth ability are much better with WP.
4. No additional education was required. I’m a SAHM and when I do get a chance to relax I usually reach for the fiction (after Google Reader, of course).
5. What I learned with the free hosting could be transferred to my own domain name later. I’ve come in contact with many bloggers that would like to switch platforms, but they hold back because it feels like they have so much to re-learn. I figured that I might as well learn as I go.

Even though it might have taken a bit more learning at the start-up I still am glad for my decision.

1. Easy to import. When I switched to my own domain and self-hosted WordPress I had all of my old posts on my new site in minutes. When I asked a friend to join with me for a garden blog she quickly imported her old posts from Blogger.
2. There are thousands of free themes if I want to change my design. I don’t think that thousands is an exaggeration.
3. The tutorials, help, and forums at WordPress.org are great. I literally opened 2 windows and went through their First Steps page. I’ve found many answers in their forums and help pages without even submitting my own question.
4. Just search and ye shall find. When I get stuck or want to try something I just ask the search bar and there is lots of information available relating to WordPress.
5. There are hundreds of plug-ins that work with WP. While rambling through the blogosphere the neatest widgets I found are available with a WP plug-in. I’m still learning how much more can be done with a little ol’ plug-in.
6. It’s always had the ability to post date posts. I was in awe when a blogger all of a sudden said, “We’ve been on vacation. I wrote these before we left.”
7. Control.

What blogging platform do you like? Can you tell me a reason you like it?

If you need help getting started check out this WordPress Orientation.