Without a doubt, WordPress is one of the most popular CMS platform in the industry,. It is the Swiss Knife of blogging. It is free. And there are so many great things about WordPress.
But what happens if you don’t want to use it? Are there any other alternatives? More importantly, are they any good?
In this post, we will take a look at a few dozen alternatives to WordPres and why you should use them. But first, let’s explore why would people not want to use WordPress. So let’s start off with why should you re-consider using WordPress.
Here are the five reasons why anyone would re-consider using WordPress.
-
WordPress is not Always Safe
WordPress is an open source platform and dependent on unrestricted developers. It can be very vulnerable. WordPress is highly unprotected from the online world. Threats abound even when you are just installing the simplest plugins and themes. Sounds paranoid, but it’s true.
Speaking of which…
Plugins and themes on different WordPress sites are most likely coded by different people. These are not monitored by any authority or particular groups. There’s a huge probability that a bug may be encoded on these plugins. The only “form” of security you have may be in the reviews
Through a plugin on WordPress , the admin dashboard is accessible. Unless the WordPress blog is secured, there’s no way to know the blog is absolutely safe. Protection is essential.
Storing its details in the MYSQL database and running on PHP, WordPress is susceptible to attacks. One of the majors cons of using WordPress, are these kinds of SQL attacks. Unless you employ extensive preventive measures to counter the problem, WordPress websites are vulnerable.
-
WordPress Doesn’t Come Cheap
Free to download and free to install, WordPress advertising itself is free as it is. As a user, using a free platform seems attractive. To emerge from an ocean of millions of websites running on WordPress, being free doesn’t guarantee growth or popularity.
What most startup businesses that use WordPress don’t know that it can take hundreds of dollars to design a professional-looking website. Although there are some stunning websites using default themes and plugins, many remain epic failures.
If you are a fresh web designer, using the free themes and plugins may be a good idea. But you should not expect to have jaw-dropping websites.
To really produce a highly functional, responsive and pro-looking WordPress site, you may need to pay for stuff. This includes paid themes and plugins. If you can’t do it on your own, you may need to hire a WordPress professional, and that can be expensive.
-
WordPress Doesn’t Work When You Are Stagnant
If updating and measuring compatibility are part of the daily tasks of the website owner, being dependent on WordPress will not be difficult for them. But if not, it may become more of a hassle and not a solution.
As what was stated earlier, frequent changes on plugins always exposes the website to attacks. Redesigning it can be costly. Maintenance is a huge issue and the user has to be always prepared for it.
If the user or the client using a WordPress based website has the funds and particular personnel delegated to maintain it, then it would not be that much of a problem. But if it’s a starting business, the user should reconsider.
-
WordPress Depends on Lot of Resources
For a WordPress website to work well, it needs several plugins. This is not an issue unless there are too many of them, the website goes slower. There is a potential for a slow website if these plugins are not coded well into the template.
Compared to websites running on HTML and PHP, WordPress rests on more resources. Unless handled by a good host, the website has the possibility of being suspended by the host if it receives more than the expected number of visitors.
-
WordPress has a Higher Risk Running into SEO Issues
Exhibited as SEO friendly, WordPress is much like any other open source CMS. But it can get the user into SEO issues through its category and tagging system. Except tagged with “noindex”, tags and categories will duplicate. This will result to several kinds of the identical content.
Not everyone who has their website running on WordPress is even familiar with innovative SEO techniques. A lot of people look for alternatives to WordPress because of many reasons. Some find WordPress to have a confusing interface, while others may find that they cannot achieve what they want for their website using WordPress.
So these are but a few of the reasons why you might want to take a look at WordPress alternatives.
What then are the alternatives that you have? We have compiled a comprehensive list of other CMS and blogging platforms that are worthy of your time.
The 40 Best WordPress Alternatives You Should Consider
The options listed below are your best bet if you are looking for another CMS and blogging platform.
1. Medium
Medium functions almost exactly as WordPress does. It allows users to share their opinions and ideas. It also allows users to share content that they have made themselves, making it a popular alternative among bloggers and designers.
