Let’s get this out of the way: WordPress changed the web. It made publishing easier, gave small businesses a voice online, and powered millions of websites worldwide. But here’s the truth that needs to be said, even if it ruffles a few feathers:
WordPress is no longer the best choice for a modern content management system (CMS).
We’ve worked with WordPress for years, and while it once made sense for many projects, we’ve seen firsthand how it’s become more of a liability than a solution.
It’s Bloated by Design
What started as a blogging platform is now trying to be everything to everyone. E-commerce store? LMS? Membership platform? Headless CMS? WordPress tries to do it all. And because of that, it’s bloated.
Most WordPress sites rely on dozens of plugins just to function. Page builders, SEO tools, security add-ons, speed boosters—each one adds load time, conflicts, and maintenance headaches.
The Plugin Problem
If you’ve ever managed a WordPress site, you know the drill. There’s always a plugin update, and with every update comes risk:
- Will it break your layout?
- Will it conflict with another plugin?
- Will it even work after the next WordPress core update?
You end up stacking plugin on top of plugin to patch what should have been built right in the first place. It’s not just inefficient it’s risky.
Security Is Always a Moving Target
Because WordPress powers so much of the web, it’s a massive target for hackers and bots. Outdated plugins, insecure themes, and default configurations leave the door wide open for attacks.
Security is an ongoing battle that most small businesses don’t have the time or expertise to fight.
It’s Trying to Do Too Much
Instead of focusing on being a great CMS, WordPress keeps expanding into everything else; Gutenberg block editors, site builders, REST APIs. But in trying to be everything, it’s not really nailing any of it.
The result? A platform that feels bloated, inconsistent, and increasingly difficult to manage without professional help.
Better, Leaner Alternatives Exist
Today’s businesses deserve platforms built for performance, security, and simplicity, without all the bloat. We help clients move to modern CMS solutions that:
- Require fewer plugins (or none at all)
- Are faster and easier to update
- Have built-in security features
- Are custom-built around your content and goals not a theme marketplace
WordPress Had Its Moment
It’s okay to move on. WordPress paved the way, but it’s no longer the leader it once was. If your site feels sluggish, insecure, or overwhelming to manage, it might be time for something better.
We use and have used WordPress. We still have clients who specifically ask for WordPress, not because it's the best choice, but because it’s the only name they’ve heard of. At Rudder Digital, we stay CMS agnostic. You should always choose the right tool for the job, not just the name you recognize.
Let us help you choose the best path forward. Contact us to explore the right CMS for your content and goals.
