Ever wondered just how many websites run on WordPress? Maybe you’re considering building your own site or want to know what makes this platform so popular. Understanding WordPress’s reach can help you make smarter choices, whether you’re a blogger, business owner, or web enthusiast.
In this article, you’ll discover exactly how many websites use WordPress, why it dominates the web, and what this means for your online strategy. Let’s explore the numbers and insights behind this digital giant.
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How Many Websites Use WordPress? [2025 Comprehensive Guide]
WordPress is often the first name that comes to mind when people think about building a website. But just how many websites actually use WordPress in 2025? Let’s dive into the numbers, why WordPress dominates the market, and what that means for your own web projects.
WordPress by the Numbers in 2025
WordPress powers a staggering portion of the web. As of 2025, it’s estimated that:
- Over 43% of all websites on the internet use WordPress.
- That means millions—often quoted as more than 800 million websites—are built using WordPress.
- Within the market for content management systems (CMS), WordPress holds a market share of about 63%.
These numbers grow every year, reflecting its continuing popularity across personal blogs, business sites, eCommerce stores, and even large news outlets.
Why Is WordPress So Popular?
Understanding WordPress’s dominance starts with its user-friendly approach and rich ecosystem. Here are the main reasons so many choose it:
1. It’s Open Source and Free
- WordPress is completely free to download and use.
- Its open-source nature means anyone can contribute, improve, or customize it.
- This fosters innovation and ensures it’s always evolving.
2. Massive Flexibility
- WordPress isn’t just for blogs; it powers forums, shops, portfolios, and more.
- Thousands of themes and plugins let you design and expand your site easily without coding.
3. A Huge Support Community
- With millions of users, there’s always someone to help.
- Countless tutorials, forums, and documentation resources exist for every question you might have.
4. SEO-Friendly by Default
- WordPress is built to help your site rank well on search engines.
- There are many SEO plugins, tips, and best practices specific to WordPress.
5. Reliability and Continuous Updates
- Frequent updates improve security and add new features.
- WordPress supports sites of all sizes, from small blogs to enterprise-level portals.
Breaking Down the WordPress Ecosystem
Let’s look deeper at what the WordPress landscape encompasses.
Types of WordPress Installations
There are two main flavors:
- WordPress.org: The self-hosted version you install and manage on your own server. This gives you full control and flexibility.
- WordPress.com: A hosted solution where WordPress manages hosting, backups, and updates for you. Ideal if you want a hassle-free experience with fewer technical requirements.
Who Uses WordPress?
WordPress is trusted by:
- Personal bloggers and hobbyists
- Small businesses and freelancers
- Big brands and media companies (such as news websites)
- Non-profits, government agencies, and educational institutions
In short, it’s everyone from beginners to tech experts.
Key Statistics and Insights
- Thousands of themes and over 60,000 plugins are available for customization.
- WordPress is translated into more than 70 languages, enabling a vast global reach.
- WooCommerce (a WordPress plugin) powers nearly 30% of all online stores worldwide.
- WordPress is accessed by users in almost every country worldwide.
The Benefits of Using WordPress
Choosing WordPress offers a wide range of advantages, whether you’re just starting out or running a high-traffic site.
Simplicity
- Setting up WordPress is quick and straightforward.
- Even beginners can launch a website in under an hour.
Scalability
- Supports websites from a single page to thousands of posts.
- You can begin with a basic blog and scale to a complex eCommerce platform.
Cost-Effectiveness
- WordPress itself is free.
- Many themes and plugins are also free, with premium options available for advanced features.
- No need for expensive web development—many tasks can be managed with a drag-and-drop interface.
Customization and Control
- You decide how your website looks, feels, and functions.
- Open access to code for those who wish to personalize further.
Mobile-Compatibility
- Most themes are responsive, so sites look good on mobiles and tablets.
Challenges and Considerations
Of course, no solution is perfect. Here are a few things to be mindful of with WordPress:
Security Risks
- As the most popular CMS, it’s a frequent target for hackers.
- Use reputable themes and plugins, and keep everything updated for maximum security.
- Consider additional security plugins and regular backups.
Maintenance
- Self-hosted sites require managing updates (WordPress core, themes, plugins).
- Regular backups and performance optimization are essential.
Learning Curve
- While basic use is simple, advanced customization can require technical knowledge (HTML, CSS, PHP).
- Plenty of resources exist to help you bridge that gap!
Plugin Bloat
- Installing too many plugins can slow your site down.
- Be selective, and choose well-reviewed plugins that are regularly updated.
Practical Tips for Getting Started With WordPress
Ready to launch your own WordPress website? Here’s what you should keep in mind:
1. Pick the Right Hosting Provider
- Look for hosts that specialize in WordPress for faster support and easier installs.
- Consider managed WordPress hosting if you want less hands-on maintenance.
2. Choose a Reliable Theme
- Opt for themes that are updated often and have good user reviews.
- Free themes in the official WordPress repository are thoroughly vetted.
3. Start With Essential Plugins
Consider adding these foundation plugins:
- SEO: Plugins like Yoast SEO help optimize your site.
- Security: Plugins like Wordfence offer protection.
- Backups: Always have a backup plugin running.
- Caching: Boost your site’s speed.
4. Keep Things Updated
- Update WordPress core, themes, and plugins promptly.
- Outdated components are the main gateway for hackers.
5. Backup Regularly
- Set up daily, weekly, or real-time backups depending on your content needs.
- This ensures you can restore your site if something goes wrong.
Cost Tips for Using WordPress
While WordPress is free, there are other costs to be aware of:
- Domain Name: Usually $10–$20 per year.
- Web Hosting: Bargain plans start from $3–$10/month; managed hosting ranges higher but adds convenience.
- Premium Themes and Plugins: Optional, commonly priced between $20 and $100 per item.
- Design and Custom Development: Only necessary for highly customized sites, and costs can vary greatly.
You can absolutely launch and maintain a quality WordPress site on a tight budget, especially if you stick with free resources. Shop around hosting and domain providers to find the best deals.
Summary
WordPress’s massive market share isn’t an accident—it’s a sign of its accessibility, flexibility, and ongoing innovation. From bloggers to global enterprises, millions trust WordPress for their digital presence. By understanding its strengths, potential challenges, and best practices, you can confidently join the world’s largest web-building community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many websites use WordPress in 2025?
Over 43% of all websites globally use WordPress as their content management system. That translates to an estimated 800 million or more active websites.
2. Is WordPress suitable for eCommerce sites?
Absolutely! With the WooCommerce plugin, WordPress transforms into a powerful eCommerce platform. You can sell physical or digital products, manage inventory, and process payments—all with flexibility and scalability.
3. Is it safe to use WordPress for my website?
WordPress is secure when you follow best practices: updating software regularly, using strong passwords, picking reputable themes and plugins, and installing security plugins. The large WordPress community also helps quickly identify and patch vulnerabilities.
4. Do I need to know how to code to use WordPress?
No coding is required for basic setup and management. Simple websites can be created using themes and plugins. However, if you want advanced customizations, some knowledge of HTML, CSS, or PHP might be beneficial.
5. How much does it cost to run a WordPress website?
WordPress itself is free. Your main costs are domain registration, web hosting, and optional premium themes or plugins. Many high-quality resources are available at no cost, making it possible to run a website on a limited budget.
Building your website on WordPress means joining a vast, supportive community with tools and resources for every need. Whether you’re launching a personal blog, a portfolio, or an online business, WordPress stands out as a reliable, versatile, and future-proof choice.