Aside from traditional blogging, Medium also offers a variety of other options. It allows users to showcase their works in an online gallery or an online showroom.
-
Ghost
Some would say that WordPress is straying away from the whole essence of blogging. For those people, Ghost is perfect.
It is a dedicated blogging website that focuses solely on blogging. It has a clean design, which is also appealing. Ghost also offers many customization options for users to personalize their websites and blogs.
-
Joomla
One of the longest lasting WordPress competitors is Joomla. Joomla may be a familiar name to some Internet users because Joomla has been up and running for more than ten years now.
It functions like WordPress does, but it has features that the latter does not. It also has a large number of plugins and add-ons that are exclusive to its users.
-
Drupal
Drupal has also been around for a very long time. In fact, Drupal has gotten so popular that it powers over 2% of the world’s websites.
2% is a large number considering that there are millions upon millions of websites on the Internet.
Drupal-powered websites include The White House and The Economist, among others. Some say that Drupal is the primary contender of WordPress.
-
Jekyll
Jekyll is another popular alternative to WordPress. The two are massively different. Jekyll generates HTML websites from content the user uploads.
However, Jekyll does not host these websites. Users can host the created sites using services such as Go Daddy and Host Gator.
These services will allow them to put their Jekyll-powered website online.
-
Tumblr
Tumblr is particularly popular with the teenage demographic and young adults.
Tumblr is the Facebook of websites. Users can post photos, videos, texts, etc. on their websites and they have the option to customize the page as well. Users can easily like and share posts from their dashboard, too.
It acts as both a blogging network and a social networking site, which adds to its overall appeal and functionality as well.
Tumblr has spiked in popularity over the past couple of years. Tumblr is so popular that Yahoo decided to purchase it in 2013.
-
CMS Made Simple
CMS Made Simple shares the same features with websites such as Joomla, Drupal, and most importantly WordPress. This makes it the perfect fit to replace WordPress.
CMS Made Simple has easy to use settings and customization options.
It also has excellent user support, which greatly adds to its already excellent functionality.
-
Wix
The advantage to using Wix is that whatever is made using the services of Wix will be completely hosted.
It is fairly simple to use with its drag and drop interface. Aside from blogging, it can also be used to create online stores where users can sell their products and merchandise.
Much like Easy Webcontent, Wix provides the similar editor to easily design the websites. It allows users to create professional looking websites without the problems encountered on WordPress.
-
Weebly
Weebly functions almost exactly like Wix. The websites and blogs created on Weebly are also fully hosted.
Weebly also features predesigned templates for web pages. It also includes a drag and drop user interface. This allows users to easily customize their websites.
-
Squarespace
Squarespace may be one of the most popular alternatives to WordPress. Squarespace sponsors a wide range of Internet celebrities, adding to their reputation. Squarespace however, is a paid service. This may turn some people off to the idea of using Squarespace.
Squarespace allows its user to create professional looking websites without any coding whatsoever. Unfortunately, unlike WordPress, Squarespace does not include any plugins.
Well-designed and professional templates are already available for the users. There is a free 14 day trial for those who want to try out Squarespace.
-
Textpattern
Textpattern is a fairly easy to use CMS service. It allows users to view statistics about their website. It also features a native commenting system for websites. Textpattern has only a small following online.
The user interface of Textpattern can be used by even the most inexperienced at web developing. It can assist them in creating their vision of the perfect website for their cause.
-
Expression Engine
What makes Expression Engine unique from other content management systems is its spam prevention. It has spam prevention software built into every site.
Expression Engine makes use of Code Igniter to allow users to easily customize their website. Code Igniter is a type of PHP framework that is used even by PHP experts to build and customize websites.
Starting from a prebuilt template, users can then begin customizing.
-
Google Sites
This free to use service by Google definitely cannot compete with bigger CMS-based websites. However, Google Sites does function quite similarly to Wix and Weebly.
Google Sites offers easy personalization and editing of blogs and websites.
It is also fairly simple to use and offers free hosting for sites created using its services.
