Professional web developers use WordPress every day. Amateur users install a pre-made theme, add a few plugins, and call it a day. Professional developers treat WordPress as a development platform, not a website builder. They write custom PHP code, create bespoke plugins, and integrate complex third-party systems. They build everything from multilingual business websites to advanced e-commerce platforms and comprehensive e-learning systems.
The data backs this up. WordPress powers over 43% of all websites globally. Among sites using a content management system, WordPress holds a commanding 61.8% market share. That is over 521 million sites. Major enterprise sites and complex web applications run on WordPress. The platform has evolved from a simple blogging tool into a robust content management system and application framework.
This guide will answer all your questions. Do web developers use WordPress? Is WordPress considered web development? What is the difference between a WordPress developer and a web developer? Let us break it down.
Do Professional Web Developers Actually Use WordPress?
Absolutely. And they use it extensively. Professional developers choose WordPress for client projects ranging from small business websites to large-scale enterprise applications.
The key difference lies in approach. Professional developers leverage WordPress as a robust content management system and application framework. They are not installing pre-made themes. They are building custom applications that happen to use WordPress as the underlying framework.
How professional developers use WordPress:
- Developing custom templates and themes
- Improving site performance and implementing security measures
- Adapting the CMS to each client’s specific needs
- Creating custom plugins and advanced PHP programming
- Building custom post types and complex taxonomies
- Implementing headless WordPress configurations
- Integrating with ERP systems, CRM platforms, and payment gateways
Professional developers have embraced WordPress not because it is easy to use, but because it provides a solid foundation for building sophisticated digital solutions. The platform’s architecture allows for everything from simple business sites to complex web applications.
Is WordPress Considered Web Development?
Yes. WordPress is absolutely considered web development. But there is a spectrum of skill levels involved.
Some people install a theme and plugins without touching any code. That is not web development. That is website assembly. But professional WordPress developers write code. They know PHP, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and MySQL. They build custom functionality from scratch. They follow enterprise-grade coding standards and implement SCRUM methodologies.
The platform has evolved into a powerful tool for web development. With its user-friendly interface, extensive customization options, and large community, WordPress makes it possible to create professional websites. But the real development happens beneath the surface.
Professional developers go far beyond theme customisation. They implement:
- Advanced caching strategies and database optimisations
- Content delivery networks for enterprise-level performance
- Complex API integrations with third-party services
- Headless WordPress where the backend and frontend are separated
- Custom fields and unique content structures
So yes, building websites with WordPress is web development. But only when you are actually developing, not just installing.
WordPress vs Wix: What Professional Developers Choose
Wix and WordPress serve different purposes. Understanding the difference helps explain why professionals choose WordPress.
Wix is a website builder. It offers a streamlined experience with pre-designed templates. You can drag and drop elements without touching code. Wix is best for small businesses and non-technical users. It is much easier to set up, especially with its AI features.
WordPress is a development platform. It provides unmatched customization through themes and plugins. But it requires technical knowledge to unlock its full potential. WordPress lets you build almost anything, as long as you are ready to dive into the technical side.
Why professional developers choose WordPress over Wix:
Customization freedom. WordPress is open-source. You can modify every single line of code. Wix is a closed ecosystem. You are confined to what the platform allows.
SEO control. WordPress offers complete control over SEO elements. Professional developers can optimize every aspect of a website’s SEO. Wix has improved its SEO offerings but still does not match WordPress’s flexibility.
Scalability. WordPress can handle anything from a small blog to a massive enterprise site. Wix works well for basic sites but struggles with complex requirements.
Ownership and portability. With WordPress, you own your site and data. You can move it to any host. With Wix, you are locked into their platform.
Finding developers. Skilled WordPress developers are everywhere. Finding Wix developers for custom work is much harder.
What Percentage of Web Development Projects Use WordPress?
WordPress powers 43.5% of all websites on the internet. That is nearly half the web. Among sites that use a content management system, WordPress holds a 61.8% market share.
To put this in perspective:
- WordPress: 43.5% of all websites, 61.8% CMS market share
- Shopify: 6.8% CMS market share
- Wix: 5.1% CMS market share
- No CMS: 28.6% of websites
These numbers are staggering. WordPress powers more websites than the next several platforms combined. Its usage across all websites grew by 105% from 2014 to 2022. In 2014, WordPress powered just 21% of websites using a CMS. Now it powers over 43% of all websites.
The platform’s growth has slowed in recent years. Some SaaS builders like Wix and Shopify are gaining ground. But WordPress remains the dominant force by a massive margin.
Is a WordPress Developer a Web Developer?
Yes. A WordPress developer is a type of web developer. But there is a difference in scope.
A web developer builds websites and applications from scratch or with various frameworks. They have a broader scope that includes full-stack development. They can work with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, PHP, Python, and many other technologies.
A WordPress developer specializes in the WordPress platform. They code in the WordPress ecosystem. They know PHP, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and MySQL. They understand WordPress’s architecture, hooks, filters, and APIs.
Think of it this way:
- A WordPress developer is like a chef who masters a particular cuisine.
- A web developer is like a culinary expert who can cook a variety of dishes from different cuisines.
Both are real developers. Both write code. Both build websites. The difference is specialization versus breadth.
What a professional WordPress developer knows:
- Custom PHP programming
- WordPress hooks and filters system
- Custom post types and taxonomies
- Plugin and theme development
- Database optimisation
- Headless WordPress architecture
- API integrations
- Security best practices
Will Wix Replace Web Developers?
