Learn how WordPress websites are built using themes, plugins, and custom code, explained simply for beginners and business owners.
Introduction
Many people use WordPress, but very few actually understand how WordPress websites are built.
This confusion often leads to:
- Hiring the wrong developer
- Installing too many plugins
- Breaking the website during updates
- Paying more than necessary
In this guide, I’ll explain how WordPress websites are built, using simple language, real examples, and clear structure. By the end, you’ll understand:
- What themes really do
- When plugins are needed
- Where custom code fits
- How professional WordPress developers build sites
This article is written for business owners, beginners, and Fiverr buyers who want clarity before making decisions.
What Is WordPress?
WordPress is a Content Management System (CMS) that allows you to build and manage websites without writing code for everything.
At its core, WordPress provides:
- A database to store content
- A dashboard to manage pages, posts, and media
- A flexible system that can be extended with themes and plugins
However, WordPress alone looks very basic.
To turn it into a real website, we add three main building blocks.
The 3 Core Building Blocks of a WordPress Website
Every WordPress website is built using a combination of:
- Themes – control design and layout
- Plugins – add features and functionality
- Custom Code – handles advanced or unique requirements
Let’s break each one down.
1. WordPress Themes – The Design Layer
A theme controls how your website looks.
This includes:
- Layout (header, footer, sidebar)
- Fonts and colors
- Page structure
- Responsive behavior (mobile, tablet, desktop)
What Themes Do
- Define the visual appearance
- Control basic layout logic
- Provide styling using CSS and templates
What Themes Do NOT Do
- They don’t add business logic
- They don’t handle complex features like payments or forms
- They shouldn’t manage security or performance
Types of WordPress Themes
1. Pre-made Themes
Examples:
- Astra
- GeneratePress
- OceanWP
Best for:
- Blogs
- Business websites
- Landing pages
2. Custom Themes
Built from scratch by developers.
Best for:
- Unique designs
- Large businesses
- Performance-focused websites
👉 Professional approach:
Most professional developers use a lightweight theme + customization, not heavy all-in-one themes.
2. WordPress Plugins – The Functionality Layer
Plugins add features to your website.
If WordPress is the engine, plugins are the tools.
Common Plugin Examples
- Contact forms
- SEO optimization
- Speed optimization
- Security
- Backups
- E-commerce (WooCommerce)
How Plugins Work
Plugins hook into WordPress core and:
- Extend existing features
- Add new functionality
- Modify behavior without editing core files
Common Plugin Mistakes
- Installing too many plugins
- Using poorly coded plugins
- Overlapping plugins (same feature twice)
These mistakes often cause:
- Slow websites
- Conflicts after updates
- White Screen of Death errors
👉 Rule:
A good website uses fewer, high-quality plugins, not many random ones.
3. Custom Code – The Professional Layer
Custom code is what separates DIY websites from professional WordPress websites.
Custom code can be written in:
- PHP (backend logic)
- JavaScript (interactions)
- CSS (advanced styling)
- HTML (custom structure)
When Custom Code Is Needed
- Custom functionality not available in plugins
- Performance optimization
- Advanced integrations
- Unique layouts
- Security hardening
Where Custom Code Is Added
- Child themes
- Custom plugins
- Theme functions files
- Hooks and filters
👉 Important:
Professional developers avoid editing core files and instead use WordPress best practices.
How Page Builders Fit In (Elementor Explained)
Page builders like Elementor sit between themes and plugins.
They allow:
- Drag-and-drop page creation
- Custom layouts without coding
- Faster development
Elementor Is Best For
- Landing pages
- Business websites
- Non-technical users
Elementor Is NOT Ideal For
- Highly dynamic applications
- Complex logic-heavy systems
- Large-scale web apps
That’s why professionals combine:
- Elementor for layout
- Custom code for logic
- Lightweight themes for performance
How a Professional WordPress Website Is Built (Step-by-Step)
Here’s the real-world professional workflow:
- Install WordPress on quality hosting
- Choose a lightweight theme
- Set up essential plugins only
- Design layout (Elementor or custom templates)
- Add custom code where needed
- Optimize speed and security
- Test updates and backups
- Launch and maintain
This approach ensures:
- Speed
- Stability
- Scalability
- Easy future updates
Common Myths About WordPress Development
❌ “WordPress Requires No Skill”
False.
Professional WordPress development requires architecture, optimization, and experience.
❌ “More Plugins = More Features”
False.
More plugins often mean more problems.
❌ “Any Theme Is Fine”
False.
Heavy themes damage speed, SEO, and long-term maintenance.