If you’re a beginner at website development, you might have a question. Why is WordPress so hard to use? As big and famous as it is, WordPress is so hard for many newcomers to navigate due to its many features. It is frequently misunderstood as primarily being used for creating blogs. That was, in fact, the case at one point in time. It was created as a blogging platform, but with the numerous updates over the years, that has radically changed.
That’s all included from the beginning, making it by far one of the easiest and fastest ways to write and publish blog entries. Some other website builders prioritize design and apps before considering the blogging interface, and it cannot seem very easy in many ways.
However, the bigger case is where you come from in the field of website development. If you’re someone who builds web pages from scratch (using HTML), then using WordPress might feel like a piece of cake. Hence, the requirements and procedures for building a website with WordPress can be overwhelming to some and not to others.
Building websites in itself is pretty complicated. Hence, it is only natural to find the platform complicated. In this article, we will discuss a common question: why is WordPress so hard to use?
Key Reasons Why WordPress Feels Complex for a WordPress Site
One of the biggest reasons WordPress can feel overwhelming is the reliance on 3rd party tools like WordPress plugins and WordPress themes. These tools are super powerful but introduce complexity that makes managing a basic website more complicated than other website builders. Unlike all-in-one website builders where functionality and design are tightly integrated, WordPress relies on external developers for most of its add-ons.
This means you have to vet and manage WordPress plugins and themes separately, often dealing with compatibility issues between them. For example, a plugin designed to enhance SEO might conflict with a theme’s built-in settings or updates to one plugin could break another. Each plugin or theme has its own UI and setup process so there’s no one way to learn or manage these tools.
The customization of WordPress is a double-edged sword. While it allows you to create any type of WordPress site, it requires time, research, and ongoing management to make sure everything works together. These complexities contribute to the learning curve for many WordPress users, often pushing them to hire experts or use a WordPress maintenance service as their site grows in functionality and traffic.
WordPress Requires Third-Party Assistance for a WordPress Website
As one would know, business websites in WordPress depend on WordPress themes and WordPress plugins, and hence, this is the first reason for beingso hard to use. Both tools are digitally purchased from foreign agencies to get the best one. However, these outside agencies are not linked or tied up with WordPress.
The fact that plugins and themes give you so much control over your website makes them fantastic. However, because they all originate from various third-party developers, they also significantly increase complexity.
You can’t learn a single interface that works for all plugins because they may utilize completely distinct interfaces. Additionally, these plugins occasionally clash with one another, which raises a whole new set of problems. For example, choosing the right SEO plugin to boost your site’s visibility can feel like navigating a maze in the WordPress directory.
WordPress’ Initial Setup isn’t Simple
WordPress must be installed on a server before being used because it is open-source software, not a service like website builders (Wix, Weebly, Squarespace, Blogger, etc.).
Although there are numerous WordPress-specific hosts (such as SiteGround or Kinsta), setting up a hosting environment is still more complex than beginning your work with website builders.
Managed WordPress services allow for one-click installation on your website, but that is not the complete picture. After installing it, you’ll typically need to continue tweaking it.
Moreover, a barrier for non-technical WordPress users is choosing their own web hosting that is dependable, quick, and high-quality. If you can’t find the right one, it can get complicated.
How Managed WordPress Hosting Choices Impact Your WordPress Website’s Usability
Your web host has a huge impact on your WordPress site’s usability and performance. Unlike website builders like Wix or Squarespace that come with hosting included, self-hosted WordPressrequires you to choose and configure your own hosting. This extra step can be overwhelming for beginners especially when faced with options like shared hosting, VPS, or managed WordPress hosting.
A bad host can mean slow load times, frequent downtimes, and even security vulnerabilities. For example, shared hosting is cheap but can be a performance killer for larger WordPress sites. WordPress hosting services are more expensive but simplify the process with one-click WordPress installations, automatic updates, and expert support for WordPress-specific issues. These managed services make WordPress easier to navigate, especially for beginners.
Choosing the right web host not only makes your website work smoother but also makes managing your WordPress site easier for non-tech users. These managed services make WordPress easier to navigate, especially for beginners. Hosts like SiteGround, Bluehost, and Kinsta are recommended for their reliability, speed, and WordPress features.
Third-party developers also play a role in the usability of WordPress. Many WordPress users turn to these experts to streamline processes, especially when dealing with third-party plugins that improve functionality but can add complexity. Compatibility issues between plugins are a common challenge, and here, the guidance of skilled WordPress developers becomes invaluable.
A barrier for non-tech users is choosing a WordPress host that is reliable, fast, and good. If you can’t find one it gets complicated. However, the right support and knowledge—such as online courses or advice from seasoned WordPress developers—can make the journey much smoother, ultimately making WordPress easier to use for everyone.
Inbuilt Complex Settings
Due to the availability of hundreds of free themes, another reason why is WordPress so hard to use is that they frequently struggle to choose the best theme for their blog.
Worse so, there are a bewilderingly large number of configuration choices in contemporary WordPress themes, including settings for the sidebar, widgets, and headers. These options can make WordPress so hard to manage, especially for those unfamiliar with such technicalities.
