WordPress Development: Your Ultimate Beginner’s Guide
Fueling over a quarter of all websites, WordPress stands out as the most straightforward solution for crafting a blog or website when aiming to create a strong online presence.
Constructing a website is a vital component in setting up an internet-based infrastructure for your business, serving as the primary hub for marketing and sales activities.
The initial step in constructing a website involves determining the necessary tools and/or developers for the task. To make the best choice for your business, you need to be aware of your available options.
If you’re familiar with Weebly or Wix, you have a basic understanding of what WordPress offers. However, many individuals opt for WordPress over these alternatives for various reasons, which you’ll discover today.
What is WordPress?
WordPress is a content management system (CMS) designed for creating and modifying digital content, specifically websites. WordPress development is handled using PHP and utilizes a MySQL database, but it can use other databases.
WordPress incorporates HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, like most web-based applications. However, WordPress development doesn’t require programming knowledge to function or be created.
The creators and community behind WordPress have made it incredibly user-friendly. The free, open-source software can be found at WordPress.org.
Regrettably, WordPress.org is frequently mistaken for WordPress.com, a paid, for-profit service powered by WordPress.org’s software but with surprisingly less flexibility than its free counterpart.
WordPress was initially created by Matt Mullenweg and Mike Little in 2003 and gained recognition as an easy-to-use blogging tool.
Since then, it has significantly expanded its online presence. Moreover, its extensive community of open-source contributors has evolved and adapted the code to accommodate various types of websites.
Nearly 40% of all websites employ some version of WordPress, making it a dependable choice for individuals and businesses of all sizes.
Here are several examples of websites that can be built using WordPress:
- Blog
- E-commerce website
- Membership website
- Portfolio website
- Forum website
- Event website
- E-learning website
- Wedding website
Regardless of your website’s purpose, WordPress is well-equipped to handle its management.
What Is a WordPress Developer?
A WordPress developer is a specialist who has a strong understanding of the fundamental coding and structural organization of WordPress software.
Although traditional programming is not required for WordPress, developers need to possess expertise in customizing a website to fit a business’s requirements.
Typically, someone with this skillset will have a background in other prevalent web technologies for dynamic web pages, such as JavaScript, HTML, and CSS.
There are several specific types of WordPress developers you may want to be familiar with.
Core Developer
Core developers focus on the back-end functionality of the WordPress platform. They work on the internal WordPress software, writing code to enhance and improve it.
Theme Developer
A theme represents the overall design of your website, including its layout. Theme development is a significant aspect of front-end development, as it deals with the user’s visual experience.
WordPress.org provides a directory with thousands of free themes. However, creating a unique theme can be advantageous.
Plugin Developer
Plugin developers, as the name suggests, are responsible for creating plugins. These add-ons enhance websites with additional features and functionalities. Plugins are the preferred method for implementing these improvements, as they prevent changes to the core WordPress files.
One pre-installed WordPress plugin, Hello Dolly, displays a lyric from the eponymous song by the renowned Louis Armstrong when clicked on a WordPress web page.
Why Choose WordPress?
There’s no denying that WordPress development is popular, but what makes it stand out from other options? While WordPress is undeniably useful, there are specific attributes that set it apart from competitors in the industry.
Free
As a free and open-source software, WordPress has an inherent advantage over costlier alternatives. Reducing expenses at the software development level is almost always a wise decision.
Benefits of Using WordPress
If you’re considering using WordPress or have already decided to do so, it’s essential to understand the qualities that attract developers and users to this platform.
Versatile
While many people associate WordPress with blogging, the platform is capable of catering to various types of websites. Businesses and individuals alike can benefit from using WordPress. Notable users include Beyonce and PlayStation, among many other popular websites.
Flexible
WordPress offers more than just website creation; it enables entire modes of operation. With WordPress, you can build anything from a social network to a forum to mobile applications. WordPress development is known as one of the most flexible PHP based CMS’s systems in the world.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
WordPress simplifies SEO by streamlining the use of different header tags and keywords in your website address. Additionally, it supports a range of plugins designed to optimize your website’s visibility to consumers worldwide.
Advantages of Using WordPress
If you haven’t yet committed to using WordPress, it’s important to understand the qualities that attract developers and users alike to this popular platform.
Expandable
Being open-source software means that WordPress benefits from community contributors constantly improving its functionality and performance. Unlike basic HTML website builders, WordPress focuses on providing maximum functionality, with new and useful themes and plugins always available.
Developers also have the option to create their own themes and plugins, ensuring that skilled developers never have to settle for only what’s available.
Support
WordPress is versatile when it comes to media types, accepting images, documents, audio, and video in various formats, such as .jpg, .png, .gif, .pdf, .doc, .pptx, .mp3, .m4a, .mp4, .mov, .wmv, and .avi. Even more obscure media types, like .odt, .key, .ogg, and .3gp, are accepted.
Community
Similar to other open-source and widely-used software platforms, WordPress boasts a large and supportive community. This ensures that developers always have access to helpful knowledge and new information.
Ease of Use
The term “easy” frequently comes up in discussions about WordPress. It’s known for its quick installation process and user-friendly support guides. Additionally, its popularity and strong community make learning and managing WordPress a straightforward task.
