Unraveling the Mystery: How to Determine if a Website is Built on WordPress

WordPress is one of the most ubiquitous content management systems (CMS) in existence, powering over 35% of the world’s websites. But how can you tell if a website is built using WordPress or not? The answer may not be as straightforward as you think!

1. Check the source code

The easiest way to determine if a website is built on WordPress is by delving into the source code. To do this, right-click on any section of the website and select either “View Page Source” or “View Source.” This will open up the website’s HTML code in a completely different window or tab.

Next, press the shortcut “Ctrl + F” (or “Cmd + F” on a Mac) on your keyboard to summon the search feature, and type in “wp-.” If you spot any search results that feature filenames or folder names with “wp-” (like wp-content or wp-admin), there’s a high probability that the website is built using WordPress.

2. Look at the URL

An additional method to recognize if a website is built on WordPress is by checking out the URL. If the URL finishes with “/wp-admin” or “/wp-login.php,” this is a tell-tale indication that the website is built using WordPress. The pages with these URLs are specific to WordPress and are primarily used by website owners for logging in to the content management system and managing their website.

3. Observe WordPress themes and plugins

WordPress incorporates a broad spectrum of themes and plugins that can be employed for customizing both the look and functionality of websites. If you notice any familiar themes or plugins while browsing a website, chances are high that it’s built using WordPress. A few of the most popular WordPress themes include Divi, Avada, and Astra, while popular plugins include Yoast SEO, Jetpack, and WooCommerce.

To check for WordPress themes and plugins, do a right-click and select either “View Page Source” or “Inspect.” Then search for the term “wp-content/themes” to see the themes employed on the website. To check for plugins, rather search for the term “wp-content/plugins.”

4. Utilize online instruments

Several online tools are available that can help you determine whether a website is built using WordPress. One such tool is WP Theme Detector. Merely input the website’s URL, and the tool ideally analyzes the website to verify whether it operates using WordPress and what theme and plugins are being employed.

Another popular tool is BuiltWith, which notifies you not only if a website is built using WordPress but also provides comprehensive information on the website’s hosting provider, analytics software, and more.

5. Look for WordPress trademarks

Lastly, you can be on the lookout for WordPress trademarks on a website to help determine if it’s been built using the platform. For instance, if you identify the WordPress logo or the phrase “Powered by WordPress” on the website’s footer, this is an irrefutable indication that the website has been built using WordPress.

Conclusively, there are various ways to determine if a website has been built using WordPress. Checking the source code, URL, themes, and plugins, utilizing online tools, and looking out for WordPress trademarks can all provide valuable insights. This information can be useful for website owners, developers, and anyone who seeks to enhance their overall understanding and observation of the web.