2025 is knocking at the door, and in this coming year, the journey to becoming a WordPress developer begins with understanding the WordPress software and its diverse range of WordPress features. In this blog, we’ll learn who a WordPress developer is, what a WordPress developer mainly does, the types, and everything about becoming a WordPress developer.
Who Is a WordPress Developer?
A WordPress developer is a professional skilled in creating and maintaining WordPress sites. The main difference between a normal WordPress user and a professional WordPress developer is that a developer generally has the coding skills, and they can develop a website using the CMS, manipulate, and change the infrastructure of a site, whereas a simple user may have little knowledge about it. To become a knowledgeable WordPress developer, you need to know at least one popular programming language (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP), and you also have to have vast knowledge of different products and plugins.
So, if you’re aiming to learn to become a web developer focusing on WordPress, start by exploring the WordPress directory and familiarizing yourself with existing WordPress themes and plugins. You can enhance your skill set by taking online courses that cover both front-end and back-end development aspects of WordPress. These courses will help you gain knowledge about coding and modifying WordPress without touching the core development aspects.
What Does a WordPress Developer Do?
A WordPress developer is a professional who mainly develops and designs a website using the WordPress software. To become a WordPress developer, one must understand the WordPress platform and gain practical experience with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP. But as a WordPress developer, what do you need to do? Here we list some general responsibilities that a WordPress developer does for their clients:
- Develop new features and functions
- Maintain the architecture of the website
- Write, test, and debug code
- Build sitemaps and wireframes
- Create custom themes and plugins
- Migrate a website into WordPress
- Redesign websites as per client requirements
- Perform front-end and back-end development
- Backup a WordPress site
- Enhance the security of a website
- Communicate and consult with clients
- Manage multiple projects at a time
Three Main Types of WordPress Developer
There are mainly three types of WordPress developers based on the type of work they do. The main three types are explained below.
Core Developer
Core developers work on the foundational software that powers WordPress. They manage the underlying code, suggest improvements, and sometimes make changes that affect the entire platform. Their focus is on enhancing WordPress itself rather than individual websites.
Plugin Developer
Plugin developers create tools that add features to WordPress sites. These plugins can improve a website’s functions or add new ones. Some developers release their plugins for free, while others sell them, often making custom plugins for specific client needs.
Theme Developer
Theme developers design the look and feel of WordPress sites. They create custom themes to match a client’s brand, often making websites visually appealing. Themes can be freely shared on WordPress or sold on third-party sites for additional revenue.
Types of WordPress Developers Based on Skills
Based on expertise and skill level, you can find mainly seven types of WordPress developers. So, let’s see the types based on their skill level.
WordPress Noobie
The noobie has limited WordPress skills, mainly knowing how to install it and create basic sites. They often help family or friends and may lack technical depth. They usually don’t take paid projects and focus on simpler, free work for their close circle.
WordPress Tinkerer
Tinkerers know how to set up WordPress but struggle with settings and configurations. They experiment a lot but may not fully understand how features work. They work on improving their own sites and are generally still learning basic troubleshooting skills.
WordPress Trainee
Trainees have explored themes and plugins but may struggle with more advanced configurations. They search forums for solutions, developing their problem-solving skills over time. They take on small projects, sometimes for little or no pay, to gain experience.
WordPress Rookie
Rookies have gained confidence and advertise their services at low prices. They complete projects, but the work may have issues requiring further fixes. They work on freelance sites and often get hired by clients looking for budget-friendly solutions.
WordPress Fix-It-Guy
Fix-It-Guys have solid skills, portfolios, and understand basic WordPress tasks. They charge reasonable rates and build client relationships for testimonials and portfolio growth. While competent, they may lack advanced skills in areas like SEO or web semantics.
WordPress Professional
Professionals are experienced developers who charge premium rates. They know advanced techniques and use quality themes, plugins, and frameworks. Their work yields measurable results, and they build strong client relationships through reliable, high-quality work.
WordPress Architect
Architects are top experts who rarely code themselves, managing large projects with a team. They focus on business strategies and provide end-to-end solutions. Architects handle web presence, marketing, and branding, making them the highest-priced WordPress professionals.