No. Wix will not replace web developers.
Wix is a tool for non-technical users who want a basic website quickly. It serves a different market. Web developers build custom solutions that Wix cannot handle.
What Wix cannot do:
- Build custom functionality beyond what plugins offer
- Create unique, complex web applications
- Provide complete code-level control
- Scale to enterprise requirements
- Offer full data ownership and portability
What web developers can do that Wix cannot:
- Write custom code from scratch
- Build unique features not available in any plugin
- Optimize performance at every level
- Create custom integrations with any third-party system
- Build headless architectures
- Ensure enterprise-grade security
Wix is growing. Its market share rose from 0.3% in 2015 to 5.2% in 2025. But it serves a different audience. Web developers are not going anywhere. The demand for custom solutions, unique functionality, and complex integrations continues to grow.
Will WordPress Replace Web Developers?
No. WordPress is a tool that developers use. It does not replace them.
WordPress makes certain tasks faster. It provides a foundation so developers do not have to build everything from scratch. But it still requires skilled developers for anything beyond a basic site.
WordPress cannot replace developers because:
- Custom functionality requires coding
- Complex integrations require development skills
- Performance optimisation requires technical expertise
- Security requires ongoing professional attention
- Scalability requires architectural knowledge
- Unique designs require custom development
Professional developers use WordPress as a tool. They do not let it replace their skills. They leverage it to build better solutions faster.
WordPress in web development includes:
Custom theme development. Professional developers build unique themes from scratch. They do not use pre-made templates.
Custom plugin development. When off-the-shelf plugins do not meet client needs, developers build custom solutions.
Headless WordPress. WordPress serves as a content backend while a separate frontend framework handles the user interface.
API integrations. Developers connect WordPress with ERP systems, CRM platforms, payment gateways, and third-party services.
Enterprise solutions. WordPress powers large-scale applications including multi-vendor marketplaces, subscription services, and video streaming platforms.
The platform’s modular architecture allows developers to extend functionality without modifying core files. This means custom features can be added safely and maintained easily over time.
Start Building with WordPress Today
Professional web developers use WordPress. They use it extensively. But they use it as a development platform, not a website builder. They write custom code, build bespoke solutions, and create sophisticated digital experiences.
WordPress powers over 43% of all websites. It holds a 61.8% market share among CMS platforms. It is the backbone of the modern internet. And it is not going anywhere.
If you are a developer, learning WordPress is a smart career move. The demand for skilled WordPress developers remains high. If you are a business owner, WordPress offers the flexibility and scalability you need to grow.
The question is not whether professional developers use WordPress. They do. The question is how well you can use it.
Read Also: How to Start a Web Development Business in 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Do web developers use WordPress?
Yes. Professional web developers use WordPress extensively for client projects ranging from small business websites to large-scale enterprise applications.
Is WordPress considered web development?
Yes. Building websites with WordPress is web development when you are actually developing custom solutions. Professional WordPress developers write PHP, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and MySQL code.
Is WordPress good for web development?
Yes. WordPress offers unmatched flexibility, extensibility, and a massive ecosystem. It can power everything from simple blogs to complex enterprise applications.
What is the difference between WordPress and web development?
WordPress is a content management system and development platform. Web development is the broader process of creating websites and applications. WordPress is one tool used in web development.
Is a WordPress developer a web developer?
Yes. A WordPress developer is a type of web developer who specializes in the WordPress platform. They write code and build websites just like other web developers.
Do professional web designers use WordPress?
Yes. Professional web designers frequently turn to WordPress as their platform of choice. Its user-friendly interface and flexibility make it ideal for creating websites.
Will Wix replace web developers?
No. Wix serves non-technical users who want basic websites. It cannot replace the custom solutions, complex functionality, and enterprise-grade work that professional developers provide.
Will WordPress replace web developers?
No. WordPress is a tool that developers use. It does not replace them. Custom functionality, complex integrations, and unique solutions still require skilled developers.
What percentage of web development projects use WordPress?
WordPress powers 43.5% of all websites globally. Among sites using a CMS, WordPress holds a 61.8% market share. That is over 521 million sites.
Should web developers use WordPress?
Yes, if it fits the project requirements. WordPress is excellent for content-driven sites, e-commerce, and many business applications. It offers flexibility, a large ecosystem, and a massive community of developers.
What is a WordPress web developer?
A WordPress web developer is a professional who builds custom websites and applications using the WordPress platform. They write custom code, create plugins and themes, and integrate third-party systems.
Is WordPress web design or development?
Both. WordPress can be used for web design (creating the visual appearance) and web development (building the functionality and structure). Professional developers handle both aspects.
What is Wix web development?
Wix is a website builder, not a development platform. It allows users to create websites without coding. Professional developers generally do not use Wix for custom development because of its closed ecosystem and limitations.
Wali Shah is the Founder and CEO of SkillsHeaven, a digital growth agency specializing in Local SEO, Google Ads, and conversion-focused website development. With over 8+ years of experience, he has helped scale 170+ businesses, including 93+ limousine companies globally, by building structured, lead-generating digital systems. His expertise spans local search optimization, paid media strategy, and high-performance website development, all aligned with measurable business growth. Known for a data-driven and ethical approach, Wali focuses on creating scalable marketing systems that increase visibility, generate qualified leads, and drive long-term revenue for service-based businesses.
