Perplexing Ways to Determine if a Site is Built with WordPress

WordPress has achieved immense popularity as a content management system for all kinds of websites, including blogs, e-commerce platforms, and other content-driven websites. Developers prefer WordPress because of its flexibility, user-friendliness, and diverse range of features. However, not all WordPress-based websites are the same. Here are some perplexing ways to determine if a site is using WordPress:

1. Check the Site’s Source Code

One of the easiest ways to check if a website is using WordPress is by reviewing its source code. This can be done by selecting “View Page Source” or “View Source” by right-clicking anywhere on the website. Look for the code snippet:

<meta name=”generator” content=”WordPress X.X.X” />

Replace “X.X.X” with the version number of WordPress. If the code exists, it means that the website was built using WordPress. However, some WordPress users intentionally hide their use of WordPress by disabling this feature, making this method unreliable.

2. Look for the “/wp-admin/” URL

WordPress websites have a dashboard that permits site owners to handle their website’s content. This dashboard is accessible through “wp-admin” URL. For example, if the website’s domain name is “example.com,” the WordPress dashboard URL will be “example.com/wp-admin/”.

If you’re curious to know if a website is built with WordPress, add “/wp-admin/” to the URL. If it takes you to the login page, the website is probably built with WordPress.

3. Check the Website’s Footer

Another common approach to detecting a WordPress website is to examine the website’s footer for any WordPress branding. WordPress websites usually feature a small logo in their footer with a link to the WordPress website.

4. Look for Common WordPress Names

When you install WordPress, a set of files and folders is created, some of which have the word “wp-” in them, such as “wp-admin,” “wp-include,” and “wp-content.” Your site’s stylesheet URL may terminate with “/wp-content/themes/…” or “wp-admin/admin.php.” If you see these words in the website’s URLs, it is highly probable that it is built with WordPress.

5. Use BuiltWith

BuiltWith is a free online tool that enables you to identify the technologies a website is using. Enter the website’s URL, and the tool will display a list of technologies utilized on that website. If the website is built with WordPress, BuiltWith will indicate it in the list of top technologies utilized.

6. Check the Plugins Used

WordPress offers an array of plugins that can enhance a website’s functionality. To check if a website is using WordPress, inspect the website’s code for WordPress plugins. Go through the website’s source code, where they will be mentioned as “wp-content/plugins/…” accompanied by the plugin name. If you see any mentions of WordPress plugins in the source code, the website is definitely using WordPress.

7. Use Wappalyzer

Wappalyzer is a browser extension that allows you to observe the technologies a website is utilizing. It operates on most web browsers and necessitates no technical expertise. Install the Wappalyzer browser extension, navigate to the website you want to inspect, and click the Wappalyzer icon on your browser. It will display a list of software used on the website.

Conclusion

Determining if a website is built with WordPress can be advantageous for several reasons. It can aid in comprehending the technologies utilized on the website and its capabilities. We’ve provided numerous ways to identify a WordPress website, ranging from reviewing the website’s source code to using online tools.