-
Shopify
Shopify allows its users to create professional looking online stores. Shopify makes use of templates and easy customization options.
This means that users of Shopify can realize their vision of the perfect online store.
Websites created using the services of Shopify are also fully hosted. A lot of popular online stores make use of Shopify. Payment options can also be integrated on the websites powered by Shopify’s services.
-
Statamatic
Unlike most website creators that make use of CMS, Statamatic does not store the user’s website in a database. This can prove to be the downfall of Statamatic as far as its functionality is concerned.
Others may also be put off by the fact that Statamatic is a paid service.
Despite these, Statamatic still offers amazing website creation services for those who can afford it.
-
Blogger
Google also powers Blogger. Like Joomla, Blogger has been around for a very long time. It features a commenting system for Blogger websites. It also boasts social networking capabilities.
It is an easy to use service with many options and settings.
This allows users to customize their websites or blogs exactly to their liking.
-
Typo3
Typo3 is a particularly new CMS-based website creating service. It has a license under GPL/GNU. It utilizes an open source content management framework in creating websites for its wide array of users.
The content management system used by Typo3 is one of the best around.
Once files are uploaded into the user’s directory, Typo3 gets it onto the user’s website in an instant.
-
Concrete5
Concrete5 is another popular choice for those looking to stray away from WordPress.
This CMS-based website creator features a built-in in-context editing toolbar. This makes editing websites very easy.
It also makes making websites easy by utilizing API and MVC.
-
Middle Man App
Middle Man App is hailed as one of the simplest CMS-based website generators available on the Internet. It makes use of a simple and basic user interface to make web developing easy and understandable. Its ease of use and extensive user support has made it very popular in the online community.
-
Secretary CMS
Much like most of the alternatives on this list Secretary CMS is a CMS-based website and blog generator.
The big difference is that the websites that are created using Secretary CMS can be used to promote various works.
They can be used to promote the works of photographers, filmmakers, and musicians. Businesses can also set up their online store with the help of Secretary CMS.
-
Blog.com
Blog.com allows users to choose from many design options.
These design options make it easy for users to customize their personal website or blog according to their taste.
Another function of Blog.com that makes it unique is that it allows users to monetize their blog. Blog.com also allows the integration of social media platforms to websites.
-
Get Simple
Get Simple is one of the cleanest and most minimal alternatives of WordPress. It makes use of flat file XML, which is one of the simplest user interfaces today. It features a drag and drop interface for customization.
Unlike most CMS-based website generators, Get Simple does not need its own database to function. This is something that makes it very unique.
The users of Get Simple can easily expand their website with its almost unlimited plugins and add-ons.
-
Pligg
Pligg has only recently starting making rounds, but already has quite a modest fan base. It is an open source CMS with limitless possibilities for customization and personalization.
Because Pligg is an open source tool, users who have experience in web developing can add their own coding to that generated by Pligg.
This gives them more options in customizing their blogs and websites.
-
Zotonic
Zotonic is CMS-based and is powered by Erlang. The most impressive thing about this service is that it updates the users’ sites in real time.
Once a user edits his or her website, Zotonic automatically makes the changes to the final website product.
Zotonic also allows users to create mobile versions of websites. This gives users the chance for their website or blog to reach a much larger audience.
-
Exponent CMS
Exponent CMS is a website generating system built around PHP and MySQl. This allows users to create professional looking and dynamic websites. It also makes use of its very own framework in the form of the Exponent Framework. This makes it a unique service.
-
Impress CMS
Next up on the list is Impress CMS. Impress CMS is impressive because it was built by a community looking for an alternative.
It allows for some of the easiest and most efficient website creation available today. It also has an easy to use system that is used to update sites.
Jaws is another CMS-based website creator that allows users to create dynamic websites. It also has a simple, yet powerful framework that can be used to edit sites with much ease. The services of Jaws are user friendly and at the same time they are also developer friendly.
-
900 DPI
900 DPI allows user to create static websites. These websites created using 900 DPI can then be united using cascading style sheets (CSS).
