It is no secret that WordPress is the most popular blogging platform in the world today. Many companies rely on it to power their blogs and other web pages. While WordPress is often touted as the perfect solution for beginners looking to start a blog, is it also suitable for the use of professional web developers?
WordPress is a popular choice among professional web developers and designers as it is simple to operate and effective to work with, enabling them to produce websites more rapidly and efficiently. This helpful tool is also incredibly affordable for constructing and managing complex websites.
However, there is a small number of web developers who do not use WordPress due to its limited functionality and beginner-friendly features. So when should a professional use WordPress and when do they need to avoid it? Read on as we dissect these questions!
What Is A Professional WordPress Developer?
WordPress developers are specialists with extensive knowledge of the platform. Generally, a WordPress developer is in charge of programming for WordPress websites. This frequently includes developing original WordPress plugins and themes.
The job of a professional WordPress developer is to create these resources, as well as sitemaps and wireframes for new websites. They can also transfer existing sites to the WordPress platform or rebuild websites to improve their SEO and conversion rates.
Why Do Professionals Use WordPress?
A professional knows everything about website development and can easily create a website. Then, why do experts use WordPress even though it is designed for beginners? We have mentioned a few reasons to answer this question:
Simplifying Web Development
WordPress is used by developers, among other things, to simplify web development. Professionals with coding experience can modify the website without having to start again. As you may expect, this will significantly reduce their work, allowing them to focus on other tasks.
To reduce their work, web designers will employ templates. They can quickly locate a specific layout on WordPress and utilize it if they need one but don’t have the energy to write all the necessary code.
Themes
A professional can use the free themes available on WordPress with some changes to suit their client. This will be easier than creating a theme on your own.
For instance, a customer asks for a large eCommerce site. This site would require months to code and will probably need a team to work on different areas. Hence, to save time and energy, a web developer could select a WordPress theme with some modifications to suit the customer’s requirements.
Plugins Save Time
Since WordPress is open and accessible, many individuals and businesses produce plugins that can be integrated into your site. These will provide additional features.
A developer can efficiently and conveniently download and incorporate the feature that a customer requests using plugins. One thing to remember is that the plugins are impossible to edit or update.
Making Money
WordPress’s efficiency and pace make it a good choice for developers since it allows them to do more work in less time. As a result, these experts can generate money more easily and in less time.
Professionals can also increase their earnings by instructing beginners on how to use WordPress correctly and more efficiently to boost their earnings.
Affordable
The foundational software of WordPress is free of cost. The WordPress repository also offers free themes and plugins that you can utilize. If you like the plugin or theme, you can buy its premium extensions to give your website extra features.
Although specific themes and plugins are not available for free, you can buy them for affordable prices on WordPress to improve your website’s design.
When Do Professionals Not Use WordPress?
Some professional web developers prefer not to use WordPress when creating a website. Here is why:
Limited Functionality
Some experts believe that the functionality of WordPress is constrained. Hence it takes more time than necessary to code, develop, and implement particular features. This is particularly true if the theme hasn’t been updated to use the most recent WordPress version.
Professionals might also find it challenging to design a suitable solution for their clients since some plugins might not be compatible with their old WordPress theme.
Low Earnings
WordPress is disliked by some web developers because, in their opinion, it has devalued the industry, made it harder for them to find work, and forced them to offer low prices when they do. This happens because WordPress is so accessible, making it simple for amateur developers to produce seemingly magnificent sites.
When a customer requests a WordPress site, they automatically think it is simple to create and easy to incorporate whatever feature they want for no additional cost or a little cost. Hence to avoid bargaining for their price, professionals just don’t deal in WordPress.
Nature Of Site
Sometimes, the site that the professional has to make is not suitable to be created by WordPress. For example, WordPress cannot provide the security required to create and maintain a website like a banking website. Instead, web developers must use highly complicated systems that require more PHP.
What Can Professionals Use To Create Websites?
There are two types of websites: Static and Dynamic. A static website has constant content, so every visitor views the same material on each page. While a dynamic website is one where data is retrieved instantly, permitting it to vary with the viewer. Different tools cater to both of these sites.
We have mentioned a few alternatives that you can use if you do not find WordPress suitable:
Wix
Most of the components needed to make a website are included in Wix, an easy-to-use website builder. You only need to pick the features, drag them where you want, then select a few choices, and you’ll be almost done with your website. It is ideal for making static websites with limited features.
However, since it lacks several features specialized for blogs, bloggers might choose to pass on this one. Additionally, unlike WordPress, you cannot customize the template you select in Wix.
