When browsing the internet, have you ever wondered what platform a website was built on? You’re not alone. Whether you’re a curious web user or a developer trying to gather insights for your next project, knowing how to determine if a website is built on WordPress can be incredibly useful. As a WordPress expert myself, I often get asked, “How can I tell if a website is running on WordPress?”
I totally understand the need for this knowledge. As a web designer and developer with extensive experience in platforms like Divi, Elementor, and WordPress optimization, I frequently get requests from clients seeking advice on how to identify the platform powering a site. Whether you’re an entrepreneur trying to identify a competitor’s website for design inspiration, a developer troubleshooting an issue, or just someone who wants to know more about web platforms, learning how to check if a website is WordPress is a valuable skill.
In this guide, we will explore several methods to check if a website is WordPress, including both technical and non-technical approaches. These methods will help you spot the tell-tale signs of a WordPress site, and I’ll also share a bit of my personal journey working with WordPress in various projects, from speed optimization to security and everything in between. I’ll break it down step by step, so whether you’re new to WordPress or already have some experience, you’ll be able to quickly identify whether a website is running on this popular platform.
What You’ll Learn:
By the end of this blog post, you will:
- Understand different ways to check if a website is built on WordPress.
- Learn to identify common indicators of a WordPress site.
- Discover tools and techniques to make the process even easier.
- Get insights from my personal experience with WordPress in web development.
I’ll walk you through each method, provide tips on how to spot WordPress websites in the wild, and make sure you’re equipped with all the tools you need to answer the question, “How to check if a website is WordPress?” in no time!
Now, let’s dive into the heart of the matter: how to tell if a website is WordPress!
How to Check If a Website is WordPress: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Check the URL for Common WordPress Paths
One of the easiest ways to check if a website is running WordPress is by looking at its URL structure. WordPress has some default URLs for key elements such as login pages and admin pages. For example, try adding /wp-admin or /wp-login.php at the end of the URL.
If you see a login page or admin panel pop up, it’s a good sign the website is using WordPress. So, if the website’s URL looks something like:
Then you know the site is almost certainly built with WordPress.
2. Check the Source Code for WordPress-Specific Markers
Another surefire way to check if a website is built on WordPress is by inspecting the website’s source code. In most modern browsers, right-click anywhere on the webpage and select “View Page Source” or simply press Ctrl+U. Once you’re viewing the source code, look for some key WordPress identifiers.
Here are some things you can search for in the code:
- wp-content: This is one of the most common indicators of a WordPress site. Look for file paths like
/wp-content/in the source code, which usually indicates that the website is WordPress. - wp-includes: Another common folder name associated with WordPress sites.
- Generator Meta Tag: WordPress often leaves a meta tag in the source code that reveals its version number. You can search for a tag that looks like
<meta name="generator" content="WordPress X.X.X" />.
These markers are often visible unless the website’s owner has taken steps to hide them. Even if they are not present, there are still other methods to confirm if the site is WordPress.
3. Check for WordPress-Specific Plugins and Themes
If you want to dig a little deeper, you can also look for traces of WordPress themes and plugins that the website might be using. For instance, the theme name might show up in the source code as part of the file path. You can search for things like:
- wp-content/themes/
- wp-content/plugins/
By looking at these paths, you can sometimes identify the theme or plugins that the website is using. Popular themes like Divi and Avada or plugins like Yoast SEO and WooCommerce are common on WordPress sites. If you spot any of these, you can be pretty confident that the website is built with WordPress.
4. Use Online Tools to Check the Website’s Platform
For those who aren’t tech-savvy or don’t want to dig through code, several online tools can help you check if a website is running on WordPress. These tools allow you to simply enter the URL of the site, and they will analyze the website and return information about the platform it’s using. Some popular tools include:
- BuiltWith: This tool shows a comprehensive list of technologies a website is using, including the CMS. If the site is WordPress-based, it will be highlighted.
- IsItWP: Specifically designed to check if a website is running WordPress, this tool will analyze the website and give you a direct answer.
- Wappalyzer: Another popular tool that detects the technologies used by a website, including WordPress.
These online tools are a great way to quickly identify if a website is built on WordPress without needing to manually check the source code or URL structure.
5. Look for WordPress Footer Credits
Some WordPress websites leave a small footer credit that indicates the website is powered by WordPress. These credits often say something like “Powered by WordPress” or show the WordPress logo. While this is less common these days as many websites remove these credits for a cleaner design, it’s still worth checking the bottom of the page for any indication.
6. Look for Standard WordPress Features
WordPress is known for some specific features that are often visible on a site. For instance:
- Blog posts: WordPress was originally a blogging platform, so many WordPress sites still have a blog section. Look for URLs with “/blog/” or “category” in them.
- Comment Section: WordPress’s native commenting system is another clue. If you see a comment box that uses WordPress’s default system, it’s a good indication the site is powered by WordPress.
FAQs: Your Burning Questions About WordPress Websites
FAQ 1: How do I know if a website is built with WordPress?
To check if a website is built with WordPress, you can look for specific indicators in the URL, source code, or use online tools like BuiltWith or IsItWP. If the URL contains “/wp-admin” or “/wp-login.php,” that’s a strong sign the site is powered by WordPress.
FAQ 2: How can I see if a website is using WordPress themes or plugins?
Check the website’s source code for references to “/wp-content/themes/” or “/wp-content/plugins/”—these are common WordPress paths. You can also use tools like Wappalyzer to detect WordPress plugins and themes.
FAQ 3: How can I tell if a website is a WordPress blog?
Look for common blog-related structures like “/blog/” or “category” in the URL. You may also find WordPress’s default commenting system, which is typically a giveaway.
FAQ 4: Can I use online tools to check if a site is WordPress?
Yes! Tools like IsItWP, BuiltWith, and Wappalyzer allow you to simply input the URL of the website, and they will tell you if it’s built on WordPress or another platform.
FAQ 5: Can I detect a WordPress website even if it’s been customized?
Yes! Even if a WordPress site has been heavily customized, it will still retain some identifiable elements, such as the structure of the URLs, the source code with traces of WordPress directories (like wp-content), or even the WordPress login page.
FAQ 6: What if a WordPress site doesn’t show any obvious clues?
Some WordPress website owners hide typical markers like “/wp-admin” or use custom themes and plugins to disguise their platform. In such cases, using online tools like BuiltWith or Wappalyzer will help you confirm if the site is running WordPress.
Conclusion: Ready to Spot WordPress Websites Like a Pro?
By now, you should be well-equipped to identify whether a website is built on WordPress using a variety of methods—from inspecting URLs and source code to leveraging online tools. Whether you’re curious about a competitor’s website or just want to learn more about WordPress, these techniques will help you find your answers quickly.
In my own journey as a WordPress expert, I’ve worked on countless websites, optimizing them for speed, enhancing security, and helping businesses grow. If you need help with WordPress design or development—whether it’s speed optimization, building a custom theme, or improving site security—don’t hesitate to reach out! Let’s talk about how I can elevate your online presence with WordPress solutions that fit your needs.
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