…and why Oxygen specialises in WordPress development
It’s often cited that WordPress powers around 500–800 million websites worldwide – that’s around 2 in 5 – making it the most widely used content management system on the internet today. A third of websites use a .uk domain – so it’s hugely popular right here in the UK.
But why is WordPress the platform of choice for so many, including us here at Oxygen? From charities and start-ups to growing businesses, public sector and global brands, WordPress has been a central platform that has allowed us to help our clients share their messages, connect with their customers and create engaging, scalable digital experiences that grow with their needs.
And why does Oxygen use Elementor, the page builder within WordPress? More on that later.
What is WordPress development?
So, firstly, what is WordPress? It’s an open-source content management system (CMS) that allows organisations to create, manage and evolve their websites without needing to rebuild them from scratch when their requirements change. Plus, because it’s open source, it’s easy to transfer a website to a different developer or agency if a company wishes.
Originally, it launched as a blogging platform, but it’s since evolved into a sophisticated web development framework capable of supporting everything from simple brochure websites to large-scale, multi-functional digital platforms.
What are the advantages of building a website in WordPress?
Flexibility and scalability
One of WordPress’s greatest strengths is its flexibility and scalability, allowing it to evolve with business needs and growth without requiring a complete site rebuild from scratch.
Developers can easily add new sections or extend the platform with custom themes, third-party plugins, or integrations, enabling complex functionality such as e-commerce systems, booking tools, CRM integrations, or membership portals.
WordPress built-in SEO and GEO tools
You may be aware that search engines favour websites that are fast, well-structured, and regularly updated with credible, relevant content. There is now also a growing need to ensure sites are discoverable by AI through Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO). GEO focuses on structuring content and code so it can be easily understood, summarised, and cited by AI assistants and generative search platforms.
A well-built WordPress site provides easy-to-manage technical tools that work well for both SEO and GEO. It allows for structured code and content, clear headings, and authoritative information, helping search engines and AI tools understand the context and value of your website. Ideally, this should be combined with well-written, optimised copy to help achieve maximum visibility across both traditional search and AI-powered platforms. This is something we assist our clients with as part of our website development approach and ongoing support. Take a deeper dive into our website development services here.
Easy content management system
WordPress offers the ability to easily manage web content, giving teams editorial control to publish blogs, update page content and images, or add new products or resources without needing website development skills or technical expertise. For organisations that regularly publish insights, case studies, testimonials, or news and blog updates, this level of control can be invaluable.
For those preferring to outsource website content management, we assist our clients with writing and optimising web content, blogs, and news articles so they are in SEO- and GEO-friendly formats that are visible to search engines, AI-driven search, and voice search. Due to the simplicity of the WordPress content management tools, updates can be quick and cost-effective, as most content changes don’t require the expertise of one of our website developers. You can find out more about our copywriting services here.
Responsive design for every device
WordPress sites are built for responsive design, with content that automatically adapts to the user’s device and provides an optimised view based on screen size.
Furthermore, our web development team always takes a mobile-first approach, ensuring your website works seamlessly on the smallest screens while delivering a great user experience and optimal search performance, regardless of the device used to access it.
Can a WordPress website really look unique?
Yes, absolutely. A common misconception about WordPress sites is that they all look the same.
Because WordPress’s design and functionality are so adaptable, it allows organisations to create a site that truly reflects their brand, audience needs, sales funnel, and business goals, rather than forcing them into the limitations of a rigid web template system.
WordPress offers a range of pre-designed templates as a starting point for organisations, as well as fully custom template options. Depending on budget, the design scope can be extensive, or costs can be kept minimal by using a pre-existing template with branding customisations that add a distinctive, unique touch.
At Oxygen, every WordPress website we develop is built around:
- Bespoke design that reflects your brand
- Carefully planned user journeys and UX
- Structured content written for SEO and GEO visibility
- Copywritten in your tone of voice
- Integrations and functionality tailored to your business needs and client requirements
The result is that our clients’ websites look, feel, and behave authentically.
OK, what’s the Elementor page builder?
That brings us to Elementor – which plays a vital part in the design and build process. Elementor powers around 15–17% of all WordPress websites, and is our page builder of choice.
What’s the benefit for our clients? Simple. It’s simple!
Having a page builder within WordPress gives you some key functionality.
