If you’re a WordPress user, you know that this versatile platform has moved far beyond blogging. More than a quarter of the internet now runs on WordPress! As such, one person can hardly keep up with all its capabilities. You may be surprised to discover some of the amazing uses for WordPress.

 

1. Make Your Own Social Network

The big social networks seem to have taken over our lives. Just sifting through the barrage of minute-by-minute updates can overwhelm anyone. Your messages can get lost in the shuffle. But build your own social network, and connect a select group of people with a common interest. Make it easy for them to find each other and they will thank you. Shop around for a plugin that meets your needs. Some high-rated options include BuddyPress, Ultimate Member, and WriteShare. (The latter is specifically designed for communities of writers.)

 

2. Let Customers Book Appointments

You’re too busy to answer every phone call and email. Plus, human error can wreak havoc on an appointment calendar. If your business offers a service, for which customers need appointments, consider letting WordPress do the work. Try options like Easy Appointment or Appointment Buddy.

 

3. Create an Ecommerce Site

Sell your wares in a secure environment with an ecommerce site. Build it within your existing WordPress site or create a separate domain. Woocommerce is the big dog with more than 3 million active installs powering 30% of online stores. What’s more, it’s made by Automattic, the parent company of WordPress, which should signal seamless integration. Use it to offer all kinds of payment options and manage shipping costs.

 

4. Host a Forum

If you have a loyal community with a strong niche interest, a forum is a perfect place for them to connect. BuddyPress, mentioned above offers this function. Also, explore options like five-star rated Asgaros Forum or Forums wpForo. Both are free and open source and further expand your uses for WordPress.

 

5. Build an Online Portfolio

Showcase your work on a site you fully control, rather than on a social network like LinkedIn. Create an interactive resume or a gallery of images. Whether you’re seeking a new job, new clients, or just want to network with others in your field, a portfolio site is essential. Try Career Portfolio or Portfolio Gallery.

 

6. Crowdfund a Project or Cause

Crowdfunding is hot. If you’ve ever given even a few dollars to a cause on Kickstarter or Indiegogo, you know the inspiration. The donor gets to be part of something big and exciting. Meanwhile, the fundraiser can quickly earn the capital they need to pursue a dream. You can crowdfund from your own WordPress site. Kinsta published a useful list of plugins for this purpose in June 2017. Note that some of these options integrate with other plugins we mention here like WooCommerce and BuddyPress.

 

7. Offer Live Chat Support

Being reachable by your customers makes a world of difference in how your company is perceived. Therefore, a speedy response can turn into glowing praise across the internet. Live chat provides a quick, easy way for customers to reach you. One of the most downloaded and best rated (4.5 stars at this writing) is WP Live Chat Support.

 

8. Send Invoices

Perhaps we could write a whole list of amazing uses just for WooCommerce. In addition to its other talents, it can generate and automatically send customizable invoices. If you want to explore other plugins, Sprout Invoices carries at 4.8-star rating, albeit with only a 1,000 downloads at this writing. It offers both free and premium features.

 

9. Create a Job Board

Think of potential employees just like potential customers. Give them a smooth, user-friendly experience. You will benefit from an organized stream of applications that you can easily track. Allow visitors to search by criteria like title or location. Keep your board up-to-date with expiration dates. Even receive email notifications when someone applies. A popular option is WP JobBoard, but there are many others.

 

10. Create a Classifieds Site

Thanks to the internet, classified are much more sophisticated than they were in the days of print. Target a niche audience and enhance your brand. Make the user experience seamless from the rest of your site. The highly rated plugin Classifieds comes from WPMU, a developer who provides a range of plugins, some with the functions listed above.

 

11. Expertly Manage Affiliate Links

Affiliate relationships are a great way to make money with your blog and add value for your readers. However, tracking each affiliate separately takes considerable time. Keep them all in one place and track your income by using a WordPress plugin. Two that wp engine recommends are WP Affiliate Manager and ThirstyAffiliates.

 

Uses for WordPress Continue to Evolve

Practically anything you wish you could do with your WordPress site, you can! As the internet evolves, uses for WordPress will only increase and change as well. We hope we’ve gotten you thinking about your potential and started in the right direction. Explore the many plugins available and always remember, for security, keep your plugins up-to-date!

 

IMAGE: Flash Alexander / CC0 Public Domain