WordPress is a framework that can be used to build out a CMS (content management system) at a more affordable rate than if you had it built from scratch. The benefit of using a framework, especially WordPress is that it has a huge community of developers and is rock solid in its programming structure. Now affordable isn't $150. For a custom design you have to factor in the time it takes for a custom design. And then whatever functionality you want out of it. The biggest factor when looking for a web developer and using WordPress as a framework is there are tons of companies out there who claim to be designer or developers who are just using a theme/template they purchased, swapping out logos and maybe some graphics and putting their "developed by" link at the bottom of the site.
You need to know that these types of companies are not developing your site. They are just using templates, and if you decide to change an aspect they are more likely not going to know how to accomplish something out of the normal WordPress functions.A good way to spot these types of companies is to look at their portfolio, if all their sites have similar features and a similar layout, you can probably guess they are using the same template over and over again.
Now you should know the difference between style and templates. Someone can have a certain style that they duplicate across their workflow, but it shouldn't look exactly like every site they have developed. Also a quick glance at the source code you can see if the site was indeed built on WordPress. And if it was built on WordPress there is a theme name in the source path. If it is truly a custom design it should be labeled something similar to the URL of the website. If it isn't you can do a Google search on that theme name and usually find the template they purchased and are using for your website development.A side note on templates. They aren't always the best solution for a company on a tight budget. Usually the programmer who built the template didn't follow any WordPress conventions. Creating lots of time wading through code trying to figure out where or what this person was thinking. Also some of the templates out there are a process of learning a whole new framework.
You need to know that these types of companies are not developing your site. They are just using templates, and if you decide to change an aspect they are more likely not going to know how to accomplish something out of the normal WordPress functions.A good way to spot these types of companies is to look at their portfolio, if all their sites have similar features and a similar layout, you can probably guess they are using the same template over and over again.
Now you should know the difference between style and templates. Someone can have a certain style that they duplicate across their workflow, but it shouldn't look exactly like every site they have developed. Also a quick glance at the source code you can see if the site was indeed built on WordPress. And if it was built on WordPress there is a theme name in the source path. If it is truly a custom design it should be labeled something similar to the URL of the website. If it isn't you can do a Google search on that theme name and usually find the template they purchased and are using for your website development.A side note on templates. They aren't always the best solution for a company on a tight budget. Usually the programmer who built the template didn't follow any WordPress conventions. Creating lots of time wading through code trying to figure out where or what this person was thinking. Also some of the templates out there are a process of learning a whole new framework.
Craig offers custom Dallas WordPress Design. He also offers Logo Design to small and medium size businesses. Building a brand that you can translate across all mediums.
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