Domain.com
With the help of Domain.com, anyone can build any form of webpage, blog, or even online shop. It has a variety of templates and themes which you can customize according to your liking.
While switching domains with WordPress might be complicated, Domain.com makes it simple. It is ideal for small users who want to host their websites while managing their content.
However, unlike WordPress, Domain.com is not free. It provides three subscriptions you will need to pay to use the software.
Shopify
Shopify is among the top WordPress substitutes if you intend to develop an eCommerce business. It is entirely hosted and offers technical help 24/7. Beginners can choose Shopify if they want a fully working store without having to do too much work themselves.
Although it costs money, Shopify offers a 14-day free trial. After that, you can look at their fully loaded premium plans.
Drupal
After WordPress, Drupal is the most widely used content management system (CMS). It is less time-consuming, extremely adaptable, and has the capabilities to support all types of websites. Drupal is most suited for developing feature-rich heavy-material websites.
Drupal is cost-free, like WordPress. However, you must choose your private web host and invest in technical assistance if you lack coding abilities. You’ll probably require help to alter or upgrade Drupal, whereas WordPress is far simpler to adjust.
Become A Professional WordPress Developer
Professional website developers will also need to learn the basic features of WordPress to navigate correctly on the software. Here are five major steps you need to take on your journey to become a professional in WordPress:
Learn Coding
WordPress is well-known for not requiring its users to code. However, for developers, being familiar with the fundamentals of HTML, CSS, Javascript, and PHP is crucial for monitoring, debugging, and expanding the platform’s capabilities.
For instance, you’ll require a basic understanding of PHP to configure WordPress error logs on a client’s website. Thorough knowledge of JavaScript is required if you want backlinks on a WordPress website to open in a new tab by default. You can learn Javascript through this book by Code Quickly. Additionally, you must be familiar with HTML if you or a customer want a unique design for their website.
Focus On One Area
For WordPress developers, there are three main areas of emphasis. Although you can choose a niche, you should learn how to work in all three.
- The first is when WordPress’s core is created and modified throughout core development. The program that can be downloaded from the official WordPress website is the WordPress core.
- Next is theme development. When programmers design unique themes, it is called theme development. You can produce it for specific customers, make it available free of cost in the WordPress Theme Directory, or offer it for purchase on a third-party website or marketplace.
- Last is plugin development. The process of developing bespoke plugins is called plugin development. You have the same options for creating plugins as theme developers. You can either do it for specific customers and make it free or for purchase in the market.
Make A Testing Environment
Any professional has to set up a development environment software. In most cases, it produces a superior product in addition to accelerating the design process.
This will allow you to store both the WordPress core documents and your plugin and theme data in one place. You will be able to experiment and examine modifications right away in a browser.
A software tool such as DevKinsta or Local by Flywheel can simplify the environment setup procedure, or you can do it manually.
Become A Member Of The WordPress Community
WordPress has the biggest software community committed to platform improvement. These millions of users are accessible through WordPress support forums and other community gatherings worldwide.
You can even attend community conferences at WordCamp and meet other members face-to-face. You can connect with other developers by actively engaging in this forum and remaining informed about updates and new product releases.
Create A Portfolio
You want to present proof of your abilities and competencies when applying for any job. This is valid for almost every job, but it is especially true for one involving WordPress development.
A portfolio is a fantastic way to showcase your capabilities without speaking. By creating a portfolio that highlights your development work, you can increase your odds of being employed as a full-time worker or freelancer.
FAQs
Is WordPress SEO-Friendly?
SEO is a crucial topic you should pay attention to since you want to draw in users and target traffic when a website is first launched. WordPress provides a wide range of options to ensure your website is simple for search engines to show to thousands of people.
Do You Need Coding Knowledge To Use WordPress?
Although a beginner can use WordPress without having to learn to code, a professional equipped with the knowledge of coding can edit the WordPress code to customize different areas of their website to suit their own or their client’s preference. In addition, depending on the requirements, they will employ CSS to modify the layout and any additional visual elements of the site’s front end.
Is WordPress Safe To Use?
The essential software is safe. However, using security software to offer an additional layer of protection is preferable since CMS is widely used, and hackers constantly discover new vulnerabilities they may leverage. A hacker can easily take advantage of many websites if they identify just one vulnerability in WordPress. As a result, you have to set up antivirus software like Avast.
Final Thoughts
While WordPress is designed for beginners, professionals can also use it to create and manage websites. This helpful tool will not only simplify web designing but will also save professionals time and money. However, some experts prefer to use alternatives like Wix and Domain.com, and many more, as WordPress has limited functionality and features. Customers even undermine developers who create WordPress websites, as it is easy to learn.