When launching a business website or blog, some individuals express concerns about WordPress. They question how a free platform could be effective, especially in terms of security and scalability. However, these concerns are often unfounded as most websites globally run on the WordPress content management system. In fact, over 74.6 million sites currently use WordPress, with numbers increasing daily. With so many CMS options available, such as WordPress, Drupal, Joomla!, and Blogger, how do you decide which to use? Well, given this site’s name and the vast number of users on the WordPress interface, the choice seems clear. WordPress is not just for small-time bloggers writing during their lunch hours.
Continue reading to discover popular brands using WordPress. Next, we’ll explore why WordPress is so favored. But first, what actually is WordPress?
What is WordPress?
WordPress is a content management system (CMS) that simplifies building and managing a website without needing to code from scratch. It began as a blogging platform in 2003 but has evolved into a versatile, open-source tool that now powers 60.9% of websites with a known CMS and 43.4% of all websites. This includes personal blogs, portfolios, large news sites, and ecommerce stores.
The platform provides a user-friendly dashboard to create pages, publish posts, upload media, install plugins, and customize your site’s appearance. You can use free or premium themes, add functionality with plugins, and adjust everything from layout to SEO settings from the admin area. Whether you’re starting or managing multiple client sites, WordPress offers the freedom to create the site you envision without being confined to one tool or service.
How to Start Building with WordPress
Starting with WordPress is simpler than ever, especially with managed WordPress hosting that handles the technical setup. Here’s a quick guide to building your WordPress website from scratch:
- Choose a hosting provider: Opt for a WordPress-optimized host like Pressable or Rocket.net for faster speeds, automatic updates, and expert support.
- Pick a domain name: Many hosts allow you to register your domain during signup.
- Install WordPress: Most hosts install it automatically with no manual setup needed.
- Select a theme: Start with a free one or explore premium options to match your brand.
- Add plugins: Install plugins for SEO, contact forms, security, and other features you need.
- Customize and launch: Use the Customizer, Site Editor, or Block Editor to adjust your design, write pages, and publish.
From there, you’ll have full control over your content, design, and functionality—all without touching a line of code. For faster speeds, automatic updates, and expert support.
👉 Full guide on How to Build a website with WordPress
Top Brands Using WordPress Right Now in 2025
Seeing big brands in action highlights WordPress’s effectiveness as a platform. Here are some top brands currently using WordPress:
- Mozilla Blog
Mozilla Blog uses WordPress to keep the internet open and accessible. It features beautiful images, a subscription box, and social share buttons to spread their message.
- The Walt Disney Company
The Walt Disney Company uses WordPress for its blog-style layouts and featured images, keeping fans updated on Disney-related news.
- The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones use WordPress to manage fan engagement for concert tickets and band updates.
- The PlayStation Blog
PlayStation uses WordPress for a visually appealing website and blog, offering a magazine-style layout for gamers.
- TED Blog
TED Blog uses WordPress to share educational content, video clips, and TED talks, even allowing global live streaming.
- TechCrunch
TechCrunch relies on WordPress to handle fast site loads for its vast daily traffic.
- The Observer
The Observer uses WordPress for a magazine layout with social sharing and search functionality, engaging visitors immediately.
- Meta Newsroom
Meta uses WordPress for its blog, featuring a simple style with whitespace, easy navigation, and featured images for reader engagement.
- BuzzMachine
BuzzMachine, created by Jeff Jarvis, is a prime example of a blog scaling quickly on WordPress.
- Laughing Squid
Laughing Squid offers daily unique art, culture, and technology content, remaining faithful to WordPress’s interface.
- Variety
Variety uses WordPress for its news site, handling traffic and engagement, offering subscriptions, social media connections, and newsletters.
- Boingo
Boingo’s site features a static homepage with video content, intuitive navigation, and subtle hover effects.
- Harvard Gazette
Harvard Gazette features a unique right-hand navigation menu, email opt-ins, topic categories, and an events section.
- Wolverine Worldwide
Wolverine Worldwide uses WordPress to promote its environmentally friendly products globally.
- Usain Bolt
Usain Bolt’s website demands fast loading speeds, using
