One of the main reasons for the popularity of WordPress is its extensibility. And one of the key elements of it’s extensibility is the WordPress Plugin API.
The WordPress Plugin API makes it possible to create plugins to extend WordPress — giving your business very precise control and customisation of the functionality of your WordPress site.
Go Public with your Plugin
Once you’ve created your plugin, you have the option to submit your plugin to the WordPress public repository, enabling other WordPress users to download and install your plugin on their own site.
WordPress’ plugin repository is filled with thousands of plugins. From galleries, social networking, forums, social media widgets, spam protection, calendars, advanced SEO, and custom forms.
Some plugins are free, some are paid for. WordPress has strict coding standards that all public plugins must meet before being made available in the repository.
Monetising your Plugin
Making your own plugin publically available for free may seem counter-competitive, and often you will want to keep your plugin private to maintain market advantage and preserve your investment.
But in some cases, it can make sense to release your plugin, as it can raise the profile of your business. A further benefit of making your plugin publically available is a massive, free user-base to help test, prove (and improve) the functionality of your plugin.
And of course, if it proves very successful you will always have the option to commercialise your plugin, with premium paid-for options.
Find out more about our Plugin Development service.
Get in touch today and let’s get started building your next WordPress plugin.