This allows users to customize their own websites based on their own taste.
The built-in styling options matched with the ability to use CSS makes 900 DPI a popular option for more advanced web developers.
-
Text Pattern
Text Pattern is a service that is mainly used for blogging, but some people have used it in creating full websites.
Websites and blogs built using Text Pattern can be fully customized. They can be personalized through the use of editable pre-made templates or through the use of CSS.
This gives users a wide array of options for colors, font styles, and font sizes for their website or blog.
-
Movable Type
Movable Type is an extremely useful application used to develop blogs and websites. Users can start their website using a prebuilt template.
Movable Type allows users to customize their website using a very simple user interface.
It makes use of the WYSIWG editor to make customizing websites easy.
-
Frog CMS
Frog CMS uses a PHP-based framework. This means that it is very easy to customize websites that are built using the services of Frog CMS.
The users of Frog CMS are treated to an almost unlimited array of design and style options for use on their website.
These design and style options can help shape their dream website.
-
Flat Press
One of Flat Press’ most impressive features is its ability to save websites into a simple text file. This separates it from many of the WordPress alternatives on this list. Flat Press is fully based on PHP and no SQL is needed.
Flat Press allows users to customize their websites using a variety of design options and themes.
Websites and style choices can easily be backed up into a single file directory. Flat Press also supports a large number of widgets and plugins.
-
Habari
Habari is unique because it has what is known as a WordPress importer. This allows people to make the switch from WordPress to Habari easily.
Habari also has its own dedicated developer community who provide help to one another.
Habari allows users to rewrite their URL. Websites made using Habari also feature options for built-in chat and page caching. Habari also has options for content management. This makes Habari a popular choice for those who have prior experience is building websites.
-
Silver Stripe
Silver Stripe helps users build their dream website from the ground up. It makes use of PHP, Javascript, HTML, and CSS. Silver Stripe features graphical user interfaces. This means that even beginners can make their perfect website.
Silver Stripe is unique because it is not only a website or blog builder. Silver Strip also lets users create their own websites and web forums. These are also easily customizable.
Silver Stripe also gives users more freedom in managing and customizing their respective content.
-
Cushy CMS
What makes Cushy CMS unique is that there is no need for any software installation whatsoever.
Cushy CMS also has exceptional user service. This great service has helped it gain massive amounts of popularity over the past couple of years.
Cushy CMS also boasts of an exceptional promotional offer. Users who sign up for Cushy CMS can build 5 free sites using their website editor. Cushy CSM also supports over 20 languages. This has helped it increase its reputation with users from all over the world.
-
Tomato CMS
Tomato CMS is a more modern option on this list. It is a popular option because it is a content management system that is SEO friendly.
Tomato CMS makes use of a fairly simple drag and drop interface, which makes it easy for users to edit their websites.
Tomato CMS builds websites using HTML. Websites are customizable using CSS 2. Zend Framework, 960 Grid, and jQuery support this CMS. This gives web developers freedom in developing and customizing their websites with the help of Tomato CMS.
-
Concrete 5
Concrete 5 is a content management that can be downloaded on to web browsers. Concrete 5 can be used not only to develop blogs, but also to develop online stores and online galleries. It also supports YouTube and Vimeo.
Other features available for Concrete 5 websites include integration of Google Maps and chat. Polls and RSS features can also be added to websites.
Concrete 5 websites can also support Flash. This makes Concrete 5 a unique choice compared to other alternatives.
-
PHP Melody
PHP Melody is a popular choice for those looking for a WordPress alternative. It is a free to use PHP-based service.
PHP Melody also supports MySQL. Videos, photos, and other forms of media can be integrated into websites.
These help make sites attractive and dynamic, making them popular and more visited.
-
Croogo
Cake PHP MVC coupled with a Twitter Bootstrap power the interface of Croogo. Croogo is an easy to use content management system. It also allows users to embed photos and videos on to their website.
Up next on the list is Symphony. Those who use Symphony are in for a treat as it allows them to create elegant and professional looking websites easily.
