A flying start with your idea on the internet? WordPress makes it possible in a snap. With a range of plugins, adding functionalities seems like a breeze. Implementing a comment form? Piece of cake.
But appearances can be deceiving. An abundance of choices doesn't necessarily mean flexibility. Each plugin often operates as a closed ecosystem on its own, making the desired synergy between different functions hard to come by. A pity.
Take, for example, a plugin for multilingualism on your website. Suppose you want to offer both Dutch and English. But then you find out that your favorite theme doesn't translate all texts, despite the installed plugin. This is the downside of the isolated 'islands' that WordPress plugins and themes often form.
Before you enthusiastically start your online presence with WordPress, it's crucial to map out your required functionalities and do some research. Experiment with different plugins to see if they fit into your plans.
But sometimes challenges arise later, for example, when your idea suddenly grows and requires additional functionalities. In that case, a custom plugin for WordPress can be the solution. This way, you cover the basics with WordPress, and you fulfill your specific needs with software precisely made to do that for you.
Whether it's importing orders from another system or exporting invoices to an external accounting package, with a custom plugin, you don't have to worry that your WordPress website will become a dead-end street. In small webshops, for example, there is often a need for automatic actions when receiving an order or changing its status.
If you can't find the right set of plugins for your needs, or if you've been at it for a while and need specific solutions, consider having a custom plugin developed. This way, you can focus again on what really matters: your business.