- Visual drag-and-drop editing
No coding needed. With an hour’s training, you can be making changes to your website. - Faster site building
Developers and agencies can build sites much faster than traditional WordPress workflows. That saves you money. - Design flexibility
More control than many themes. This means we can not only create stunning designs, but also add valuable functionality so that your website works harder. - Huge community
Large ecosystem of tutorials, templates and plugins. So the site becomes scalable and is also more future-proofed by the development community. Let’s look at security…
Are WordPress websites secure and reliable?
Website security is an area that can sometimes be overlooked during the web development process. In the UK alone, there are millions of attempted website attacks every year, with consequences that can be devastating, including lost business, reputational damage, and costly recovery work.
We take security very seriously and build it in from the outset, with WordPress providing the flexibility to accommodate robust, built-in protections.
All our web and digital services are underpinned by ISO27001 information security certification, ensuring a structured and secure approach to our web development, hosting services, and digital infrastructure.
We also hold Cyber Essentials Plus certification, supporting our commitment to robust cybersecurity standards.
When we develop and host websites, we ensure they are protected by:
- Secure UK hosting
- Web application firewalls
- Encrypted SSL certificates
- Regular updates and monitoring
- Secure backup systems
This ensures our clients’ WordPress websites are secure, reliable, and resilient against cyber threats while remaining visible and accessible to their customers.
Our WordPress websites in action
One of the reasons why we love working with WordPress so much is how it allows us to support our clients’ very different needs.
Check out some examples below of how we’ve used the WordPress platform to create effective, high-performing websites for our clients.
Invest Somerset
Invest Somerset is the official inward investment platform for Somerset, designed to promote the county as a destination for business growth, relocation and investment. The initiative, led by Somerset Council and regional partners, provides a “one-stop shop” for companies considering moving to or expanding within the region, offering information on business support, available sites and premises, workforce development and local economic opportunities.
The platform highlights key sectors driving Somerset’s economy – including clean energy, aerospace, manufacturing, food and drink, and digital innovation – and connects businesses with local networks, training providers and support organisations. Oxygen built the WordPress website along with the development of their brand and brand guidelines.
Exmoor Pony Society
The Exmoor Pony Society approached us to modernise their online presence — showcasing their work preserving the rare Exmoor pony, engaging supporters, and centralising memberships and donations.
We created a custom WordPress website with bespoke e-commerce functionality, video and animation content, and refreshed branding. The result is a visually appealing platform that highlights the Society’s heritage, conservation work and key events, while simplifying membership management.
We continue to provide SEO and GEO optimisation, marketing support and website maintenance — making it easier for supporters to find information, engage with content and get involved. We also created their online shop, the Friends of EPS.
Nuclear South West
Nuclear South West approached us to help create a strong regional web presence. As a collaborative cluster of industry, academic, and public sector partners, they champion investment, innovation, and growth across the South West of England’s nuclear sector. Access to shared information and knowledge is the bedrock of their mission.
Using a WordPress framework, we built a centralised hub that provides easy access to reports, task force updates, resources, and the latest news. This streamlined platform ensures key information is clear and accessible, and helps keep stakeholders across the region informed and connected.
We continue to support Nuclear South West with ongoing website updates and maintenance, maintaining a professional online presence that promotes collaboration, knowledge sharing, and regional growth.
Improve your WordPress site without a costly rebuild
One thing we often hear is that companies avoid using web agencies because they fear every conversation will turn into a push for a full website rebuild — even when it’s not actually what they need. In many cases, refreshing and upgrading an existing WordPress site can be the most cost-effective way to improve its performance, and this is our first approach.
By updating the design, improving navigation, refining content, and restructuring or adding new functionality, it’s often possible to significantly enhance user experience and search visibility without starting from scratch with a website rebuild.
With WordPress websites, we focus on improving what’s already there: identifying what’s holding the site back, optimising its performance, and only redesigning sections, or the entire site, when it genuinely makes sense to do so.
By working this way, we’ve saved our clients thousands over the years while delivering measurable improvements in their websites’ performance.
The main areas we focus on are:
- Is the website clear, intuitive, and easy for customers to use?
- Is it converting visitors into enquiries, bookings, or sales?
- Are design, speed, or technical issues limiting its performance?
- What practical improvements could increase results without a full website rebuild?
Thinking about improving your website?
If you’re planning a new website, refreshing an existing one, or looking to improve your digital presence, choosing the right platform and development partner can make all the difference in achieving a successful result.
We’d welcome the opportunity to have a conversation with you about your online strategy and share how WordPress could provide a powerful foundation for your organisation, with the flexibility to grow alongside your business. Get in touch!