WordPress is a popular content management system (CMS) that currently (as at 2023) powers more than 40% of all websites on the internet. While its primary use is for creating and managing websites, WordPress is capable of much more than just content management. In fact, WordPress has become an extremely versatile platform that can be used for a wide range of purposes, from creating online stores and forums to developing mobile apps and managing projects. Many of these uses can be easily added through a range of free and commercial plugins.
So what else can WordPress be used for?
1. E-commerce
With the ever increasing use of online shopping, especially during and since COVID, more and more businesses are turning to e-commerce to sell their products and services. WordPress offers several e-commerce plugins such as WooCommerce, which is the most popular e-commerce plugin for WordPress by far. WooCommerce was acquired by Automattic the company behind wordpress.com and the popular JetPack plugin. WooCommerce allows users to create an online store, manage inventory, and process payments, among other features. Other e-commerce plugins for WordPress include Easy Digital Downloads and WP eCommerce.
2. Learning Management Systems (LMS)
WordPress can also be used to create online courses and educational content. This is a great way for anyone to share and potentially monetise experience and knowledge online. Learning management system (LMS) plugins like LearnDash and LifterLMS provide users with the ability to create and sell online courses, track student progress, and issue certificates of completion. With these plugins, users can create their own e-learning platforms, which can be used for corporate training, online education, or any other type of learning experience.
3. Recruitment Sites & Job Boards
Job boards and Recruitment websites are possible with WordPress. The WP Job Manager plugin offers an extensive range of features for creating and managing job listings, including job submission forms, job alerts, and resume management. Other plugins like Simple Job Board and Job Board Manager offer similar features but with different customisation options. Some plugins allow for integration to third party job management systems like JobAdder or Seek which many companies are already using, streamlining the process of publishing job data to their website.
4. Property & Real Estate Websites
WordPress is flexible enough to provide a framework for creating full featured property websites with property listings featuring all of the required information as well as shortlisting and application. Properties can be shown and searched using an interactive map. Easy Property Listings is a well known plugin which is beginner friendly and allows you to easily build a real estate website without writing code or using a specific theme.
5. Project Management System
WordPress can also be used as a project management tool. The WP Project Manager plugin allows users to create and manage projects, assign tasks, set deadlines, and collaborate with team members. Another plugin, WP Project Manager Pro, offers more advanced features, such as Gantt charts, time tracking, and project budgeting. With these tools, users can manage their projects directly from their WordPress dashboard.
6. Social Networking
It is possible to create Social Networking style websites using WordPress. BuddyPress is a popular plugin that adds social networking features to WordPress, such as user profiles, activity streams, and private messaging. Another plugin, PeepSo, offers similar features but with more customization options. By using these plugins, users can create their own social networking sites for specific interest groups or communities.
7. Mobile Apps
Create mobile apps for iOS and Android devices direct from the WordPress! AppPresser is a plugin that allows users to create custom mobile apps using WordPress as the backend. Users can add features like push notifications, geolocation, and social media integration to their apps. By using AppPresser, users can turn their WordPress site into a mobile app without needing to know how to code.
8. Forums
WordPress can also be used to create online forums. bbPress is a plugin that allows users to add forum functionality to their WordPress site. Users can create discussion forums, assign moderators, and manage user accounts. By using bbPress, users can create their own online communities, which can be used for customer support, feedback, or any other type of community engagement.
9. Online Membership Sites
Creating simple or complex membership style sites is easy with WordPress. The Paid Memberships Pro plugin allows users to create subscription-based membership sites, where users pay a fee to access exclusive content or features. With this plugin, users can create different membership levels, set up recurring payments, and offer discounts to members. There are many membership plugins that range from simple content protection via logins to complex structures with content drip feeding, multiple membership levels, upgrading and downgrading and integration to other systems like an LMS to monetise course content.
10. Intranets
While still technically content management WordPress can be used to create fully fledged Intranets which integrates content management with user access control to provide restricted content to different users.
These are just a few examples of the many ways in which WordPress can be used beyond just content management. As a versatile platform, WordPress is ideal for anyone who wants to create a website or online platform, regardless of their level of technical skill.
Here at WordPress Development Sydney we have extensive experience in creating all of these types of systems on the WordPress platform so if you are looking for help, advice or just want to get started let's have a chat.
