Last week I shared why I think my web design business is like my chucks. (If you missed that and are interested in how sneakers can possibly be like a business, read this article.) So this week I thought I would expand on that a little bit.
WordPress is Consistent
We all recognize Chucks when we see them on the shelves in the sneaker store and on peoples’ feet. They can come in a multitude of colors and patterns, but they all have a distinct look in common. They are satisfyingly consistent. Not necessarily simple, but minimal in a good, foundational way. Chucks haven’t really changed over the years since they were first made. Well, the looks at least.
I’ll even bet you make a mental note about someone wearing Chucks.
Now, I can’t say WordPress never changes, it has actually changed quite a bit this past year by updating to a new editor but the main function of WordPress has been very stable.
Some may argue that WordPress is difficult to use. I say all website platforms have a learning curve when you are learning to use them. You don’t need to know code to get your site working like some seem to think. Of course, knowing some html, css and php will allow you to get to the ‘truly create anything you want’ stage. But even without knowing any of that, you can start using it ‘right out of the box’ as they say and create a beautiful, effective site for your business.
Community
I could go on and list all the features of using WordPress and compare them to the stable features of my beloved raspberry, blue, black or orange chucks. Instead, I’m taking a different direction here.
I continue to use WordPress and delve in deeper, because I’m able to. I’m not able to just on my own, by putting my head down, opening a book or browser window and learning more, but because I’m encouraged outright by others in the WordPress community both in person individually, in meetups, at WordCamps, in Facebook groups and reading others’ blog posts. I love looking at others’ projects for ideas for my own clients. This spurs me on to learn more, to ask questions and to search answers.
I find the WordPress community as just as important to my use of WordPress as my platform of choice for building websites as the education I have about WordPress itself, which I hope to continue growing with every project.
Confidence
I’m confident in my learning and future using WordPress to build on because I know its stable. Now, I’m not saying I won’t ever explore building websites on other platforms, rather, just like my Chucks, WordPress is familiar, comfortable, able to be dressed up or dressed down.
I also recognize that WordPress isn’t the ideal platform for some to build their websites on, just like Chucks aren’t the ideal shoe for everyone or every activity. But for me and the clients I like to work with (coaches and small, independently owned service-based businesses) it’s often the most appropriate, and can be dressed up or down for their needs.
