WordPress powers over 40% of websites on the internet. It is not just a platform—it’s a global community of developers, designers, translators, testers, and volunteers. If you’ve ever wondered how to contribute to WordPress but didn’t know where to start, this guide is for you. By the end, you’ll know the steps to become an active contributor and how your efforts can make a real impact.
Why Contribute to WordPress?
Contributing to WordPress is more than just coding. It helps you:
- Learn and grow professionally: Whether you’re a developer, designer, or writer, contributing teaches you new skills and best practices.
- Network with experts: You’ll meet people from all over the world who are passionate about WordPress.
- Boost your portfolio: Contributions are visible publicly, which can impress potential employers or clients.
- Give back to the community: Your work can help millions of WordPress users worldwide.
Many new contributors feel unsure at first. It’s normal to think, “I’m not experienced enough.” The truth is, WordPress has something for everyone, not just programmers.
Areas You Can Contribute
WordPress has several ways you can help:
- Core Development
If you know coding, you can help improve WordPress’s core. You can fix bugs, develop new features, or review code submitted by others. - Plugin and Theme Development
Plugins and themes are the backbone of WordPress customization. Contributing here can include coding, testing, or writing documentation. - Documentation
If writing is your strength, WordPress documentation always needs improvement. Clear, simple guides help beginners succeed. - Support and Community Help
You can help others on forums, Slack channels, or local meetups. Answering questions, providing guidance, and sharing tips makes a huge difference. - Translation and Accessibility
WordPress is used globally. Translating core software, plugins, and themes into different languages, or improving accessibility, ensures everyone can use WordPress comfortably.
Steps to Start Contributing
1. Create a WordPress.org Account
The first step is simple: register at WordPress.org. This account lets you participate in forums, Slack channels, and official contribution projects.
2. Join a Team
WordPress contributors are divided into teams like Core, Docs, Design, