WordPress in the Age of AI: Is There Still Demand for Traditional Web Development?
With AI-powered "vibe coding" and no-code platforms dominating tech headlines, many business owners and developers are questioning whether traditional content management systems like WordPress still have a place in today's digital landscape. This question isn't just theoretical—it has practical implications for business decisions, career paths, and digital strategy.
To answer this question definitively, I've gathered insights from professional web developers with decades of combined experience. Their front-line perspective offers valuable clarity on where the market currently stands and where it's heading.
The Current State of WordPress
Despite the hype around newer technologies, WordPress remains the dominant force in website development:
"WordPress still powers the vast majority of the internet. If anything, webflow, wix, and square space will take ground from WordPress, and not vibe coding."
Multiple developers cited impressive statistics backing this continued dominance:
"WordPress currently accounts for over 43% of all websites on the internet."
"As of 2025, WordPress powers approximately 43.3% to 43.7% of all websites globally, up from 17.4% in 2013, reflecting a significant rise over the past decade."
This market share translates directly to consistent work opportunities for WordPress developers:
"I get about 2-4 project builds a month for the last 4 years just on WordPress, it's not going anywhere for quite awhile..."
The Regional Perspective
WordPress demand varies somewhat by location, but remains strong globally:
"In Italy, approximately 90% of website requests we receive specify WordPress as the preferred platform."
The AI Challenge: Vibe Coding vs. Professional Development
Many developers shared skepticism about AI-generated code replacing professional WordPress development:
"Most people 'vibe coding' don't have a clue how anything works, and have no ability to debug the code they're throwing together. This results in a disgusting mess of AI-generated code riddled with vulnerabilities."
Even developers who have experimented with AI tools note significant limitations:
"I've been playing around with vibe coding, and I think with decent architecting, you can get pretty far. Easily into MVP territory. But, once you start throwing more complex interactions, or things that aren't super basic and straightforward, it starts falling apart."
Specific issues with AI-generated code mentioned include:
What Clients Actually Want
Focus on Outcomes
An important insight that emerged is that clients rarely request specific technologies—they focus on outcomes:
"Not one time has a client asked me for a WordPress site. They're just looking for a result in the form of a website. The means to that end almost never matters."
WordPress Advantages
This perspective helps explain why WordPress remains popular despite newer alternatives:
"It would take something like WordPress to reduce demand for WordPress. In other words, you would need something that can work with cheap hosting and be endlessly customizable via hundreds of thousands of plugins and themes. Nothing like WordPress exists to this day."
Emerging Trends: Headless WordPress
Several developers mentioned a growing trend toward headless WordPress implementations:
"Many things are going to be tilting back towards headless WordPress. I've seen an uptick in demand from employers looking for developers with this skill set."
For those unfamiliar with the concept:
"Headless WordPress means you disable the normal rendering for frontend requests and instead use a JavaScript framework combined with REST API calls for data hydration."
This approach combines WordPress's content management capabilities with modern frontend technologies, potentially offering the best of both worlds.
Business Models That Work
Developers shared insights about successful business models built around WordPress:
"I've built relationships with 5 agencies over the last 12 years. I have work sent to me via email and I decide what to take on. I have my own consultancy, a one-person shop with 42 clients, 12-20 active at a time."
Many developers noted they focus on particular tools within the WordPress ecosystem:
"For WordPress I use Pro by Themeco - you can build a site any way you want. I've built over 300 sites with it since 2015. It's reliable and unassuming."
Client Perspective: WordPress vs. Alternatives
From a client perspective, different platforms appeal to different market segments:
"It depends on who is making the website. A business owner with limited knowledge will probably opt for Wix, Squarespace, or vibe coding when it's available. WordPress for them may be too overwhelming."
However, for businesses with specific requirements, WordPress often remains the platform of choice:
"I'm currently working on a government bid where they specifically asked for WordPress. Many companies have internal teams that handle content and digital marketing and need a familiar platform to continue to work with."
What This Means for Different Audiences
For Business Owners
If you're considering a new website or redevelopment project:
- Consider your long-term needs: WordPress offers unmatched flexibility and customization potential
- Evaluate your internal capabilities: If you have team members who will manage content, WordPress's familiar interface may be an advantage
- Be wary of AI-only solutions: While AI can help with initial development, complex websites require professional oversight
- Focus on outcomes, not technology: Define what you need your website to accomplish rather than fixating on specific platforms
For Web Professionals
If you're a developer or considering a career in web development:
- WordPress skills remain valuable: Despite newer technologies, WordPress expertise continues to be in demand
- Consider specialization: Many successful developers focus on specific aspects of the WordPress ecosystem
- Explore headless WordPress: Combining WordPress with modern frontend frameworks represents a growing opportunity
- Understand AI's role: View AI as a tool to enhance productivity rather than a replacement for professional skills
For Marketing & IT Pros
If you collaborate with web developers or manage digital assets:
- Understand platform tradeoffs: Each platform has strengths and limitations that impact long-term maintenance
- Consider content management needs: WordPress's mature content management capabilities remain a significant advantage
- Evaluate integration requirements: WordPress's extensive plugin ecosystem facilitates integration with marketing tools and business systems
- Assess security implications: Professional development offers security advantages over DIY or AI-only approaches
Conclusion
Despite the buzz around AI and no-code platforms, WordPress continues to dominate the web development landscape. Its extensive ecosystem, flexibility, and familiar interface ensure its ongoing relevance even as new technologies emerge.
While AI tools offer exciting possibilities for streamlining development, they currently complement rather than replace professional WordPress development. The most effective approach for most businesses combines WordPress's proven capabilities with thoughtful implementation by experienced professionals.
"There's still plenty of demand for WordPress sites and developers in general. You might get smaller businesses experimenting with AI-generated stuff nowadays, but serious businesses bringing in millions per year still want competent developers to be building the tools that hold their business together."
Topics covered in this article
Share this article
Found this helpful? Share it with others who might benefit from it.
Featured Insight Sparks
Quick, actionable insights on DevOps, development, and optimization—supercharge your digital projects.