Prominent Websites Using WordPress:
- Whitehouse.gov
- Microsoft
- The Rolling Stones
- BBC America
- The New York Times
- Katy Perry
Reasons to Employ a WordPress Developer
WordPress enables users to create functional websites with ease. A swift installation process allows you to start customizing your site to fit your business needs.
Websites act as crucial hubs for both regular consumers and potential customers to learn more about your business. WordPress developers can build and maintain a website tailored to your business requirements.
A well-designed website keeps visitors engaged, resulting in a low bounce rate. By crafting an informative and captivating website, you can generate more leads and enhance your marketing efforts. WordPress developers possess the skills to achieve this.
In addition to refining your website’s theme for visual appeal, WordPress developers can add various features to keep visitors engaged. These may include forums for product discussions or contact forms for customer inquiries.
WordPress developers can also integrate tools like Google Analytics or alternative tracking software to monitor your webpage’s performance.
One significant advantage of WordPress is its compatibility with SEO strategies. Skilled WordPress developers can collaborate with you and your business to boost your website’s visibility and reach.
How to Employ a WordPress Developer?
If you decide to hire a WordPress developer independently, it’s crucial to be well-informed about the process, especially if you don’t have a strong technical background. To learn more about the hiring process in detail, you can explore resources specifically designed for non-technical managers. Alternatively, you can consult with agencies specializing in developer allocation, like PMS.
What should you look for in a WordPress Developer?
WordPress is a versatile tool with numerous functions. A WordPress developer can specialize in plugins, themes, or the core of WordPress itself. However, there are some basic skills every WordPress developer should possess.
At a high level, WordPress developers should be able to:
- Build and maintain client websites
- Implement and customize different themes and plugins
- Work with clients to tailor the website to their preferences
- Troubleshoot WordPress software when necessary
How much do developers cost in the U.S.?
On average, WordPress developers earn $97,601 per year, according to several prominent recruitment sites. However, salaries can range from $58,500 on the lower end to $198,512 on the higher end.
Here’s a chart that visualizes the salary ranges within the North America for a Senior Software Developer:
Keep in mind that factors such as experience, location, and company size can influence a developer’s salary.
How much do developers cost in South America?
Due to economic differences between the North and South America as a whole, the cost of offshoring software development is significantly lower than hiring full-time with U.S talent. For WordPress developers in South America, the average salary is currently around $30,000, whereas a mid-level developer costs around $22,000.
How much do developers cost in Eastern Europe?
Eastern Europe shares very similar rates to South America, again due to the economic differences. When looking at salaries in Eastern Europe, data shows that a Senior WordPress developer costs around $40,000 on average.
Hourly Rates for WordPress Developers
Another way to look at developer costs is through hourly rates. While salaries are good to understand for hiring developers for full-time and long-term, you might just need a developer for a period of 3-6 months or 6-12 months. In these types of situations, it’s best to calculate your costs based on the hourly rates of a developer.
Below is a table that lists the various hourly rates of developers in different locations based on their job title.
| Job Title | South America | Eastern Europe | Asia | North America |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Junior Developer | $20 – $40 | $22 – $42 | $18 – $24 | $35 – $45 |
| Software Developer | $25 – $45 | $24 – $45 | $18 – $25 | $45 – $55 |
| Senior Developer | $35 – $55 | $28 – $47 | $20 – $27 | $65 – $75 |
| Requirements Analyst | $37 – $58 | $32 – $49 | $24 – $28 | $75 – $80 |
| Technology Leader | $45 – $50 | $35 – $52 | $28 – $32 | $85 – $95 |
| Jr. Software Architecht | $42 – $50 | $35 – $55 | $32 – $35 | $90 – $120 |
| Software Architecht | $58 – $55 | $42 – $57 | $33 – $38 | $110 – $125 |
| Senior Software Architecht | $65 – $70 | $50 – $70 | $35 – $42 | $140 – $175 |
Please note that these figures are approximate and can vary based on factors such as experience, expertise, and market demand.
Hiring a WordPress developer is a smart decision for several reasons:
- Expertise: PMS WordPress developers have the skills and experience necessary to build and maintain high-quality WordPress development sites. Their expertise enables them to tackle complex projects and deliver results that meet or exceed your expectations.
- Pre-vetted talent: PMS developers undergo a rigorous selection process, ensuring you get access to top talent in the industry. This saves you time and effort in the hiring process and guarantees high-quality work.
- Cost savings: By hiring a PMS developer, you avoid the expenses associated with full-time employment, such as recruitment costs, overheads, and employee benefits. You get a highly skilled developer at a fraction of the cost of hiring in-house staff.
- Project management support: In addition to providing you with a skilled developer, PMS also offers project management assistance. This ensures that your project stays on track and meets your goals without you having to micromanage every detail.
- Flexibility: PMS developers can adapt to your project’s specific requirements and work within your preferred timelines. This flexibility allows you to scale your development team up or down as needed, ensuring efficient use of resources.
- Seamless collaboration: PMS developers are trained to work effectively within a team and communicate clearly with clients. This ensures smooth collaboration and helps prevent misunderstandings that could delay your project.
In summary, hiring a PMS WordPress developer provides you with access to skilled, pre-vetted professionals who can help you achieve your website goals while saving you time and money. Additionally, you benefit from project management support and the flexibility to scale your development team as needed.
