I'm a WordPress Developer based in Sydney. I offer different web services like website design, SEO and PPC including Google Ads and Meta Marketing. I also write blog posts regularly.
This article is based on my personal experiences and conversations with agency owners in Sydney. Rather than relying on statistics like the percentage of websites built on WordPress, I aim to provide insights based on firsthand knowledge and industry anecdotes.
As a WordPress Developer, I've never struggled to find a full-time job. I believe it's because I'm good at optimizing websites for search engines, both on the page and technically. This usually makes me stand out from other candidates.
However, I still like to keep an eye on the WordPress market trends. I do some research from time to time, especially to see how the market is responding to the latest AI advancements. Chatting with friends who run agency businesses also gives me insights into the current market trends.
SEO Agencies Favor WordPress
In my view, as long as SEO and SEM remain important and aren't impacted by Artificial Intelligence, WordPress SEO services will continue to thrive. I'd say at least 50% of agencies, if not more, focus on SEO and SEM and build their websites using WordPress. So, if you're skilled in WordPress, consider learning SEO and SEM to stand out.
The marketing aspect of businesses revolving around SEO and SEM is likely to remain relevant for the foreseeable future.
One surprising thing I've noticed is the popularity of premium themes, even the heavily bloated ones. Despite being cumbersome to maintain, many agencies still use them for client projects. Interestingly, websites coded with good On-Page SEO often rank well, but it requires significant effort.
However, nothing beats a well-coded custom theme. These offer superior On-Page SEO, technical SEO, and user experience. I've seen websites that ranked well in SEO lose their position after switching to a premium theme.
Growing Investments in WordPress
I'm really excited about the level of investment pouring into the WordPress sector right now. Let's dive into hosting for a moment. There are so many great options available, depending on your budget. Personally, I highly recommend VentraIP for shared hosting and WPEngine, Kinsta, and Siteground for managed hosting. These companies not only offer excellent hosting services but also provide top-notch customer support.
I want to give a special shoutout to WPEngine for their dedication to improving WordPress hosting, plugins, and Headless CMS. They're really raising the bar in terms of quality and innovation.
Now, let's talk about plugins. There's a wealth of options out there, and many reputable companies are entering the sector. Some of my favorite plugins include ACR Pro, SEO by Yoast, Gravity Forms, and iTheme Security. And when it comes to speeding up your website, WP Rocket and LiteSpeed Cache are fantastic options. These plugins are all developed by established names in the industry, so you can trust their quality and reliability.
Major Names and Brands Embracing WordPress
It's frustrating to hear the misconception that WordPress is only suitable for blogs and that big companies avoid it due to optimization and security concerns. What many fail to realize is that WordPress is now being embraced by well-established names, including government agencies worldwide.
The fact that prestigious organizations like NASA and the White House are using WordPress for their websites speaks volumes. If these esteemed institutions trust WordPress, it's a clear indication of its capabilities and reliability.
I've compiled a collection of WordPress websites for inspiration, showcasing the diverse range of companies and organizations that are successfully leveraging the platform. Feel free to check them out if you're interested in seeing more examples of WordPress in action.
Intense Competition and Limited Pay Scale
Finding a job as a WordPress Developer can be incredibly competitive, especially compared to other developer roles like .NET or pure backend development.
While there may be more job opportunities available, the number of applicants is often very high. So you have to be a standout WordPress Developer. You can add up skills like SEO and SEM.
As of now (10 Mar 2024), in Sydney, for example, you might find yourself competing with hundreds of candidates for a WordPress Developer role. Selection criteria not only consider your skills but also factors like salary expectations.
These expectations can be influenced by various factors, including the current financial market and interest rates. Once interest rates stabilize and the market cools down, we can expect the job market for WordPress Developers to become more favorable.
Conclusion
WordPress is here to stay for the long haul. It remains the most widely used CMS for the reasons mentioned above.
Currently, there are numerous positive developments surrounding WordPress. Significant investment is flowing into the sector, hosting services are continuously improving in terms of both performance and security, and an abundance of exceptional plugins are being developed. Additionally, many prominent brands and names are embracing WordPress.
However, it's worth noting that while there are plenty of job opportunities available, many of them involve outsourcing or are restricted to using premium themes. Nevertheless, a skilled WordPress Developer with strong marketing skills in SEO and SEM can secure an attractive salary package.
