Should your organization use WordPress in 2023?

WordPress is an entry-level CMS

One of the primary reasons why WordPress is not suitable for medium and large enterprises is its inherent nature as an entry-level CMS. While it has evolved over the years, it was initially designed with bloggers, small businesses, and individuals in mind.

Consequently, its architecture and features cater more towards simplicity and ease of use rather than the scalability and customizability required by a larger body.

Medium and large institutions typically require robust, customizable, and scalable solutions to handle the complexities of their web presence. This often involves the need to integrate various systems, handle large volumes of traffic, and manage multiple user roles and permissions. In contrast, WordPress lacks the flexibility and scalability needed to accommodate these requirements, which can result in performance issues and operational inefficiencies.

WordPress is very often insecure

Another concern for larger corporations when it comes to WordPress is the platform's security vulnerabilities.

Although security is a priority for any organization, larger enterprises often face a higher risk due to the vast amount of sensitive data they store and process.

Unfortunately, WordPress is notorious for its susceptibility to security breaches, which can be attributed to several factors, including outdated core software, plugin vulnerabilities, and poor security practices.

While it is true that many WordPress security issues can be mitigated with regular updates and proper security measures, the platform's open-source nature makes it an attractive target for hackers. Furthermore, the sheer volume of WordPress sites on the internet makes it more likely for hackers to focus on finding and exploiting vulnerabilities in the platform.

WordPress does not follow modern coding practices

Modern software development has evolved to embrace best practices such as Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) and dependency management to improve code maintainability, scalability, and readability.

Unfortunately, WordPress's architecture does not adhere to these best practices. Instead, it relies heavily on procedural code, which can make it more challenging to maintain and scale.

For wider institutions, this lack of modern coding practices can translate to increased development costs and longer development times. As a result, it may be more beneficial for these organizations to choose a CMS that follows current coding standards and best practices to ensure efficient, scalable, and maintainable codebases.

The entry bar is very low

Due to its popularity and the absence of modern coding practices, WordPress has attracted a vast ecosystem of plugins developed by programmers with varying levels of expertise.

While some plugins are well-coded and maintained, others are poorly developed and can introduce security vulnerabilities, compatibility issues, and performance problems.

Medium and large enterprises often require a high degree of customization and functionality, which may necessitate the use of multiple plugins. Unfortunately, the inconsistent quality of plugins in the WordPress ecosystem poses a significant risk for these types of operations.

By relying on a platform that allows inexperienced or subpar programmers to create plugins, enterprises expose themselves to potential security breaches, instability, and costly maintenance efforts.

Furthermore, sorting through the vast array of available plugins to find the right ones for specific needs can be time-consuming and challenging. Even when a suitable plugin is found, there is no guarantee that it will be regularly updated or maintained, which can lead to additional problems in the long run.

For companies that need a stable, secure, and efficient digital presence, choosing a CMS with a more rigorous development ecosystem and higher coding standards is a wiser decision. This approach will help minimize potential risks associated with poorly developed plugins and ensure a more streamlined and reliable website experience for both the company and its users.

WordPress often results in "plugin hell" to accomplish basic tasks

As WordPress is a relatively simple CMS, it frequently requires additional plugins to achieve even the most basic functionality for an enterprise website. This reliance on plugins can lead to a phenomenon known as "plugin hell."

It occurs when numerous plugins are needed to perform different tasks, resulting in compatibility issues, performance degradation, and a higher likelihood of security vulnerabilities. This plugin dependence not only complicates website management but can also hinder the overall stability of an enterprise website, making it a poor choice for big corporations.

WordPress does not have a strong permission system

A robust permission system is essential for any business, as it allows for better control over user access and content management. WordPress's default permission system is relatively basic and does not provide granular control required by larger corporations. This lack of flexibility can lead to security risks, unauthorized access, and difficulties in managing content efficiently.

While there are plugins available to enhance the default permission system, they may not offer the same level of control and security as a more tailored CMS designed specifically for enterprises. Furthermore, relying on third-party plugins for such a critical aspect of website management can introduce additional susceptibilities and compatibility issues.

Conclusion

In conclusion, your company should consider alternatives to WordPress due to its limitations in security, coding practices, plugin management, and permissions. Instead, your organization should explore enterprise-grade CMS solutions such as Drupal that are built with scalability, security, and modern coding standards in mind.

These platforms can provide a more suitable foundation for growing businesses, ensuring they can continue to innovate and compete effectively in their respective markets.