Key Skills for WordPress Developers
These are the key skills that, as a WordPress developer, you should have in 2025 to make yourselves competent in this industry. Let’s see what skills you need to develop to sustain yourself in this field.
Web Languages
To develop WordPress sites, learn HTML for content structure, CSS for styling, PHP for backend functions, and JavaScript for adding interactive elements. These languages allow you to build custom features, improve website appearance, and meet client needs, making them essential skills for effective development.
Responsive Design
Knowing responsive design is crucial as many users access websites from mobile devices. By designing layouts that adapt to different screen sizes, you ensure a smooth browsing experience on phones, tablets, and desktops, making the website more accessible and appealing to a wider audience.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
SEO helps make a website more visible in search engines, which can attract visitors and clients. Knowing SEO techniques lets you improve a website’s ranking, increasing its organic traffic and leads, which are essential for a successful online presence and business growth.
Plugins
Plugins expand WordPress functionality without altering the main code. Learning to develop or customize plugins allows you to add features like forms, galleries, and shopping carts easily. With plugin expertise, you can create unique website features, offering more value to clients and users.
Version Control
Version control tools like Git help you manage website files and changes, especially when working with others. They enable you to track updates, revert changes, and collaborate efficiently, ensuring a smoother workflow and maintaining organized, error-free code throughout the development process.
Communication
Communication skills are essential for understanding client needs, explaining project details, and collaborating with teams. Clear, effective communication helps avoid misunderstandings, ensures goals are met, and fosters productive working relationships, which are crucial for delivering successful WordPress projects.
Testing and Debugging
Testing and debugging ensure a website works smoothly without issues. By regularly checking for bugs and fixing errors, you can improve website performance and provide a better experience for users, making your projects reliable, professional, and easier for clients to manage.
WordPress Core Knowledge
Familiarity with WordPress core, themes, and plugins allows you to work more flexibly with the platform. Knowing how WordPress functions internally helps you create custom themes and plugins, manage content, and solve issues more effectively, leading to better client satisfaction.
Website Security
Understanding website security helps you protect sites from threats like hacking and data breaches. By applying secure practices and knowing common vulnerabilities, you can safeguard client websites, build trust with users, and maintain a safe online environment for all visitors.
How Can You Become a WordPress Developer?
You can consider this list of 8 steps that can help you pursue a career as a successful WordPress developer:
Step 1: Familiarize Yourself with WordPress
Start by exploring WordPress and getting comfortable with its basic tools and features. Create a simple website, try different themes, and learn to add posts and pages. WordPress has resources, like the WordPress Codex and developer handbooks, to help you understand the platform. Experiment with plugins, widgets, and customizations to see how they change your site. By practicing, you’ll build a strong foundation, making it easier to dive into more advanced development areas later.
Step 2: Learn Programming Languages
To customize websites beyond basics, you need to know programming languages. Start with HTML and CSS, as they help you control content layout and design. Move on to PHP, the main language behind WordPress, which powers website functions. JavaScript is also important for adding interactive elements, like buttons or animations. Knowing these languages will give you the flexibility to make unique websites and address specific client needs, making you a more capable developer.
Step 3: Gain Essential Skills Beyond Coding
Building WordPress sites requires more than just coding knowledge. Learn database management to store and organize website data, especially using MySQL, which WordPress relies on. Understand SEO basics and digital marketing to make websites that attract visitors. Web design skills are also essential for creating user-friendly, responsive, and visually appealing sites. Familiarize yourself with tools like Git and Bitbucket to track changes and work smoothly on projects, especially if you’re collaborating with others.
Step 4: Choose a Focus Area
WordPress offers different areas of specialization, so choose one to become an expert in. Core developers work on the WordPress software itself, while theme developers create visual templates. Plugin developers make add-ons to expand WordPress functionality, and API developers connect WordPress with other tools. Pick a focus based on your interests and practice by creating sample projects. This expertise will help you stand out, and you can still work on general tasks as you build your specialization.
Step 5: Build a Portfolio
A strong portfolio showcases your skills and makes it easier to get clients or jobs. Include examples of your best work, like websites, plugins, or themes you’ve created. If you’re new, consider creating personal or sample projects to show your abilities. Present your portfolio professionally with descriptions of each project. If possible, set up a website to display your work; this shows potential clients or employers your skills and commitment to WordPress development.
