Over the past few years, WordPress has solidified its position as the leading content management system. With over 50 million websites utilizing it, including major players like Mashable, TechCrunch, and CNN, this platform has proven its versatility. In this piece, we delve into the insights gained from developing Restaurant Engine, a WordPress-based web design service tailored for restaurants.WordPress originated as a blogging platform, but it has since transformed into a robust web publishing platform, with ongoing innovation shaping its applications. Notable examples include PressTrends’ analytics tracking for WordPress product creators, the new WPAppStore integrated into the WordPress dashboard, and the expansive functionality achievable with Gravity Forms.This article highlights some of the innovations within the WordPress ecosystem, emphasizing the potential for new tools and solutions. However, it also acknowledges the challenges and questions that arise, particularly when automating processes for specific user groups, such as restaurant owners, with the goal of solving their unique problems.Choosing WordPress for Restaurant Engine was a straightforward decision. While WordPress is a superior CMS, it does come with its own set of considerations, notably the limitations of customization when compared to building a web app from scratch. Modifying WordPress features must account for potential future maintenance issues when the platform is updated.WordPress, while versatile, has its limitations. It’s crucial to recognize these and not force it to fit where it doesn’t belong. For instance, a project requiring a custom web app with unique features may not be best suited for WordPress. However, for content publishing-focused projects, WordPress can be an excellent choice.Understanding the user base is essential. Building on WordPress raises the question of whether new users are already familiar with the platform, which directly impacts marketing strategies, feature communication, and the extent of customization needed for the WordPress dashboard.While WordPress has evolved to be powerful and user-friendly, its usability must still align with the target user base. In my experience, I adopted a strategy of maintaining the WordPress interface for familiarity but also improving it through enhancements like clear labeling and streamlining certain features.For users unfamiliar with WordPress, the interface remains functional. However, we made specific improvements to address confusion or areas that could be improved, such as the Featured Image feature and the admin bar. Each project has unique requirements and user groups, which may involve a complete redesign of the WordPress dashboard or leaving it as is.One of WordPress’s advantages is the vast array of plugins, many of which are free. While custom development may be necessary for some aspects, plugins can be invaluable. Here are some plugins we utilized:
Hide Welcome Panel for Multisite – beneficial for our use of WordPress Multisite
Simple Page Ordering – converts the Pages list and other hierarchical post types into a drag-and-drop order interface
SB Uploader – aids in modifying the ‘Featured Image’ function
WordPress is a customizable, open-source platform ideal for publishing web content. However, it’s important to acknowledge its limitations and not expect it to be the universal solution for every project.
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