Symphony makes use of PHP and MySQL in order to make building and editing websites much easier.
-
Pods
Pods is unique because it has features for both beginner and experienced web developers.
Pods has a fairly simple user interface for beginners.
The major difference between Pods and other website generators is that it allows detailed and complicated coding for more advanced users.
-
Moto CMS
Moto CMS shares most of the same functions with other content management systems. What makes it special is that it allows users to choose from over 300 designs.
Users can then customize these designs to their liking by using a simple interface.
The flexibility and ease of use of Moto CMS make it a popular choice for those looking to build a website quickly and efficiently. No matter which a user decides to utilize, there are a lot of viable alternatives to WordPress.
In Case You Decide to Use WordPress After All…
Content management systems are made for one thing: help you create websites without having to worry about CSS, HTML and JavaScript.
WordPress is exactly this, and more.
It is the epitome of easy. Just configure and deploy, you’re good to go. Anyone who can use a word processor can manage a WordPress site.
Most hosting companies also provide quick WordPress installation, so you can start creating your website with just a click. You won’t have to fiddle around with folders, command lines and codes. After installing WordPress, you can build your site with ready to use themes. After a few tweaks here and there, you can add content.
Voila! You have a website.
Yes, it is actually that easy. But more than being easy, there are other reasons why WordPress is still the best in the industry.
And we are listing these reasons:
-
It is Cheap
It can be easily customized by the owner himself instead of paying a designer to do it! Some websites are so manageable that clients do not need professional help to maintain them. This is eliminates extra cost and can accumulate into more savings for the business owner.
-
Very Accessible
As long as internet is available, it can be edited anywhere, at anytime. Even with different OS and even without installing software or uninstalling firewalls.
-
Better Communication Speed
Since the user is already the one managing the websites, he/she can edit then post the recent content for the visitors to read on the website.
-
Consistent
The format of the website is uniform to the rest of the pages so the readers will not have a hard time following the format of the entire website.
-
Better Scheduling
Users can even plan when to post their blog content. This means more free time for the website owner. Automated posting of prepared content in the future has already been scheduled.
-
Easy Site Roll Out
Through several plugins, the user can develop the website into a full membership process creating several levels handled by the plugins.
-
Social Media Ease
One can link a single post to several social media websites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. This will update followers without having to post through these websites.
-
Additional Media
The user can certainly include sounds and video to website posts.
-
Unique First Impression
Designs can be combined together in a short amount of time to make the website produce a unique outcome apart from all of the other CMS hosted websites.
-
SEO Friendly
The blog code for WordPress is attractive to Google’s indexing without too much HTML code. The user can also customize pages of the website to create more traffic in the future.
-
Motivating
Because of the accessibility and manageability, posting and adding web content can be very fulfilling. This will no longer be a chore instead of just trying to haul in page visitors.
-
Search Engine Appeal
Frequent posting and contribution to the online community will create more buzz attracting other search engines. These search engines will then consistently index pages created from very active websites.
-
Growth Probability
One can contribute new pages without having any difficulty in categorizing the content. This will be automatically done under WordPress without the hassle of manual edits in javascript and complicated PHP files.
-
Quick Learning Curve
Maintaining a website running on WordPress even for a beginner can be easily done through rigorous two to three full days of training. This includes basics of Dreamweaver and even Frontpage. The user can then independently manage the site by adding pages, photos, and other kinds of content.
-
Strict Security
WordPress is usually discriminated because of its weak security caused by its plugins. These plugins can be coded by different designers resulting to some bugs in the client’s website. Opposing this idea are those who had their websites protected from these bugs and online attacker. This makes WordPress sites tougher to infiltrate than typical websites.
-
Frequent Visitors
Because the user is more motivated, he/she will then create more content creating a community that visits repetitively during the process. If the visitors permit, they will also be able to receive RSS feeds leading them to the main website.
-
Better Interaction with the Audience
One of the innovations of the websites is the comments thread. This gives the website a different taste, creating a hodgepodge of ideas. These come from all corners of the globe but at the same time contribute to a more improved search positioning. Free SEO service!
