What to Expect from WordPress in 2022
WordPress has been synonymous with blogging, helping people share views since 2003. However, as of 2022, the WordPress content management system (CMS) is used on 42% of all internet sites.
What is WordPress and how has it evolved?
WordPress allows individuals, institutions and businesses to build and host websites. Templates and plugins make the process simple and customization easy.
In close to 20 years, there have been over 40 WordPress releases.
Some notable updates and key features include:
- Version 2.0, called Duke, in December 2005, improved admin tools, aiding faster posting.
- Version 3.0, entitled Thelonious, in June 2010, added a new default theme, offered a lighter user interface (UI) and assisted multi-site use.
- Version 4.0, named Benny, in September 2014, boosted media management, enhanced the writing interface and improved theme customization options.
- Version 5.0, called Bebo, in December 2018, introduced the Gutenberg block-based editor
As of early 2022, the most recent release is Version 5.9, called Josephine.
Which WordPress is right for you?
WordPress isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution; there are options to choose from.
Self-hosted WordPress
Self-hosted WordPress sites make up over half of the CMS sites in the world. This platform is the market leader, with ample support and options.
Once a domain provider and web hosting are arranged, the user has complete control over their website. This may sound daunting for some, but it creates a variety of options.
WordPress.com
WordPress.com is a simple way to set up a website with minimal fuss and effort. If features like design flexibility, server space and customization are unnecessary, it’s entirely free to use as a dependable software as a service (SAAS) solution.
WordPress VIP
WordPress VIP is a managed hosting service, offering the best of the other two options. This platform is dependable, fast and secure. The reliable nature of WordPress offers peace of mind to users.
WordPress VIP provides many support options, including analytical services to help users better understand visitors, and how they find your site.
New for 2022 – WordPress Developments you will love
As of May 2022, WordPress 6.0 is in its second beta phase. There are big plans for 2022, and recent or forthcoming developments include:
Updates to Gutenberg
In addition to more template options, users can change the look of their site in a single block theme. There will be the options to select text across blocks to make editing simpler.
Creating websites will be easier with improved design tools and more collaborative services. New blocks will feature a Comments option, avatar blocks and a post author biography. Users will have the option to disable, remove or move blocks. Also, the ability to create better multi-language sites will be welcomed by many.
Headless CMS
Headless CMS developments provide users with more flexibility if they must migrate content. With this process, users are no longer tied to specific plugins and themes. Benefits include:
- More control over the development process
- The ability to scale sites in less time
- Improved security measures
- A sleeker design, resulting in faster-loading sites
Improvements to accessibility
There are strict regulations about website accessibility, for entrepreneurs, businesses and public bodies. WordPress aims to offer more support in making sites better for all users, including better image captioning capabilities, and improved video subtitle services with WebVTT.
Increased usage for e-commerce
There are significant plans for e-commerce improvements on WordPress this year including augmented reality features, greater use of voice searches, additional support for geolocation services, and chatbots.
Improved performance on site
Changes include improved image optimization services and coding enhancements resulting in faster front-ends. There is also potential for greater developer testing for themes and plugins.
Page loading time is vital for search engines and the user experience. Improvements in this area will be a huge boon to developers and website builders.
WordPress fits well with Public Sector and Government Agencies
One can’t deny businesses love e-commerce improvements on WordPress. Yet, the benefits to public sector bodies and Government agencies are apparent.
With self-hosting, WordPress.com and WordPress VIP options, every department can get online, no matter the skill set in a body or size of the department, there is a way to communicate with others.
WordPress VIP offers greater security and uptime, critical factors for all websites. No matter which option you choose, platform updates make WordPress a clear choice for Government agencies.
Importance of accessibility
There is growing pressure on Governments and public bodies to offer accessible sites.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states one in four Americans have a recognised disability. This equates to around 61 million people. While it is easy to take the internet for granted, most websites are inaccessible to many Americans.
Relevant bodies of law here are:
- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act
- Where applicable, state regulations
Settlements and Penalties
There are strict penalties in place for non-compliance.
Non-compliance with Section 508 results in a fine of up to $55,000 for the initial violation. For each further violation, fines can reach $110,000.
For bodies in receipt of Federal funding, non-compliance risks the revocation of these funds.
Non-compliance penalties means public bodies must take online accessibility seriously. But they should also make compliant websites because it is the right thing to do.
Why WordPress is the CMS of choice for public bodies
Building an accessible website is crucial, not necessarily the CMS that creates it. Of course, choosing the most useful CMS for accessible sites is a great help. WordPress is an effective solution for helping developers build compliant websites in real-time.
Commonly, changes only occur on a website if a problem arises. So, it is best to resolve things as part of the development process. Doing so reduces the risk of non-compliance, the threat of penalties and unhappy users.
While not perfect, WordPress focuses on accessibility. Each update improves accessibility, and developers or web administrators can make significant changes in the draft stage. Adding alt text descriptions and video captioning is simple; as easy as uploading images and videos.
If users can only retrofit solutions to live pages, then accessibility is not up to standard. With WordPress, users are more likely to provide accessible content as soon as they go live.
Lone Rock Point helps everyone develop their online space
At Lone Rock Point, we know WordPress is suitable for all websites, even governments. This is the ideal platform for accountable groups as it provides a high standard of service.
These bodies and agencies need sleek sites that load fast and meet the needs and demands of many people, despite their complexity.. These sites must be secure, accessible and provide a service when required.
We appreciate websites are a lot of work, but they are an integral part of serving the public. If you need help in adopting WordPress, Lone Rock Point is here to help you.
