Custom WordPress Development: A guide for IT Companies
As an IT outsourcing company, you’re no stranger to WordPress. You’ve likely worked on projects or know its potential inside out. However, building a custom WordPress site isn’t just about technical skills. In reality, it takes dedicated time, focus, and often, resources your team might already have committed to other priorities.
Let’s face it—your core team excels at what they do best. Still, taking on a full-scale custom WordPress project can stretch resources and cause delays in other critical work. That’s why finding the right development partner is key. They bring in fresh expertise, streamline the process, and help create a site that meets your goals without overloading your internal team. In this guide, we’ll show you how to pick a partner that fits your needs and delivers real value.
Custom WordPress Development: Overview and Market
Did you know WordPress powers 43.6% of all websites globally (W3Techs, 2023)? That’s right—over 493 million sites! In fact, big companies, small businesses, and even top-tier brands use it. WordPress dominates with a 62.4% CMS market share, miles ahead of Shopify and Wix (WPZoom). Why? Because it’s flexible, scalable, and customizable.
So why is it so popular? WordPress is flexible, scalable, and customizable. Its popularity spans from small personal blogs to enterprise-level websites. Notably, 36.28% of the top 10,000 websites globally are built using WordPress (WPBeginner). Every day, more than 1,000 new websites in the top 10 million are built using WordPress, compared to just 60-80 on competing platforms like Shopify and Squarespace (Colorlib).
What’s more, the platform’s versatility is further supported by its robust ecosystem. WordPress offers over 60,000 free plugins and more than 20,000 themes, including approximately 11,000 free themes (Colorlib). As a result, businesses can customize their websites to meet specific needs, making WordPress a flexible and scalable choice.
But here’s the catch: out-of-the-box WordPress isn’t always enough. For IT outsourcing companies, a tailored WordPress site brings unique benefits. For example, it enhances brand credibility, ensures SEO optimization, and aligns perfectly with your business goals. Most importantly, a custom site grows with your company while keeping performance and user experience top-notch.
Why Should IT Companies Outsource WordPress Development?
Limited Resources for Specialized WordPress Tasks
Your team is already busy managing client projects. Therefore, adding WordPress development to their plate can stretch them too thin. Tasks like creating custom themes or integrating plugins need dedicated attention, which might not always be available. Without it, your project may take longer than expected or fail to meet quality standards.
Time Constraints and Shirfting Priorities
Let’s be honest—client work always comes first. As a result, internal projects like a WordPress site often get pushed aside. This delay leads to missed deadlines or rushed results. Ultimately, your site might not reflect the high standards your business is known for.
Ongoing Maintenance Is Easy to Overlook
A WordPress site isn’t a “set it and forget it” project. Instead, it requires regular updates, security checks, and performance tweaks. Without a dedicated team, small issues pile up quickly. Over time, this could hurt your site’s speed, user experience, and even SEO rankings.
Difficulty Scaling as Your Business Grows
As your business expands, your website needs to grow too. Whether it’s handling more traffic or adding new features, scaling takes time and resources. However, internal teams, focused on client work, often struggle to keep up. Consequently, your site may become outdated and unable to support your growth.
Why Outsourcing makes sense
By outsourcing your WordPress project, you free up your team to focus on core tasks. Meanwhile, a specialized partner focuses entirely on your project. They stick to deadlines, deliver quality work, and let you concentrate on what you do best—serving your clients. Simply put, outsourcing isn’t just about convenience; it’s about getting the job done right without sacrificing your team’s energy.
Key Criteria for Selecting a WordPress Development Partner
Experience
A reliable partner should have a strong portfolio showcasing their expertise in building custom WordPress websites. Look for:
- Projects similar to your requirements.
- Case studies or testimonials that demonstrate their ability to solve complex challenges.
- A track record of working with IT outsourcing companies or businesses in similar industries.
Pricing and Cost Structure
The cost of developing a custom WordPress site varies significantly. Here’s a breakdown:
- Basic Website: $5,000 to $10,000 – Minimal customization with pre-designed templates.
- Medium-Complexity: $15,000 to $30,000 – Custom themes, plugin integrations, and e-commerce features.
- High-End Website: $50,000+ – Complex designs, CRM integrations, and enterprise-grade features.
Keep in mind, factors like project scope, customization level, and maintenance needs can influence final costs.
Development Models
| Development Model | Focus | Best For |
| Application Development | Building or integrating applications with WordPress. | Custom CRMs, ERPs, or API integrations. |
| Custom Software Development | Creating tailored software solutions with WordPress. | Unique business needs beyond standard WordPress capabilities. |
| Dedicated Development Team | A full-time team dedicated to your WordPress project. | Large-scale or ongoing WordPress projects requiring updates. |
| IT Staff Augmentation | Adding WordPress experts to your in-house team. | Short-term skill gaps or peak project phases. |
| Offshore Development Center | Setting up a remote WordPress team cost-effectively. | Cost-saving for long-term or large-scale WordPress projects. |
| SaaS Development | Building subscription-based or multi-tenant platforms. | Businesses offering Software-as-a-Service solutions. |
| Product Development | Creating WordPress themes, plugins, or scalable products. | Businesses aiming to launch WordPress-based tools or solutions. |
| Technology Consulting | Offering strategic advice for WordPress implementation. | Companies optimizing WordPress for their business goals. |
Location and Communication
Location
While offshore partners provide cost-saving opportunities, local partners in Australia bring a unique advantage. Their understanding of the local market, seamless communication, and real-time collaboration often outweigh the initial cost differences. By working with a local partner, you can ensure your WordPress project aligns perfectly with your business goals, avoiding the risks associated with remote or offshore challenges.
This local focus ensures your partner becomes an extension of your team, offering the accountability and proximity needed for a smooth and successful project. With these benefits in mind, businesses looking for a strategic edge may find a local partner the ideal choice for Custom WordPress Development.
Communication
Clear communication ensures success. Check if your partner uses tools like Slack, Jira, or Trello. Regular updates and quick responses are essential for smooth project management.
Why choose us
At DevScout, with 10 years in IT outsourcing, we deliver custom WordPress solutions tailored to your unique needs. Whether it’s a custom design, seamless plugin integration, or advanced e-commerce features, we’ve got you covered.
Balancing client work and internal projects can be tough—that’s why we offer flexible models like IT Staff Augmentation and Dedicated Development Teams. You focus on your business, and we’ll handle the rest with clear communication and smooth collaboration.
Using the latest tech like HTML5, PHP, and JavaScript, we ensure your site is responsive, secure, and future-ready. But we don’t stop at WordPress. Our expertise in web app development means we can take your digital presence even further. From creating fully customized web apps to integrating them with your WordPress site, we’ll help you unlock new opportunities for growth.
Based in Australia, we combine local insights with global expertise. We understand your market and know how to create solutions that resonate with your audience.
Ready to elevate your WordPress site? Let’s build something amazing together. Contact us today to learn more about how our custom WordPress development and web app solutions can transform your business.
You can also read:
Navigating IT Outsourcing: Staff Augmentation Vs. Managed Services