Stop Using WordPress: A Tough But Necessary Conversation

I know, I know—criticizing WordPress feels like walking into a room and telling everyone their favorite show is overrated. But the reality is, we need to have an honest conversation about the platform and whether it's really the best solution for your website, especially if you fall into the majority who use WordPress to display fewer than 10 content pages with rare or no updates.

The Problem with Over-Engineering Simplicity

WordPress started as a blogging platform and evolved into a content management system (CMS) used by millions of websites worldwide. Its flexibility and user-friendly interface are undeniably appealing. However, the problem arises when people use WordPress for small, static websites that don’t require its vast array of features. These sites might have 5-10 pages, rarely updated, and serve a simple purpose—yet they’re powered by an infrastructure designed for much more complex use cases.

The result? Over-engineering. When you use WordPress for something as simple as a small business website or a personal portfolio, you're employing a solution designed for much larger needs. You’re maintaining a system that involves databases, frequent updates, plugins, and security measures—all for a static site that doesn’t require any of that complexity. It’s like using a Swiss Army knife to open a letter: yes, it works, but it’s far from the most efficient tool.

Performance Issues and Security Risks

One of the major drawbacks of using WordPress unnecessarily is performance. Every WordPress page load triggers numerous database queries, which can slow down your site, especially when not optimized correctly. For a static site, this is completely unnecessary, and can result in sluggish performance that affects user experience and search engine rankings.

Additionally, security is a growing concern. WordPress sites, particularly those that aren’t regularly updated, are prime targets for hackers. An outdated plugin or an unpatched vulnerability can make your website an easy entry point for malicious actors. For a static site, this risk is avoidable by using simpler, more secure alternatives.

Alternatives: Static Site Generators to the rescue!

If you’re running a small website that doesn’t need dynamic content or frequent updates, there are more efficient alternatives than WordPress. Static site generators (SSGs) like Jekyll, Hugo, or 11ty allow you to create fast, secure websites that don’t rely on databases or complex infrastructures. These tools generate simple HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files, which can be hosted almost anywhere with little to no maintenance. Since there are no backend processes to manage, they also reduce security risks and performance issues.

The Hidden Costs of WordPress Maintenance

Many people choose WordPress because it’s free, but "free" is a bit of a misnomer. Maintaining a WordPress site involves regular updates, plugin management, backups, and security measures. If you’re not tech-savvy, you’ll likely need to hire someone to manage these aspects, turning your "free" website into a recurring cost center.

By moving to a simpler solution, you can reduce the need for ongoing maintenance and cut down on expenses, while still having a website that serves its purpose.

Final Thoughts: Simplicity Is Key

WordPress is a powerful tool, but it’s not always the right one for the job. If you’re managing a small, static website with little need for dynamic features, consider switching to a simpler, more efficient solution. You’ll save yourself time, money, and headaches in the long run.

At the end of the day, it’s not about hating WordPress—it’s about using the right tool for the job. And sometimes, less is more. Do you agree? Let me now in the comments below!