Ever wondered how many of the websites you visit were built with WordPress? If you’re considering launching a site or just curious about web trends, knowing WordPress’s share of the internet can influence your decisions.
Understanding its popularity reveals which platforms dominate online and why businesses, bloggers, and professionals gravitate toward it. In this article, we’ll break down the latest statistics, explain what they mean for you, and offer insights on whether WordPress is the right choice for your project.
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What Percentage of Websites Are WordPress? (2025 Data)
When you browse the internet, there’s a good chance you’re visiting a site built with WordPress. Over the years, WordPress has grown from a simple blogging tool to a dominant force powering a large portion of the web. But just how big is it in 2025? Let’s dive in and examine the numbers, what they mean for you, and practical advice if you’re considering WordPress for your own site.
The Clear Answer: What Percentage of Websites Use WordPress in 2025?
As of 2025, WordPress powers around 43% of all websites worldwide. This figure is based on comprehensive industry statistics that track the most popular content management systems (CMS) across the globe.
Let’s break that down for clarity:
- Out of every 100 websites, approximately 43 are built on WordPress.
- For sites using some form of content management system (not custom coded), that number jumps higher—over 60% of CMS-powered sites use WordPress.
The scale is staggering. Millions of blogs, business sites, news portals, and even major corporate websites rely on the flexible foundation WordPress provides.
Why Is WordPress So Popular? Major Benefits
There are several reasons WordPress continues to dominate:
1. User-Friendly Design
- You don’t need to be a coder to launch a site.
- WordPress offers a visual editor and intuitive dashboard.
2. Flexibility and Customization
- Thousands of themes and plugins extend functionality (e.g., eCommerce, membership, forums).
- Open-source code means developers worldwide contribute improvements and features.
3. Strong Community Support
- Vast forums, tutorials, and guides are available for every level of user.
- Regular updates keep the platform secure and modern.
4. SEO-Friendly Structure
- Built-in tools and third-party plugins (like SEO optimizers) make it easier to rank in search engines.
5. Scalability
- WordPress sites can grow with your business—from small blogs to enterprise-level websites.
Who Uses WordPress? From Blogs to Big Brands
WordPress isn’t just for small businesses or personal bloggers. It’s the backbone for a diverse range of users:
- Personal Blogs: Anyone can start sharing their thoughts with minimal setup.
- Small to Medium Businesses: Cost-effective and easy to maintain for those with limited resources.
- Large Enterprises & Media Outlets: Many major brands, news sites, and Fortune 500 companies use WordPress at scale.
- eCommerce Stores: With plugins like WooCommerce, online shops of all sizes thrive on WordPress.
Detailed Look: Key Aspects of WordPress Usage
Let’s take a deeper look at what makes WordPress stand out and what challenges to anticipate.
1. Key Steps to Launch Your Own WordPress Site
- Choose a Hosting Provider
- Select a reliable web host specialized in WordPress for best performance and support.
- Install WordPress
- Most hosts offer “one-click” WordPress installation.
- Pick a Theme
- Browse free or premium themes for your site’s look and feel.
- Add Plugins
- Extend site functionality, from contact forms to SEO boosters and eCommerce solutions.
- Create Content
- Use the built-in editor to add pages, posts, and media.
- Secure & Optimize
- Configure security settings, backup routines, and speed optimization plugins.
2. The Main Benefits Summed Up
- Cost-Effective: WordPress itself is free; most expenses are hosting, themes, and plugins (often affordable or free).
- Ownership: You control your site and its data, unlike “renting” space on platforms like Facebook or Medium.
- Global Reach: Multilingual plugins and integrations make it easy to reach a worldwide audience.
3. Potential Challenges & How to Overcome Them
Even the best platforms have drawbacks to consider:
a. Security Risks
- Being so popular makes WordPress a target for hackers.
- Best Practices: Keep WordPress, themes, and plugins up to date; install security plugins; use strong passwords.
b. Performance Issues
- Some poorly optimized themes or plugins can slow down your site.
- Best Practices: Use high-quality themes and trusted plugins, optimize images, and leverage caching solutions.
c. Learning Curve for Advanced Features
- While the basics are easy, more complex functions (e.g., custom themes, multisite networks) may require developer skills.
- Best Practices: Tap into community forums, guides, and consider hiring a freelance expert for big projects.
Practical Tips and Best Practices for a WordPress Website
- Pick Reliable Hosting: Managed WordPress hosting providers simplify updates, backups, and security.
- Use Trusted Plugins & Themes: Avoid plugins/themes with few reviews or infrequent updates to minimize security risks.
- Implement Regular Backups: Use plugins to automate backups so your data is always safe.
