I’m trying to figure out the best tool for building WordPress sites. Some devs say Gutenberg is great for speed, but I’m wondering if it’s too basic. Is it worth learning deeply?
I’ve used Elementor before. It’s easy and you don’t really need a theme with it. But I’ve heard it can slow sites down unless you tweak things.
I’ve also looked at Divi and this newer one called Bricks. Not sure if Bricks is worth buying though.
Most of my clients are small businesses on cheap hosting. So I need something that works well even with basic servers.
What builder would you suggest for pro-level WordPress development? And where can I find a really thorough course on it? I’m looking for more than just quick intro videos.
Thanks for any advice!
From my experience, many expert WordPress developers lean towards custom theme development rather than relying heavily on page builders. While Gutenberg has its merits for simpler projects, it’s often not robust enough for complex sites. For professional-level development, I’d recommend mastering Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) in combination with a lightweight starter theme like Underscores. This approach offers better performance and full control over the codebase.
If you’re set on using a builder, Oxygen Builder is worth considering. It’s more developer-friendly and generates cleaner code compared to Elementor or Divi. As for learning resources, WP Shout offers in-depth courses on professional WordPress development that go beyond the basics. Remember, the key is to focus on understanding WordPress core and PHP rather than just becoming proficient with a specific builder.
hey mate, as a wp dev i’d say page builders can hold you back for pro sites. custom themes with ACF are quicker and offer total control. gutenberg works for basics, but custom code gives real flexibility. that’s just my two cents!
As someone who’s been in the WordPress game for a while, I’ve found that many top-tier developers actually shy away from page builders altogether. They tend to prefer crafting custom themes and leveraging the power of Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) for maximum control and performance.
That said, if you’re dead set on using a builder, I’ve had good experiences with Oxygen. It’s more developer-friendly than Elementor or Divi and doesn’t bloat your site as much. Just be prepared for a steeper learning curve.
For your small business clients on budget hosting, focusing on lean, custom-coded solutions might actually be your best bet. It’ll take more time upfront, but you’ll end up with faster, more maintainable sites in the long run.
As for learning resources, I’d highly recommend digging into the WordPress Codex and taking some advanced PHP courses. Understanding the core of WordPress will serve you far better than mastering any single builder. Good luck on your journey!