why wordpress powers 40% of the web

when people hear “wordpress,” many still picture a dusty blogging platform from the early 2000s. the truth is the opposite: wordpress has quietly become the largest content management system (cms) on the planet, powering over 40% of all websites — from small businesses to enterprise giants.

why? because wordpress balances flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and ownership in a way no other platform can.

the evolution of wordpress

wordpress began in 2003 as a simple blogging tool. in two decades, it has grown into an enterprise-ready cms, capable of running e-commerce stores, membership communities, global media sites, and government websites.

today, wordpress is the backbone for organizations like:

• the new yorker (media)
• bbc america (broadcast)
• sony music (entertainment)
• techcrunch (technology news)

these are not “small blogs” — they’re multi-million-dollar businesses with global audiences, relying on wordpress for scale.

the advantages that keep wordpress on top

1. unmatched flexibility

wordpress is infinitely customizable. with 60,000+ plugins and 10,000+ themes, it adapts to nearly any use case:

• small business sites
• online stores (via woocommerce)
• learning management systems
• custom enterprise apps

if you can imagine it, wordpress can handle it.

2. ownership and control

this is the most underrated point: unlike platforms like wix or squarespace, wordpress is open source. you own your code, your database, and your hosting. this means no lock-in, no surprise shutdowns, and total freedom to scale however you want.

imagine building your entire brand on a platform like wix, only to outgrow it or face sudden price hikes. with wordpress, your site is yours forever.