Reflecting on the State of the Word 2024: A Celebration of WordPress and Excitement for 2025

As we approach 2025, here at SouthWest WebPress, we’re brimming with excitement about the future of WordPress. The annual State of the Word address by WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg, delivered this year from Tokyo Node Hall in Japan, provided a fantastic recap of WordPress’s achievements in 2024 and a glimpse into its thrilling future.

This year’s event marked a special milestone, with its second-ever appearance outside North America. The spotlight on Japanese culture and WordPress’s history in Japan reminded us of the global community that makes WordPress the force it is today. It’s this collaboration, innovation, and spirit of openness that excites us most as we look ahead to the opportunities 2025 holds for our clients and projects.

Highlights from the State of the Word

Matt Mullenweg’s address was rich with statistics and insights, showcasing WordPress’s incredible growth and impact:

• WordPress now powers 43.6% of the internet, with over 500 million core downloads.
• The plugin ecosystem is thriving, with 2.35 billion downloads expected this year and review queues reduced to zero.
• Block themes are growing rapidly, with over 1,000 added in the past year alone.
• The Gutenberg project continues to evolve, entering its third phase with exciting features like in-editor collaboration and notifications.

The introduction of tools like WordPress Playground, which allows WordPress to run instantly on any device without hosting, underscores the platform’s commitment to accessibility and innovation.

Mary Hubbard, WordPress’s Executive Director, emphasised the importance of safeguarding WordPress’s open-source ethos while pushing forward with initiatives like Learn WordPress and Openverse. These projects, alongside grassroots programmes like WP Campus Connect from India and National ICT Innovation Hub from Uganda, highlight how WordPress is building a brighter future for the global community.

What This Means for Our Clients

At SouthWest WebPress, we’re passionate about helping businesses in the South West of England make the most of WordPress. Whether it’s leveraging the latest Gutenberg updates to create stunning, interactive websites, or using tools like WordPress Playground to prototype and innovate, we’re here to ensure our clients stay ahead of the curve.

The advancements in collaboration tools, responsive design, and plugin development mean even more possibilities for tailoring WordPress to meet your unique needs. And with WordPress’s commitment to data liberation and interoperability, the freedom and flexibility for your content have never been greater.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As we reflect on 2024’s achievements, we’re inspired by the WordPress community’s dedication to making the web more accessible, beautiful, and powerful. 2025 promises to be a year of even more innovation, and we can’t wait to bring these advancements to life for our clients.

If you’re considering a new website, need a refresh, or want to explore how WordPress’s latest features can enhance your online presence, now’s the time to act. Let’s hit the ground running in 2025 and turn your WordPress vision into reality.

Get in Touch

Ready to start your next WordPress project? Let’s chat! Whether you’re based in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Bristol, or Bath, our friendly team is here to help. Get in touch with SouthWest WebPress today and let’s make 2025 your year to shine online.

Here’s to a fantastic year ahead with WordPress—celebrating its past, embracing its present, and building its future together!

To watch the full State of the Word 2024 address, head over to the WordPress YouTube channel.