In the ever-evolving world of web development, WordPress stands tall as the most widely used content management system (CMS) globally. Despite the drama that unfolded in 2024 surrounding its co-founder Matt Mullenweg, WordPress’s position as a powerful platform remains largely unchallenged. The controversy did not result in a mass exodus from WordPress, which is telling. Instead, it highlighted that users’ frustrations are less about the platform itself and more about the surrounding noise. The platform’s sheer versatility, extensive community support, and consistent evolution are why millions continue to trust it to power their websites.
In this blog, we’ll dive into 20 reasons why WordPress remains the CMS of choice for a broad spectrum of users — from bloggers to big corporations.
1. Freedom with the GPL License
WordPress is open-source, and it operates under the GNU General Public License (GPL). This means that anyone can use it for any purpose, alter its code to fit specific needs, redistribute it, and even share modified versions. This flexibility has made WordPress the go-to platform for both personal and professional websites.
2. Powering Passion Projects
One of the key reasons people continue to choose WordPress is its ability to handle diverse types of projects. In 2023, over 55% of WordPress users built passion projects on the platform. Whether it’s a personal blog, a portfolio, or a non-profit site, WordPress makes it easy to get started and scale as needed.
3. WordPress Powers 43.6% of Websites
According to recent statistics, WordPress powers 43.6% of all websites on the internet. This figure skyrockets to 62% when we look at websites built with a known CMS. For comparison, Shopify, a close competitor, holds a mere 4.7% of the total web market share. This dominance highlights WordPress’s widespread adoption and trust among users.
(Source: W3Techs)
4. 34 Million Active Websites
As of 2025, there are over 34 million live websites powered by WordPress. This number continues to grow year after year, demonstrating that WordPress has staying power and remains the platform of choice for new website owners and businesses alike.
(Source: BuiltWith)
5. Global Reach with 70+ Languages
WordPress is truly a global platform. It supports more than 70 languages, including English, Spanish, Japanese, German, French, Portuguese, and more. This wide accessibility ensures that WordPress is a practical option for users around the world, regardless of language barriers.
(Source: WordPress)
6. #1 in Key Categories
WordPress holds the top spot in several key categories. It’s the number one content management system, open-source platform, and blogging tool. For instance, 91% of websites that use open-source technologies rely on WordPress. Its dominance in these areas makes it the most popular CMS by a large margin.
(Source: BuiltWith)
7. Trusted by Enterprises Worldwide
Even large enterprises trust WordPress for their websites. Some of the biggest names, such as Bloomberg, Kohls, Salesforce, and others, use WordPress for their digital presence. WordPress is capable of handling complex, high-traffic sites, which further cements its reputation as a reliable platform.
8. Loyalty Among Enterprise Users
WordPress’s staying power is reflected in the loyalty of its enterprise users. Around 75% of enterprises that use WordPress have been on the platform for 5 years or more. This long-term loyalty is a testament to the platform’s scalability, reliability, and continued improvement.
9. Large Teams Use WordPress
WordPress is not just for solo entrepreneurs or small teams. Many large teams also rely on it. In fact, 41% of companies with 50 or more employees use WordPress, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes. The platform’s user-friendliness allows teams of various sizes to collaborate effectively.
10. 64,000+ Plugins to Extend Functionality
WordPress’s plugin ecosystem is one of its standout features. With over 64,000 plugins available, users can extend the functionality of their sites in countless ways. Whether you need SEO tools, contact forms, e-commerce capabilities, or advanced security features, there’s a plugin for it.
(Sources: WordPress, CodeCanyon)
11. Tens of Millions of Plugin Installations
Some WordPress plugins have become essential tools for website management. Popular plugins like Elementor, Yoast SEO, WooCommerce, and Contact Form 7 boast tens of millions of installations. This high adoption rate speaks volumes about the trust and value that users place in these plugins.
(Source: WordPress)
12. Elementor: The #1 Page Builder
Elementor has become a game-changer in the world of WordPress page building. With more than 18 million websites built using Elementor, it is the most popular WordPress plugin. Its drag-and-drop interface allows users to create beautiful and functional websites without needing coding knowledge.
13. 25,000+ Themes to Choose From
WordPress’s extensive theme repository is another reason why users love the platform. With over 25,000 themes available, users have plenty of options to create a unique, professional-looking website. Premium themes from ThemeForest and other sources offer even more customization options for those looking for something more tailored.
(Sources: WordPress, ThemeForest, BuiltWith)
14. High Return on Investment (ROI)
WordPress delivers an impressive return on investment (ROI) for its users. 72% of enterprise users report being happy with their WordPress ROI. They cite benefits like cost savings, time efficiency, and revenue generation, all of which make WordPress an attractive choice for businesses looking to get the most out of their digital presence.
(Source: State of Enterprise WordPress 2024 Report)
15. The WordPress Community Is Thriving
WordPress is more than just a platform — it’s a thriving community. There are over 500,000 members in WordPress meetups, with over 600 local groups across 93 countries. WordPress enthusiasts, developers, and users gather to share knowledge, network, and collaborate on new projects. This active community provides invaluable support for both newcomers and seasoned users.
16. 24 Dedicated Contributor Teams
Behind WordPress’s success is a dedicated team of volunteers who contribute to its development. There are 24 active contributor teams that focus on core development, design, mobile, accessibility, plugins, themes, and more. This collaborative approach ensures that WordPress stays up to date and continues to evolve with the needs of its users.
17. 1,286 WordCamps Worldwide
WordCamps are local, community-driven conferences where WordPress users from all walks of life come together to learn, share, and network. With over 1,200 WordCamps held globally, these events are a testament to the strength and enthusiasm of the WordPress community. They provide a platform for users to connect and learn from one another.
18. It’s Flexible and Customizable
Whether you’re building a blog, an e-commerce store, a portfolio, or a corporate website, WordPress’s flexibility allows you to customize it to your exact needs. With thousands of themes, plugins, and customization options, the possibilities are endless. WordPress gives users full control over the look, feel, and functionality of their websites.
19. Ongoing Support and Documentation
WordPress offers extensive documentation and community-driven support to help users troubleshoot and learn. From official documentation to community forums and dedicated help from developers and designers, getting help when needed is easy. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced developer, support is just a click away.
20. It’s Here to Stay
Despite the controversies and challenges surrounding WordPress’s leadership, the platform is here to stay. WordPress has built a strong foundation over the past two decades, and it continues to evolve with modern web development trends. Its widespread adoption, commitment to innovation, and robust community make it a reliable choice for users around the world.
Conclusion
WordPress’s longevity in the competitive CMS market speaks volumes about its strength and adaptability. While there are challenges and criticisms surrounding its leadership, the platform’s core benefits continue to outweigh the negatives for most users. Its open-source nature, extensive plugin ecosystem, powerful customization options, and strong community support make WordPress the go-to CMS for millions of people across the globe.
For individuals and businesses alike, WordPress offers unmatched flexibility, ease of use, and scalability. Whether you’re just starting with a small blog or building a large enterprise website, WordPress can meet your needs. Despite the drama surrounding its leadership, the love for WordPress remains steadfast — and it’s not hard to see why.
