Today, we’re celebrating 20 years of WordPress.com! We set out to put the power of publishing into everyone’s hands, and since then, millions of you have used it to build amazing things. Our beginnings and our purpose On June 20, 2005, WordPress project co-founder Matt Mullenweg hired Donncha Ó Caoimh (a software developer and WordPress contributor) and Automattic was born. Their mission: create a hosted version of WordPress that anyone could use. After beta testing in August 2005, WordPress.com launched publicly on November 21, 2005. Here’s what the homepage looked like: Why the heck not, indeed! (Source: Internet Archive) We’ve come a long way from these humble beginnings, but our…

WordPress’s open-source nature gives you true ownership and flexibility for your website. Unlike proprietary site builders, it allows you full control over every aspect of your site — from hosting and design to performance and functionality. This matters because your website is a long-term asset. The platform you choose establishes the foundation for everything you do with it, now and in the future. To help you make the right choice, in this guide, I’ll break down what “open source” means and why it sets WordPress apart from other site builders. What does “open source” actually mean? Open source refers to software (like WordPress) whose source code is open for anyone…

WordPress lets you do almost anything on your site — from publishing blog posts and selling products to, yes, even adding playable games. Games can be a fun extra or even a central part of your website experience. Whether used as digital easter eggs or interactive content, they’re a creative way to surprise visitors and keep them engaged. In this guide, we’ll cover some WordPress-compatible games and explain how to add them to your site. 1. The Google Chrome Dinosaur Game Screenshot In the Google Chrome Dinosaur Game, players control a T. rex that runs across the screen. As the T. rex approaches various obstacles, players must click the space…

For years, many believed that WordPress was only for blogging: too complicated and too vulnerable to cyberattacks.  These misconceptions spread relentlessly like the viral Labubu dolls. To debunk the most common WordPress myths, I’ll share real success stories backed by my decade of experience working with this platform. By the end of this post, you’ll learn more about our platform’s actual capabilities and determine if it fits your needs. TL;DR: 11 Common myths about WordPress, debunked MythRealityMyth #1: WordPress is only for blogging.WordPress powers 43.2% of the web, including ecommerce stores, corporate sites, and government agencies.Myth #2: WordPress is insecure.Most vulnerabilities stem from weak passwords and outdated plugins. The core…

This Black Friday (Nov 17 – Dec 1, 2025), get your website built for you — free — when you purchase a new annual WordPress.com Business plan. Plus, take 10% off.  That’s over $499 in professional design included at no cost, along with savings on our most powerful plan. Claim your free site build Terms apply. Why a website matters more than ever A professional website does more than put your name online. It builds trust, helps people find you, and sets you up for growth.  Unlike social media accounts or third-party platforms, a WordPress.com site is fully yours: you own your content, control your design, and decide how your…

Did you know you can create custom WordPress blocks with AI — just by describing what you want in plain language? With Telex, a free, browser-based tool from Automattic, you can type out your idea for a block and watch it come to life right in your browser.  You can then interact with the block, refine it with extra instructions, and download it as a plugin for use on your own WordPress site. To show you what’s possible, this article lists 12 cool WordPress blocks made with Telex. Each one is accessible via a shared link, so you can explore, remix, and add them to your site. 1. Minesweeper The…

Artificial intelligence excels at automating repetitive tasks and streamlining tedious workflows — and web development has plenty of those. That’s why using AI tools in your web projects can save you a ton of time and effort. Still, with so many options out there, which ones are actually worth trying? That’s exactly what we’ll cover in this post. Below, we’ll explore eight AI-powered web development tools that genuinely stand out.  For each, you’ll see what it does, why it’s useful, and how it can improve your workflow — plus a few quick-start resources to help you put them to work right away. 1. Studio Assistant The Studio Assistant is our…

WordPress.com’s AI website builder helps you create a site using simple language prompts.  Just type what you need and it’ll materialize your vision (like magic!) — no coding or technical skills required. In this guide, I’ll share seven prompts you can use to create and customize a website from scratch with our platform.  Let’s assume we’re making a personal blog all about books and publishing. Follow along, then adapt the prompts to suit the site you’re building. 1. Create the first site draft First, use the AI website builder to create a whole website from scratch.  Think of it as the first draft before you customize each section and page…

Have you ever wondered whether having your WordPress website in multiple languages is worth it, and how much effort it actually takes?  During my recent trip to the Netherlands, I found myself navigating local websites for everything from restaurants to train schedules.  As a non-Dutch speaker, it was such a relief when I could switch to English versions without fumbling with translation tools. That experience reminded me that a multilingual site isn’t just about translating text — it’s about making people feel included and welcome.  As a website owner, offering your content in different languages opens you up to a wider audience and invites more connections, opportunities, and even sales.…

Building an audience is one of the most challenging aspects of creating online content. You pour your energy into writing, publishing, and refining your work, but finding readers who genuinely connect with what you create takes time and effort. What if your readers could help your blog grow? What if the writers you love could introduce their audience to yours? That’s the idea behind recommended blogs, a feature now available in the WordPress.com Reader that lets you share the blogs you enjoy most with your own audience. Where to see recommended blogs in the Reader When you find a blog you genuinely enjoy, you can add it to your personal…