Exploring the Mysteries of WordPress Sites

WordPress has been taking over the internet by storm! Did you know that it powers over 40% of all websites worldwide? It’s everywhere! Yet, how can you tell if you’re visiting a WordPress site? Let’s dive into the perplexing world of WordPress sites to find out some clues.

1. Look at the URL

Could it be that easy? Many WordPress sites contain the word “WordPress” in their URL. Yes, seriously! For example, if you see a URL that resembles mysite.wordpress.com, it is most likely a WordPress site. However, it’s not always that straightforward, as some WordPress sites use custom domain names.

2. Check the Source Code

Fancy yourself a tech expert? You may learn more about a WordPress site by examining its source code. Right-click on the page and select “View Page Source” or “Inspect Element” and let the magic happen. If the website is using WordPress, you will see several lines of code starting with “wp-”. These codes are the WordPress core files that keep the site running smoothly. Additionally, you will see references to the WordPress theme and plugins used on the site.

3. Look for the WordPress Logo and Login Page

Super sleuths can spot a WordPress site by checking for the WordPress logo at the bottom of their pages. It looks like a giant W if you’re not sure. Also, try to access the admin login page by adding “/wp-admin” or “/wp-login.php” to the end of the URL. If the page loads, you’re looking at a WordPress site!

4. Check the Footer

Perhaps the easiest way to identify a WordPress site is by checking the footer. WordPress sites usually provide specific information unique to them, such as the name of the theme and the content management system used on the site. Additionally, you may find links to the website’s privacy policy, terms of service, and copyright information.

5. Use Online Tools

Ready to take it to the next level? Several online tools can help you identify whether a site uses WordPress. BuiltWith is a highly popular website profiler tool that can help you identify the technology used to build a website. Enter the website’s URL, and BuiltWith will provide you with a report that includes the content management system used, the hosting provider, and the theme and plugins. You could even use a dedicated tool like WhatCMS, which functions similarly to BuiltWith but focuses solely on identifying the content management system used on the website.

Conclusion

Discovering whether a site uses WordPress can feel like a wild goose chase at times. Chances are, it’s probably a WordPress site if you spot the word WordPress in the URL or the W logo on the page. You can also get technical and check the source code or footer! If all else fails, there are plenty of online tools to assist you. Good luck, detectives!