-
Authority in the Industry
Before WordPress, customary websites require several complicated steps to be done to format a post. It can be easily done now using Dreamweaver letting users add a page in just a few seconds that can be easily navigated through the whole website. Real time news are always in demand because online readers want to be updated as soon as possible.
-
Nothing is better than WordPress
Almost half of the top 100 sites run on WordPress. Some of these sites are TechCrunch, The New Yorker, Sony, BBC America, Harvard Business, and even the Official Star Wars Blog.
-
Wider Brand Recognition
Since WordPress also highlights the potential market for business websites, it is the best tool for brand recognition. The public will have a better chance of being aware of the company’s product because the site will build out to similar industry-specific resources.
-
Recognition of Trending Topics Among Visitors
Controversy and common interest is what keeps the internet alive and interactive. Upon posting information about several topics, the website owner will recognize which topics ignite discussions. This does not usually happen in old website platforms. This then presents the user an opportunity to post more of the things that keep the people interested.
-
Source for Unique Articles
Automatic archiving gives the chance to the user an automatic link back to his/her website. Articles that may be reposted or shared to other blog networks will always root back to where it came from.
-
Automatic Syndication
Through RSS feeds, posts are linked to other blogs. Other people’s websites will bring in more traffic as time progresses.
-
Inclusive Entry to Yahoo! Search
Since the website is based on WordPress, the user can manually send the RSS feed to Yahoo! And be indexed freely without having to pay the expensive $299 fee.
-
All-Day Listing in MSN/Bing
In order for the website to be indexed and get more traffic within 24 hours, the user can add the RSS feed to MSN or even Bing.
-
Single Step Posts
It only requires not just a single step, but a single click of a button to produce web content through WordPress. It is not only easy to use but it can be learned as well. Old website builders cannot do that, only blog soft wares.
-
Monitored Discussions
The only way of communication in old sites is by using forums or chat rooms. This results to accounts that only cause chaos in the discussion. This limits the integrity of the website. Through these blog software, the user can control the flow of an intelligible discussion. The comments will not sacrifice the truthfulness of the website—only eliminating the nuisance.
-
Improved Ideas
Initial posting of ideas is not a burden anymore.Innovative ideas will not become much of a problem anymore. Putting up additional content is a breeze.
-
Low Cost Functionality
Regular websites need everything be coded to work. WordPress has thousands of plugins ready to work with very minimal customization.
-
Multi-User Friendly
Since most of the users of WordPress are companies, this feature is essential to maintain the website. Several people are usually tasked to do the designing. Content managers can work together in putting the website content without problems.
-
Freebies
Blog software updates for WordPress is free. And there are tons of free plugins, too!
-
Worldwide Platform
In needing professional help, most designers are well-versed in WordPress. Unlike outdated websites, WordPress still has more knowledgeable designer. They can jump from one designing project to the other.
-
Safe
Users might include additional media such as videos, audio and even photos from private online sites. This will avoid mistakes of uploading in incorrect directories.
-
Mobile Readiness
In the era of touch screens and smartphones, it almost impossible to not see people locked to their phones. To properly integrate WordPress sites into the lives of the visitor, it is important to have the content well-adjusted to the mobile versions of the website.
-
Printing Access
Some websites look confusing and mixed-up after printing. By tweaking or adding just a single plugin, the content on the WordPress website are printed in the correct format.It will not lose the design aesthetics of the website.
Final Thoughts
These are just some of the reasons to use WordPress. It offers editing capabilities for beginners without sacrificing the credibility of the website. WordPress makes information easy to share.It doesn’t sacrifice the comfort of reading it on a well-designed page. It is no wonder that most companies and even individuals decide to choose this platform. It is not only safe but it can cope well with the fast-paced and dynamic transformation of the internet.
But if you decide to use any of the alternatives listed above, you should choose one that meets your goals. What kind of website are you looking to build? What is your skill level in terms of technical stuff? What kind of functionalities do you need?
When you have the answer to these questions, you can easily find the best WordPress alternative for your site.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.