The numerous color options available that only serve to confuse you further are another point worth highlighting. This complexity often leads users to seek a WordPress maintenance service or turn to managed WordPress hosting solutions for simplified management and guidance. Alternatively, many individuals opt for online courses to better understand their options and gain confidence in managing WordPress.
See Also: Selecting a WordPress Development Team
Overwhelming Web Designing
Another reason why is WordPress so hard to use is the difficulty in designing. Being in charge of your site’s layout can be a lot of work if you’re not a web designer.
While WordPress themes can provide you with a strong starting point, you’ll probably still need to invest some time in personalizing your chosen theme to make it uniquely yours. This is one of the main reasons why users feel that WordPress is so hard to customize compared to other platforms.
Making all these decisions if your theme has several modification options can be complicated, especially if you’re not a designer. In addition, using custom CSS code to make changes if the available options are limited adds another level of complexity. Many users rely on online courses to grasp the basics or turn to managed WordPress hosting for a smoother experience. These services can simplify tasks like theme customization and plugin management, making it easier to achieve the desired website design.
Is WordPress worth considering?
Now that you the reason why WordPress is so hard to use, you might as well want to know why it is worth considering. Nearly a quarter of big websites are developed in WordPress. So, there are good things, and we will look into that.
Open-Source Software Benefits
WordPress is a free and open-source content management and web hosting platform (CMS). The fact that it’s open-source has many advantages for users.
Technically adept users can examine the core WordPress software’s source code and further tweak it.. Another reason why it seems complicated but isn’t is because of this.
Several WordPress add-ons and extensions have been developed by a WordPress community of developers and released. This has increased WordPress’s strength even more.
See Also: Performing a Proper WordPress Usability Test for Your Website
Easy Adaptations with a WordPress Website Compared to Website Builders
WordPress is frequently misunderstood as primarily being used for creating blogs. That was, in fact, the case at one point in time. It was created as a blogging platform, but with the numerous updates over the years, that has radically changed.
It has an advantage because of its blogging history. That’s all included from the beginning, making it by far one of the easiest and fastest ways to write and publish blog entries. Some website builders prioritize design and apps before giving any consideration to the blogging interface.
Customizing Made Easy
Most WordPress content developers have less programming and web design mastery. In actuality, most users begin using WordPress with no prior web design experience.
Because many of its themes include their own options panel, you may alter the theme’s colors, upload your logo, modify the background, or make stunning sliders. For more advanced customization, users often rely on an SEO plugin like Yoast or Rank Math to optimize content for search engines while staying within WordPress’s framework.
See Also: 5 Amazing Tips To Make Your WordPress Website Better Than Competitors
The Role of Community Support in Overcoming WordPress Challenges
One of the best things about WordPress is the massive and active community that helps you overcome the challenges that make WordPress so hard to use. With millions of users worldwide, the WordPress community has plenty of resources, including forums, tutorials, blogs, and video guides. Beginners can find step-by-step solutions to almost any problem, from troubleshooting plugins to customizing themes, all while learning how to use the WordPress dashboard efficiently. Platforms like WordPress.org’s support forums and websites like WPBeginner offer free advice, while online WordPress courses teach how to use WordPress effectively for tasks like building websites or managing blogs.
Beyond online resources, the community has meetups, webinars, and conferences like WordCamps where you can connect with developers, designers, and experts. These events give you opportunities to share ideas, get hands-on guidance, and learn the latest tips. For those finding WordPress overwhelming, the support ecosystem is a safety net, so you’re never alone in navigating this content management system (CMS), making the learning curve much more manageable.
Comparing WordPress to Other Website Builders for Usability
When it comes to comparing WordPress to other website builders, usability is the key for many users. Wix, Squarespace, and Weebly are designed for simplicity, with drag-and-drop interfaces and all-in-one solutions that include hosting, themes, and technical support. These are perfect for beginners who want to create a website fast without dealing with the technicalities.
WordPress has flexibility and scalability but a steeper learning curve. It’s a content management system (CMS) that relies on third-party plugins, themes, and hosting, often requiring users to set up their server for complete control. Users also need to manage tools developed by different third-party developers, which can add complexity but also offer unmatched customization. While website builders prioritize convenience, WordPress gives more customization options, allowing users to install themes, integrate features, or even write custom code to tailor their website precisely to their needs.
If you’re willing to put in the time to learn the WordPress admin dashboard and navigate its ecosystem, you’ll find it to be a highly adaptable platform. The admin dashboard becomes your central hub, supported by countless free resources and community assistance to help you build a website that truly stands out.
WebHelpAgency: Your go-to place for the best web development services
With Web Help Agency, acing the field of WordPress is guaranteed. Talking about plugins, web design, and web development services our agency has top-notch assistance for the most basic needs.
Your site’s foundation is made up of plugins. They add crucial features to your website, whether you want to add contact forms, boost SEO, speed up the site, build an online store, or provide email opt-ins. A plugin can accomplish anything you need for your website.
Hence, when the right place is just here, why look elsewhere?
As difficult and complex as WordPress gets, it is a widely used platform for a reason. Most bloggers and website developers know about the reach that the platform provides and how beneficial it is. We know why WordPress is hard to use, and it is also the reason why you should use it.
The complexity of WordPress software gives beginners an insight into the world of website creation. And considering the little effort and time you have to give, it comes with more benefits than cons.
