The world's most popular CMS
What is WordPress?
A complete introduction to WordPress — what it is, why it is so popular and how to launch a WordPress site.
What is WordPress?
WordPress is the most popular CMS (Content Management System) in the world — it powers 43% of all websites globally. Open-source, free, running on PHP and a MySQL database. Two variants: WordPress.org (self-hosted, root access, you pay for hosting) and WordPress.com (hosted service, limited). It powers blogs, portfolios, business sites, e-commerce (WooCommerce), LMS and membership sites. BeoHosting offers 1-click installation in cPanel Softaculous from €3.90/mo.
- WordPress = 43% of all websites
- Open-source, free CMS
- .org (self-hosted) vs .com (service)
- Softaculous 1-click installation
- From €3.90/mo (BeoHosting shared)
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What is WordPress and why is it so popular?
WordPress is a free, open-source content management system (CMS) that lets you create and manage all kinds of websites — from simple blogs to complex online stores and corporate portals.
Originally created in 2003 as a blogging platform by Matt Mullenweg and Mike Little, WordPress has grown into the most popular CMS in the world, powering over 43% of all websites on the internet. That means almost every second site you visit runs on WordPress.
WordPress stands out for its ease of use — you do not need any programming knowledge to build a professional site. Thanks to its huge ecosystem of plugins and themes, you can add any functionality to your site with quality WordPress hosting.
How does WordPress work?
WordPress uses the PHP programming language and a MySQL database to generate pages dynamically. Here is what the process looks like from installation to a finished site:
Choose hosting
Pick quality WordPress hosting that supports PHP 8+ and MySQL databases. BeoHosting offers optimized WordPress hosting plans with one-click installation.
Install WordPress
Through cPanel or Softaculous, WordPress installs with a single click in under 60 seconds. You get access to the admin panel (wp-admin) where you manage the entire site.
Pick a theme and plugins
Choose a theme that suits your site and install the plugins you need — for contact forms, SEO, security and performance. It is all done from the admin panel.
Create content
Use the Gutenberg editor to create pages and blog posts. Add images, video, tables and other elements by visually dragging blocks.
Key WordPress features
WordPress offers a rich ecosystem that covers everything you need for a professional site.
Themes
Over 10,000 free themes that change your site's appearance with a single click. Premium themes offer advanced design and features for every industry.
Plugins
Over 60,000 free plugins that add functionality — from SEO optimization and contact forms to e-commerce stores and forums.
Gutenberg Editor
A visual block editor that lets you build pages by dragging elements without any coding at all.
SEO Optimization
WordPress is naturally SEO-friendly, and with plugins like Yoast SEO or Rank Math you can precisely optimize every page for Google.
WooCommerce
The most widely used free e-commerce plugin, turning WordPress into a powerful online store with payments, shipping and inventory management.
Multilingual
With plugins like WPML or Polylang, you can easily build a multilingual site in English, German and any other language.
WordPress.com vs WordPress.org
One of the most common points of confusion for beginners is the difference between WordPress.com and WordPress.org. Although they share the same name and the same core software, they are completely different platforms.
WordPress.org (recommended)
Free software you install on your own hosting. Full control, unlimited themes and plugins, the ability to customize the code. Ideal for serious sites and businesses.
WordPress.com (hosting platform)
A hosting service that offers WordPress with limitations. The free plan has ads and little space. Paid plans cost more than standalone hosting without an advantage in functionality.
Site ownership
With WordPress.org and your own hosting, you are the full owner of the site. On WordPress.com, the platform can suspend your account and content if you break their rules.
Our recommendation
Use WordPress.org with a BeoHosting WordPress hosting plan. You get automatic installation, free SSL, daily backups and technical support.
What is WordPress used for?
Related pages and guides
WordPress hosting
Hosting optimized for WordPress
How to install WordPress
A step-by-step guide
WordPress plugins
The best plugins for your site
WordPress vs Joomla vs Drupal
A comparison of CMS systems
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