Category: WordPress

  • State Of The Word 2023 in Madrid

    State Of The Word 2023 in Madrid

    Both the summary of 2023 and the sneak peek into what is planned for 2024 reinforce my belief that WordPress is on an exciting path and thriving. Clear goals on the horizon and the swift implementation of various improvements are solidifying WordPress’s role as a market leader in CMS…

    My full summary you can find here: https://www.osomstudio.com/blog/state-og-the-word-2023-madrid/

  • The WordPress Community Needs to Raise Standards, Not Play the Victim

    The WordPress Community Needs to Raise Standards, Not Play the Victim

    There’s a recurring narrative within the WordPress community that suggests some mysterious entities—be it individuals or companies—are out to get WordPress. However, my observations tell a different story. The issue isn’t that people are against WordPress; it’s that they don’t give it the respect it deserves. Let’s delve into why this is the case.

    The Misconception of Inferiority and the Role of Competing Interests

    Firstly, there’s a damaging perception that WordPress is an inferior technology. This misconception often stems from past negative experiences, usually due to poor implementation by someone who was supposed to be an “expert” in setting up WordPress sites.

    But this is just the tip of the iceberg. Many of these detractors are actually salespeople or advocates for other CMS platforms. These platforms, often not open-source and backed by venture capital, have a clear agenda: to sell their licenses. To make their offerings seem more appealing, they overpromise their capabilities and portray WordPress, the market leader, in the worst possible light. While it’s crucial for the WordPress community to be vigilant in pointing out misinformation or outright lies, we must also be open to legitimate criticism. If the criticisms align with the product roadmap, acknowledging and accommodating these concerns can only serve to improve WordPress.

    The Security Angle

    Another significant contributor to WordPress’s tarnished image is the issue of security. The marketplace is flooded with products that don’t prioritize security, putting users at risk and further damaging WordPress’s reputation. This makes community-driven security initiatives all the more crucial for restoring trust in the platform. Creators of WordPress products, such as plugins or themes, should be acutely aware that their frivolous approach to security can cause significant damage to the entire community.

    The Way Forward

    Instead of being sidetracked by perceived external threats, the WordPress community should concentrate on actionable improvements: elevating project implementation standards and ensuring both the quality and security of WordPress products. To shift the prevailing perception of WordPress, we should focus on quality, security, and openness to valid criticism.

    Moreover, showcasing WordPress’s adoption by esteemed organizations like NASA or Vox Media will resonate more powerfully than merely citing statistics about the number of WordPress-powered sites 😉

    P.S. By raising standards in both quality and security, WordPress not only improves itself but also contributes to the broader mission of keeping the web open and accessible.

  • WordPress and Webflow: A Car-Based Comparison

    WordPress and Webflow: A Car-Based Comparison

    Often, I come across comparisons between WordPress and Webflow that seem to be made without much context or consideration. It’s a bit like comparing a VW Passat Alltrack to a Mazda MX5 without acknowledging their different purposes. Yes, they’re both cars, but they’re designed for different scenarios.

    As someone who frequently uses car analogies to simplify complex concepts, I find this comparison quite fitting 😉. If you’re not into cars, bear with me as we navigate the CMS landscape together.

    Comparing WordPress and Webflow feature by feature is like comparing the off-road capabilities of the Passat Alltrack to the exhilarating driving experience of the MX5. They’re designed for different things, and a direct comparison doesn’t quite capture that.

    WordPress and Webflow are both excellent platforms for certain scenarios. If you’re looking to create a simple website that provides information about your company or product, either platform will do the job. That’s like a two-person trip with minimal luggage – both the Passat and the MX5 can handle it.

    However, when you need more – more features, more integrations, more configurations – Webflow starts to feel a bit like trying to fit a family of four and their vacation luggage into the MX5. It’s not quite up to the task.

    Webflow might evolve to match WordPress’s capabilities, but for now, it’s more like the MX5 – great for its niche, but not built for every situation.

    WordPress, on the other hand, is your reliable Passat. It’s not the flashiest choice, but it’s versatile and dependable. With its open-source nature and a plethora of plugins and blocks, WordPress can be customized to fit almost any need. It’s the sensible choice for most situations, unless you’re specifically looking for a two-seater sports convertible.

    So, when you see WordPress and Webflow compared, remember they’re different CMSes designed for different needs. Just like choosing a car, the best choice depends on your specific needs and circumstances. 

    I’m curious – what car comparison would you use to describe WordPress and Webflow? Feel free to share your thoughts.

  • Unlocking Cost Efficiency and Flexibility: Why Your Department Should Consider WordPress

    Unlocking Cost Efficiency and Flexibility: Why Your Department Should Consider WordPress

    Looking to trim down your department’s budget? Whether you’re a marketing manager, an HR manager, or whether you’re in the financial sector or consumer electronics industry, have you thought about migrating the specific section of your website that you’re accountable for to WordPress?

    I can almost hear the collective gasp 😀 WordPress? Really? But consider this: transitioning to WordPress could substantially reduce the licensing fees associated with your current ‘enterprise’ CMS.

    But it’s not just about cost savings. WordPress, with its user-friendly interface, offers more than that. It opens up a world of options with its extensive community of developers and agencies, unlike being confined to a limited number of ‘partner’ agencies even for some basic front-end work. This means more control and flexibility for you.

    And let’s not lose sight of the future. With the end of easy access to free money in the market and the increasing demand for tangible outcomes from CMS companies, I can assure you that all licensing fees will only increase.

    So, if you’re looking to reduce costs, gain more control over the part of the web presence you manage, and prepare for future market changes, why not give WordPress a shot? You might be pleasantly surprised by the results 😉

  • Debunking the Myth: Why Startups Shouldn’t Shy Away from WordPress

    Debunking the Myth: Why Startups Shouldn’t Shy Away from WordPress

    I often hear that startups shy away from using WordPress as a CMS for their websites. The reasons? Founders don’t like it, have had bad experiences a decade ago, or simply find it not ‘fancy’ enough.

    Isn’t the primary goal of an early stage startup to find the shortest path to product-market fit? In many cases, opting for a new, ‘fancy’ CMS can create distractions and may not necessarily bring the startup closer to achieving product-market fit. Companies need to make strategic decisions about their tools. It’s not about what’s trendy or innovative, but what aligns with their specific needs and goals.

    If a startup founder decides that WordPress isn’t the best solution after thorough research, that’s fine. But they need to be honest with themselves. As a startup founder, the last thing you need is to grapple with the technology you use to convey your company’s message to the world.