- Optimize for Speed: Compress images, use caching plugins, and choose lightweight themes.
- Focus on Mobile: Ensure your theme is mobile-responsive, as most web traffic comes from mobile devices.
- Stay Updated: Regularly update WordPress core, plugins, and themes to protect against vulnerabilities.
- Plan Site Structure: Organize your pages and menus for easy navigation, both for users and search engines.
- Leverage SEO Tools: Install SEO plugins and follow on-page SEO best practices for better rankings.
- Monitor Your Site: Use analytics and monitoring tools to track performance and uptime.
- Engage with the Community: Join WordPress forums, attend meetups (virtual or physical), and learn from peers.
Understanding Costs: Tips for Budget-Friendly WordPress Sites
While WordPress itself is free, there are expenses to consider:
Main Costs
- Domain Name Registration: Usually $10–$20/year. Your unique web address.
- Hosting Services: Shared hosting can be as low as $4–$10/month, while managed hosting costs more for enhanced security and speed.
- Premium Themes & Plugins: Some advanced features/plugins require a one-time or yearly payment, typically $30–$100 for themes and $20–$200 for plugins.
Money-Saving Tips
- Start Small: Consider free themes and plugins when launching, and upgrade as your needs grow.
- Bundle Deals: Some hosting companies include free domains or premium themes with annual plans.
- Self-Hosting vs. WordPress.com: Hosting your own WordPress (WordPress.org) gives you more control and usually better value in the long run.
- DIY Customizations: Use available tutorials to customize your site before hiring a developer.
- Audit Add-Ons: Regularly review your plugins and themes—remove or replace anything you’re not using to keep costs and site clutter down.
Current Trends: What’s New in 2025 for WordPress?
WordPress continues to evolve, responding to new technologies and user needs.
- Full Site Editing (FSE): Gives you greater creative control over every part of your site without coding.
- AI Tools: New plugins help automate content, SEO, and customer support tasks.
- Improved Accessibility: More themes and plugins offer better usability for all users.
- Eco-Friendly Hosting: Hosts promoting green energy and eco-responsible solutions cater to growing sustainability demands.
- Mobile-First Features: Enhanced mobile customization and app-like experiences for visitors.
Who Should Use WordPress (and Who Maybe Shouldn’t)?
Ideal For:
- Bloggers, writers, and creatives wanting full control.
- Businesses of all sizes seeking flexibility and scalability.
- eCommerce stores, magazines, podcasts, portfolios, and virtually any project needing an online home.
Maybe Not The Best Fit If:
- You need a super-simple, low-maintenance site with very few updates (e.g., digital business card). In that case, “site builder” platforms could be easier.
- You’re a large organization with highly specialized security, compliance, or custom infrastructure needs that might be better suited to custom-built solutions.
Should You Choose WordPress For Your Website?
With its robust features, vast community, and proven scalability, WordPress remains an excellent choice for most web projects. Whether you’re a startup, artist, or established brand, WordPress offers unmatched flexibility, cost savings, and room to grow online.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the difference between WordPress.org and WordPress.com?
WordPress.org provides free software to install on your own web host, giving you full control and flexibility. WordPress.com is a hosted platform where your site is managed for you, but has certain limitations unless you pay for premium features.
2. Does using WordPress require coding knowledge?
No, you can build and run a WordPress site without writing any code. The platform’s editor, theme customization tools, and plugins are all user-friendly. For advanced features, knowing HTML/CSS can help, but isn’t required for most sites.
3. Is WordPress only for blogs?
Not at all! While it started as a blogging tool, WordPress now powers diverse websites including online stores, business portals, portfolios, news sites, membership sites, and more. The flexibility comes from its plugin ecosystem and customizable themes.
4. How do I keep my WordPress website secure?
Keep WordPress, plugins, and themes updated regularly. Use strong passwords and reputable plugins. Add security plugins for firewalls and malware scanning, and set up automated backups to restore your site if something goes wrong.
5. Are WordPress websites mobile-friendly?
Yes, most modern WordPress themes are built to be responsive, meaning they’ll look good and function well on smartphones and tablets. Always preview your chosen theme on different devices to ensure the best experience for your visitors.
In Summary
WordPress stands as the world’s most popular website platform in 2025, powering about 43% of all websites online. Its unmatched versatility, ease-of-use, and vibrant community make it the top choice for individuals, small businesses, and major brands alike. By following best practices, starting with a clear plan and leveraging the rich resources WordPress offers, you can launch a powerful, effective site tailored to your needs—without breaking the bank. If you’re ready for a flexible, scalable, and future-proof web presence, WordPress is hard to beat.