WordPress developer in Seattle

The block editor with custom blocks suits a team that wants to create varied pages while staying within an agreed design. It is part of WordPress, so you do not need an extra page builder. A builder such as Elementor or Divi offers more drag-and-drop freedom, but pages can be heavier, editors can alter layouts, and content can become tied to that builder.

For structured content, a custom theme with Advanced Custom Fields gives editors fields to fill in while keeping the layout fixed. A ready-made theme suits a small, simple site with a modest brief. It can include features you do not use, though, and substantial changes can be harder than building a custom theme.

Headless WordPress keeps WordPress as the editor and uses a separate front end such as Next.js. It suits very fast pages or app-like features, but adds hosting complexity and some plugins stop working. We help you choose by learning about your audience and goals, then agreeing the scope with you.

For a business open to the public, US Department of Justice guidance says the ADA covers goods and services offered on the web. The guidance identifies WCAG as a helpful reference, although there is no regulation setting detailed web standards for those businesses. We use WCAG as guidance when designing pages and checking site content. Bring your intended content and page requirements into the discussion early, so they can be considered as the designs take shape.

Gather the access and decisions that will shape the build.

• AccessHave administrator access ready for your existing WordPress site, hosting and domain, plus a list of the plugins you rely on and their jobs.
• ConnectionsList the CRM, email marketing, booking or payment accounts the site needs to connect to, and arrange access to them.
• HostingDecide whether to keep your current host, move to managed WordPress hosting or ask us to recommend a host based on traffic and support needs.
• Future featuresTell us about plans for sales, memberships, courses or multiple languages, since each usually brings a major plugin into the build.
• Plugin reviewBe ready to discuss the purpose of each plugin. We select maintained plugins with a clear job, since each adds code to update and a possible security weakness.

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  Adding a plugin for every small feature

  A large plugin count can slow the site, create conflicts and increase update work. Give each plugin a clear purpose before installing it.

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  Using pirated premium themes or plugins

  These can contain hidden malware and do not receive security updates. Use legitimate software that can be kept current.

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  Avoiding updates because they feel risky

  Outdated plugins are a frequent route into hacked sites. Test updates on staging first to reduce the risk of applying them.

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  Putting all content into a page builder without considering an exit

  Builder shortcodes can be hard to move to another theme. Check how your content would be transferred before committing to that setup.