The document discusses various development approaches for creating client sites in WordPress, highlighting the pros and cons of building custom themes, using starter themes, creating starter theme kits, and utilizing frameworks or page builders. It emphasizes the importance of selecting the most suitable method based on project requirements, client needs, and future-proofing considerations. Ultimately, a mixed approach using Elementor and other tools is suggested for efficient and flexible development.

2. Smart development - Happy clients
Faster development approaches for client sites in WordPress

3. About Me
Abhishek Rijal
WordPress Developer / Theme Reviewer &
Customizer
@ WEN Solutions
Freelancer: WordPress Development Projects
WordPress Enthusiast

4. Why do we need a different approach ?
Product Development
Vs.
Client Site

5. Project Planning
Time Budget Capability
Future
Proofing Repetition

6. Project Development
Development Approaches

7. Building a custom theme from the ground up
“Setting everything like the way you want, from
the beginning”

8. Building a custom theme from the ground up
Pros
Can Create Code / Design
Independently.
Simpler Learning Curve.
Cons
Development needs to be started
from scratch.
Greater efforts and task time.

9. Building a theme using a starter theme.
“complete and optimized package to start
working on your final project”

10. Building a theme using a starter theme.
Pros
Well Documented and Organized.
Availability of basic templates.
ØVersatile usage
Cons
Still needs lot of design / development
changes.
Needs to be familiar with directory
structure first.

11. Creating your own starter theme kit
“The freedom to implement your
structure / ideas for similar projects.”

12. Creating your own starter theme kit
Pros
Reusable package.
Freedom to implement custom
structure.
Cons
Burden of keeping the starter theme
updated with WordPress.
Might not be suitable for versatile
Clients.

13. Development using framework / page builder.
"Useful features and functions that will help you
handle the whole project quicker."

14. Development using framework / page builder.
Pros
Inherits prebuilt features / layout.
Faster development with built in
elements.
ØEasier to accommodate new changes.
Cons
Dependency on Framework.
Compromise on some design
elements.

15. So… Which is the Best Approach to go along
with… ??

16. Mix It Up

17. Elementor page builder + Underscores

18. Elementor Page Builder(Example)
Developer friendly Extensions

19. Use Plugins !!
But not over do it...

20. Break the rules !!

21. Shortcodes & Widgets

22. Smart replies

23. Common Mistakes

25. Resources
• https://www.codeinwp.com/blog/develop-wordpress-site-client-
ground-use-ekhm-helper/
• http://underscores.me/
• https://roots.io/
• https://elementor.com/

26. Any Questions ?