Step 6: Create a Professional Resume
Your resume should reflect your WordPress skills and highlight any relevant experience or projects. Include programming languages, technical skills, and any focus areas like plugin or theme development. If you’re new, add any relevant coursework or personal projects you’ve worked on. Proofread carefully to avoid errors, as a polished resume shows professionalism. A clear, focused resume helps employers or clients understand your strengths and why you’d be a good fit for their projects.
Step 7: Become a Member of the WordPress Community
Connect with others in the WordPress community to stay updated and get support. Join online forums, social media groups, or attend WordPress meetups and conferences. Other developers can share advice, help you solve problems, and offer networking opportunities. Being active in the community also helps you learn about new updates and best practices. Building relationships with experienced developers is valuable for ongoing learning and can lead to collaboration or job opportunities.
Step 8: Market Your Services
After building your skills, make your services known to potential clients or employers. Use your portfolio website and social media to promote your work, or look for freelance jobs on popular job boards. You can also attend local events or connect with businesses that need WordPress sites. Explain the value of your skills and how you can solve specific problems. Being proactive in marketing helps attract clients and projects, growing your experience and reputation as a WordPress developer.
Final Thoughts
So now you know who the WordPress developers are and what they do every day to maintain their clients’ requirements. The demand for a WordPress developer is increasing day by day, and to meet the demand, you can be one of them.
Now you know the skills required to become a WordPress developer. So, learn those skills through YouTube if you are a beginner. Then you can take premium courses to learn more advanced techniques from the professionals.
By following the above 8 steps, you can become a successful WordPress developer and start your career in WordPress web development and design to meet the increasing demand. You can work as a freelance website developer on Upwork and Fiverr or do a full-time job in different companies or establish a web development agency as an independent WordPress web development business.
FAQs
What Should Beginners Know About WordPress?
WordPress is a user-friendly platform for building websites. It’s free and open-source, meaning anyone can use it. Beginners should understand the basics of themes and plugins. Themes control the design, while plugins add functionality. Start by choosing a reliable hosting service and installing WordPress. Familiarize yourself with the dashboard, where you can create posts and pages. Always keep your WordPress updated to ensure security. With practice, you’ll become more comfortable and can build a professional-looking site.
What are the Essential Tools and Resources for Beginners?
Beginners should start with a few essential tools for WordPress. First, choose a good hosting provider like Bluehost or Hostinger. A quality theme is crucial for design; consider free options from the WordPress repository. Use plugins like Rank Math or Yoast SEO for optimization and Elementor for easy page building. Additionally, resources like WordPress.org forums and online tutorials can be invaluable. Books and courses can also help deepen your understanding. These tools will make your WordPress journey smoother and more efficient.
How to Use the WordPress Codex as a Guide for Beginners?
The WordPress Codex is a comprehensive guide for users at all levels. As a beginner, start by exploring the “Getting Started” section. This area covers installation, configuration, and basic usage. The Codex includes tutorials and documentation on themes, plugins, and security. Use the search feature to find specific topics. It’s also helpful to look at examples of common tasks. Familiarizing yourself with the Codex can enhance your skills and help you solve problems you encounter.
How to Master WordPress Theme and Plugin Development?
To master WordPress theme and plugin development, start with the basics. Learn HTML, CSS, and PHP, as they are essential for coding. Use the WordPress Codex and Developer Handbook as your main resources. Practice by modifying existing themes and plugins. Create simple projects to apply what you learn. Join online forums and communities for feedback and advice. Consider taking online courses focused on development. With persistence and practice, you can become proficient in creating custom themes and plugins.
What Are the Opportunities and Challenges in a Career in WordPress Development?
A career in WordPress development offers many opportunities. You can work as a freelancer, for agencies, or in-house for companies. Skills in theme and plugin development are highly sought after. However, challenges exist, such as staying updated with frequent changes. Competition can also be tough in the market. It’s crucial to continuously learn and adapt. Building a strong portfolio will help showcase your skills. Networking and joining WordPress communities can open doors and lead to new projects.
