The nature and frequency of WordPress software updates is a much discussed issue in the WordPress world.  With WordPress version 2.7 about to be released to the world, now is a good time to summarize my approach to these updates.

WordPress updates come quite often and sometimes, like in 2.7 really change the core program or its user interface.  Because of this there have formed two camps of WordPress users.  The first loves the frequent updates and changes, the second resists them.  I think there are two main objections that those in the latter camp have.  The number one concern I hear is that the update process is complicated, with too many critical steps for the average user of WordPress to be comfortable with.  The second concern is that once a WordPress user gets familiar with the interface of the version they are using, they do not want to have to learn how to use a new version that has changed much of that user interface.  The WordPress developers have a reputation for downplaying these two concerns, but I can sympathize and even have the concerns a bit myself.

To be fair to the developers of WordPress, I think the idea that they are unreceptive to these two concerns is a bit unfounded.  The very fact that they are always working on updating and improving the WordPress software indicates they are working with the end user’s best interests at heart.  In fact the most recent versions of WordPress have made the updating of plugins very easy and automatic.  WordPress 2.7 aims to make the updating of the core program easier, but we will have to wait and see if that is successful.  On a more concerning note to some, the 2.7 version may significantly change the entire user interface.  Supposedly it is an improvement and easier to learn, but existing users will still need to put in some time to adapt to the changes.

So, what is my recommendation on updating?  I think at this point you should be on the latest release of whatever version you are using.  As I write this, I myself am on WordPress 2.6.5 which is the latest version available.  This will change as new versions are released, but if you are using a release other than the latest, it should be at most one version back.  Even though I have no trouble with the WordPress updating process, I still usually wait a few weeks or so after each new release before upgrading.  With the extensive beta testing that goes on with the WordPress software, this waiting is probably unnecessary, but old habits sometimes die hard! (Update): WordPress version 2.7 incorporates an automated update process. This should be well received and loved by all users!

Stay tuned for the expected release of WordPress 2.7!  I will write a post here once it has been out for a few days and I have done the upgrade.

The first thing to realize is that everything on this site refers to having the WordPress software installed on your own hosting plan. The website wordpress.com is something else entirely and unrelated to everything here. The site that relates to using WordPress on your own hosting service is wordpress.org. (Note the .org extension.) You will have nothing to do with the wordpress.com site, (except to register and get an API key for the two plugins that need one).

I know, it is confusing and I have no idea why it is set up this way. It is just one of those things that must be committed to memory without trying to understand why. Now if you hire me to get your website set up and running, you won’t have to worry about these sorts of things!

Back to why you should use WordPress instead of something like WordPress.com or Blogger/BlogSpot. WordPress.com and Blogger are much more limited in what they offer and in what you can do with your site. Customizations are limited and the ability to augment your site with tools and plugins does not exist.

WordPress gives you unbeatable power to do what you want to make your site your own. WordPress is also much more search engine friendly. If you want to have your own brand and web identity, then WordPress is your best choice. You also can not have your own domain on WordPress.com or Blogger. This website at either of those services would be underthewordpresstree.wordpresss.com, (or blogspot.com). That is very important for brand identity and SEO.

Every WordPress installation is unique because it can be drastically changed in pretty much any way you want. Additionally, self-hosted WordPress so flexible and powerful that it can be used as a replacement for the traditional hand coded html website. Using WordPress as a content management system, (CMS), even for sites more complicated than this one, or my Healthy Living blog, is where WordPress really shines.

Many of you do not need a complicated html site, and can get what is needed with less work and less expense by taking advantage of the flexibility and customizations available in a WordPress CMS installation. Some of you may even have an existing traditional html website that you just want a WordPress blog added to. I have done both and can help you with either need.

With a little help at the outset, WordPress can be mastered and understood. Even if you have no interest in learning the more technical aspects of installing and running a WordPress site, it is well worth it to hire someone to set it up, get it running, and do any future involved customizations or changes you might want. Someone like myself who has set up hosting service and WordPress sites numerous times, can make it quick and easy for you to get going. With a little training and some ongoing email communication, you will be comfortable in no time!

For those that have no technical interest at all and may not have even the minimal time needed to maintain a WordPress installation, I offer monthly maintenance services to keep you going full speed ahead.

Whether you are a small business person, an author, writer, artist, counselor, non-profit, or an enthusiast or expert in any field, you should have a web site. This may be for business development, communication with existing clients, or just a place to organize and publish information. Many people are not aware how they could benefit from having this online presence.

When you add a blog to your website, you make it more dynamic and interesting. A blog enables you to publish the kind of information that keeps your readers and clients returning to see what is new.

A Blog Allows Your Readers To Know You

By posting original content to your website on a regular basis, you allow your readers to get to know you. Because people prefer doing business with people they know, this gives you an advantage over traditional advertising and marketing.

For example, just by reading some of my articles on this site, you will start to form an idea about who I am and how I work. If it is a favorable impression that has been formed, and you decide to use my services, we are very likely to have a positive and mutually rewarding relationship. Make use of this powerful tool and you will see your business increase.

Dynamic Content Leaves The Competition Behind

Write and post a few good articles on your area of expertise, and you will be ahead of many of the other blogs and websites on the web. Then, if you continue to post a few new, quality articles each month, you will have an advantage over almost all of the others. A website and blog is a dynamic duo, and professionally designed WordPress installation is the perfect, affordable, tool to get you the customized web presence you need.