Is WordPress for You?

In case you’re new or haven’t been here in a while: Welcome (back)!!! And yes, I’m also now on WordPress!

If you’ve been thinking about making the switch for a while like I was, then congrats b/c that actually means you’re actually READY to take the plunge. (No, really, it does!)

But enough about you because the purpose of this blog is to outline the reasons for why I finally kissed Blogger goodbye–and help you understand whether you should follow in my footsteps, of course!

So let’s have at it.

1) Content ownership: Even though I write ALL my content,  according to Google’s Blogger, I didn’t own it– i.e., Blogger-based authors don’t own their blogs’ content! But dang it, it’s MY content!! B/c WP recognizes that, and I didn’t want Google to ever be like, “We’re sorry but we decided to kill Blogger so you’re screwed,” I made the switch. (Want more info on this issue? A Royal Daughter has a great overview. Amy of The Charming Blog also shares her reasons for switching.)

2) Search Engine Optimization: In case the posts I’ve written on SEO for bloggers haven’t been any indication, lemme let you in on a little secret: I LOVE SEO–getting others to find my stuff. But Blogger didn’t realize this–only WordPress does! (And really well.) So I made the switch. (Specifically, I got the Genesis framework, which is an SEO lover’s dream.)

3) Customization on steroids: You thought Blogger allows you to customize your blog? Ha cute :). So did I. But as far as personalizing your home in blogland, WP is KING–but it’s also way more difficult. Although you shouldn’t take that lightly, don’t take that as your reason for NOT adopting WP. (And please don’t think I was trying to scare you off being on WP b/c I want all bloggers to bring their A game!)

Let me put it to you this way: If you like hiring designers, then be ready to hire one (for more $$) for when you move to WP. But if you’re more of a DIY-er like me, expect to spend a great amount of time looking up how to customize things and codes (yup, codes. And LOTS of them) on WP. Fortunately, this is the 21st century and almost everyone gives away what they know for free already. So there are plenty of tips out there! You just have to know HOW to look for them and WHO to trust. (Though you can always start with the Genesis support team, which is wonderful.)

If you like hiring designers, then be ready to hire one (for more $$) for when you move to WP.

All in all, if you’ve been considering moving to WP, that’s your first sign that you’re ready to GO FOR IT! So do it already! The learning curve is a tad steep at first (tho it’s honestly less steep if you like/don’t mind staring at CSS for long periods of time), but I have faith you CAN conquer it.

And if you’ve already moved to WP, purchased a Genesis theme, and are just getting started, here’s a guide I wrote that I think can help: Tips for Customizing Genesis Themes.

What made YOU switch to WP or what has made you NOT want to switch yet :)?