Every WordPress project starts with the same question: which websites should designers and developers actually follow? Does not matter if you are Freelance WordPress Developer or Agency Owner. You could spend hours searching for answers, and you would still end up with a browser full of outdated tabs. So, instead of guessing, we did the research for you.
Below, you will find 10 websites to follow for WordPress designers and developers in 2026. We updated this list from our original 2019 roundup, because several sites on that list, including the WordPress Codex, no longer serve as the best resource for the job. As a result, this version reflects what working WordPress professionals actually read today.
Grab a coffee, bookmark this page, and let’s get started.
1. WordPress Developer Resources
First, start with the source. WordPress retired the old Codex in favor of Developer Resources, which now serves as the official home for the code reference, block editor handbook, plugin and theme handbooks, and REST API documentation. Consequently, this is where accuracy matters most, since every function, hook, and class comes straight from WordPress core.
Beginners might find the documentation dense at first. However, once you get comfortable navigating it, you will keep coming back to it for reference, no matter how experienced you become. The site also publishes a monthly “What’s New for Developers” roundup, so you can track core changes without digging through changelogs yourself.
2. WPbeginner
WPBeginner has been around since 2006, and it remains one of the most trusted names in the WordPress space. The site covers everything from basic setup guides to advanced tutorials, and it updates its content regularly to match the latest WordPress releases.
Despite its name, WPBeginner isn’t only for newcomers. Many experienced developers still rely on it for quick, practical answers. Its plugin and hosting reviews, in particular, help designers and developers make faster, better-informed decisions for client projects.
3. WP Tavern
If you want to stay current with WordPress news, community debates, and ecosystem shifts, follow WP Tavern. The site covers core development updates, plugin and theme news, and the business side of WordPress, including hosting changes and marketplace shifts.
Because WP Tavern focuses on journalism rather than tutorials, it gives you context that other resources skip. For example, it explains not just what changed in WordPress, but why it changed and who it affects.
4. Post Status
Post Status has grown into one of the most respected communities for WordPress professionals since 2013. The free newsletter and public articles cover core updates, business trends, and job opportunities across the WordPress economy.
For deeper access, you can join the paid Post Status membership, which includes a Slack community of agency owners, plugin developers, and hosting companies. Either way, following Post Status helps you understand where the broader WordPress industry is heading, not just what’s new in the software itself.
5. Kinsta Blog
Kinsta’s blog focuses on performance, security, and development best practices, and it publishes long, thorough guides rather than quick tips. Topics range from server-level optimization to headless WordPress and REST API tutorials, so both designers and backend developers get real value from it.
Because Kinsta also hosts high-traffic WordPress sites, its team writes from direct operational experience. Therefore, the advice tends to hold up under real-world load, not just in theory.
6. Elementor Blog
Design-focused WordPress professionals should follow the Elementor blog closely. It covers page builder techniques, layout inspiration, and broader web design trends, and it updates frequently to match new Elementor features and website blocks.
Even if you don’t use Elementor for every project, the blog’s design breakdowns and UX tips apply across builders and themes. As a result, it works well as a general design-inspiration source, not only a product blog.
7. Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) Blog
Any developer who builds custom WordPress sites eventually reaches for ACF. Its official blog explains new field types, block development techniques, and integration patterns with the Block Editor, and it does so with clear, code-first examples.
Because ACF sits at the center of so many custom builds, staying current with its blog helps you avoid deprecated patterns and adopt new features as soon as they ship.
8. WPMU DEV Blog
WPMU DEV has served WordPress developers since 2006, and its blog still delivers detailed tutorials on hosting, security, performance, and site management. The team publishes new posts weekly, covering everything from client-site workflows to plugin comparisons.
Additionally, the blog often breaks down complex topics, like caching or malware cleanup, into step-by-step guides that both freelancers and agencies can follow directly.
9. Astra Blog (Brainstorm Force)
The team behind the Astra theme and Spectra block plugin also runs a well-regarded blog covering theme development, Gutenberg blocks, and site-speed optimization. Because Astra powers a large share of WordPress sites, its blog reflects real usage patterns from a massive user base.
If you design WordPress themes or build with the block editor, this blog offers practical, tested advice you can apply immediately.
10. WP Buffs Blog
WP Buffs built its reputation on WordPress maintenance and support, and its blog reflects that focus. Expect articles on site security, uptime monitoring, and speed optimization, all written from the perspective of a team that manages sites around the clock.
This makes the blog especially useful for freelancers and agencies who manage client sites long after launch, not just for the initial build.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best websites to follow for WordPress designers and developers?
The best websites to follow for WordPress designers and developers include WordPress Developer Resources for official documentation, WPBeginner for tutorials, WP Tavern for news, Post Status for industry insight, and product blogs like Kinsta, Elementor, ACF, WPMU DEV, Astra, and WP Buffs for hands-on, practical guidance.
Is the WordPress Codex still active?
No. WordPress officially deprecated the Codex and replaced it with Developer Resources, which now hosts the current code reference, block editor handbook, and plugin and theme documentation. Bookmark Developer Resources instead of the old Codex.
Which website should WordPress beginners follow first?
Beginners should start with WPBeginner, since it explains WordPress concepts in plain language and covers everything from installation to plugin recommendations. Once you’re comfortable with the basics, add WordPress Developer Resources for deeper technical reference.
Where can I find WordPress news and industry updates?
WP Tavern and Post Status both cover WordPress news, though they take different angles. WP Tavern focuses on day-to-day core, plugin, and theme updates, while Post Status covers the broader business and community side of the WordPress economy through its newsletter and Slack community.
Do I need to follow all 10 websites?
No. Pick two or three that match your role. For example, designers may prioritize Elementor and Astra for layout and theme guidance, while developers may lean on WordPress Developer Resources and ACF for code-level references. Add WP Tavern or Post Status if you also want to track industry news.
How often should I check these sites for updates?
Checking weekly is usually enough to stay current, since most of these sites publish new tutorials or news roundups on a weekly basis. Subscribing to their newsletters, where available, saves you from having to check manually.
Final Thoughts
These 10 websites to follow for WordPress designers and developers cover every stage of the job: official documentation, beginner tutorials, industry news, design inspiration, and ongoing maintenance advice. Bookmark a few, subscribe to their newsletters, and check back regularly, since the WordPress ecosystem keeps evolving fast.
Which site do you check most often? Let us know in the comments below.
Hope you enjoy learning WordPress as much as I do. And also mention your favorite WordPress learning platform in the comment section!
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