20 WordPress skills all developers need

One of the main reasons for the growing popularity of WordPress is that users can edit or modify their websites or blogs without any technical knowledge. WordPress has built a reputation for its user-friendly features.

WordPress isn’t just a blogging platform. It’s one of the world’s most popular content management systems for individuals and businesses to build websites, run blogs, and sell products online.  

In this article, you’ll discover the top WordPress skills every developer should know, from beginners to expert-level.

What is WordPress?

WordPress is the fastest and most stress-free way to create your website or blog. It is an open-source content-management system licensed under General Public License version two.  Thus, anyone can modify the WordPress software for free. 

WordPress powers at least 43% of all websites on the internet, indicating value as a web development tool.  Combined with its powerful content management system, the platform is flexible enough to meet the needs of individual users and enterprises, making WordPress skills a must-have for your developer.

So hiring developers with the right WordPress skills has never been as crucial.

What are WordPress skills?

WordPress skills can refer to a variety of things. However, they usually mean one of the following: 

• The applicant knows how to write and publish a blog post or page in WordPress (contributor skills). 

• The prospective employee can set up and manage a WordPress site, including installing themes and plugins (content manager skills).

• A candidate knows how to develop themes and plugins for WordPress (WordPress developer skills).

What soft skills do WordPress developers need?

Apart from the technical and hard skills, developers also need the right soft skills to succeed in WordPress administration.

1. Communication

WordPress developers must be able to communicate properly with team members to make sure everyone is on the same page. Their communication also extends to collaborating with other teams, such as marketing, to achieve specific goals. 

Therefore, excellent workplace communication skills are crucial for any WordPress developer.

2. Critical-thinking skills

Errors and bugs are daily occurrences for WordPress developers. They must be able to approach each problem with a critical mindset to find the best solutions.

WordPress developers regularly apply critical thinking and problem-solving to deliver technical solutions. 

3. Learning mindset

WordPress is dynamic, so it keeps changing. So any WordPress developer who wants to remain relevant needs to continue learning constantly. Developers must keep up with the latest trends, updates, and technological advancements. 

4. Empathy

WordPress developers build websites that thousands of visitors will use. Because their work will impact so many others, they must be able to put themselves in the shoes of their users when developing websites to create a good customer experience.

5. Attention to detail

WordPress developers need a keen eye and a high level of concentration since they code. They require excellent attention to detail to identify bugs in their codes and any discrepancies when analyzing data.

WordPress skills for Beginners 

Today, websites are a critical asset for most businesses, and running a successful WordPress site requires certain core abilities.

The following are basic WordPress skills your prospective beginner developers should have.

1. Basic hosting skills

Your developer’s hosting knowledge will ensure your websites run efficiently on its server. They should also be able to troubleshoot if a feature fails.

2. Knowing the WordPress user interface

To ensure proper WordPress administration, your developer must be familiar with the WordPress interface so they can properly harness all the tool has to offer.

3. Content creation

Content creation and marketing are one of the most effective ways to win and attract the right customers. 

While your developers create and launch your site, they should have a foundational knowledge of content creation to provide quality advice on the best marketing strategies. 

4. Optimizing images

Adding visuals to the content of your blogs or websites encourages the right customers to look your way. Your WordPress developers must know how to optimize images that ensure user-friendliness.

A beautiful image that loads fast and readily converts is the responsibility of your WordPress developer.

5. Working with Gutenberg

Your developer’s knowledge of Gutenberg editor will ensure your widget management and full site editing are more effective. As such, they’ll be able to incorporate various media and transform your approach to content creation. 

WordPress skills for intermediary developers

An intermediate WordPress developer’s priority is optimizing your content for increased visibility, engagement, and customer experience. The following skills make up the arsenal of an intermediate WordPress developer.

1. Basic SEO

WordPress developers must be adept at Search Engine Optimization (SEO). SEO best practices bolster visibility and drive traffic to your site, so it’s an invaluable skill for your developers to get the best out of WordPress.

2. HTML and CSS

HTML and CSS are the foundation of everything you see on the web. Therefore, if your developer is trying to build a website, knowledge of these programming languages is a bonus. 

With these skills, WordPress developers can improve your website and blog quality.

3. Basic PHP skills

This programming language powers most of WordPress. Developers with PHP skills can include more functionality in your website and make programmatic changes. It makes sense to be well-versed in PHP seeing as it’s the bedrock of WordPress.

4. Google Analytics 

With Google Analytics, developers can study recurring trends and patterns with regard to your website’s visitors. 

This information provides insight into your customers’ needs and forms the basis for you to implement new strategies for a better user experience. 

5. Online marketing

WordPress developers take a more active approach to promoting your website. The online marketing strategies they apply include everything from SEO to data analysis. As such, they facilitate content promotion with their knowledge of digital marketing.

Expert-level WordPress skills  

1. JavaScript

JavaScript is known as the client side of the scripting language. It comes into the picture when you want to make a theme or plugin interactive, making it a must-have for the highest-level developers. 

Today, more WordPress features have JavaScript central to their technology stack. 

2. Photoshop

Expert WordPress developers should know how to make designs with Photoshop and use it to supplement their front-end development skills. They should be able to convert Photoshop Document (PSD) files to a compatible WordPress format. 

Photoshop skills also come in handy when building responsive websites. 

3. Version control

Version control is the practice of inspecting all changes to code and files, including who made them. Your developer can use this skill to make changes to your site without having to dial up a File Transfer Protocol connection.  

4. Online security

Usually, business sites are the target of cybercriminals and hackers. Thus, your web developer should be aware of security problems in web applications and how to mitigate them.

In other words, the knowledge of some cybersecurity techniques and their implementation is critical for the most advanced developers

5. WordPress command-line interface (WP-CLI)

With the WordPress command-line interface, your developers can issue directives and manage files with simple code. Additionally, WP-LI facilitates plugin updates and the configuration of installations on a server. 

How to hire WordPress developers

The best way to hire top WordPress developers is to ensure you conduct your recruitment without bias. As such, it’s essential to take an objective perspective when assessing WordPress developer skills.

After all, these developers determine how functional your website is, so you need to make sure you hire the most effective individual possible.

TestGorilla’s WordPress developer test evaluates candidates’ abilities in WordPress administration, customization, security and data management, and plugin development. It eliminates bias and makes the process seamless and cost-effective. Afterward, you can conduct an interview to gauge a candidate’s knowledge of WordPress.

With trends, styles, and user behavior constantly evolving, your recruitment has to be up to par for you to hire the best. Create a free account with TestGorilla today to revamp your hiring.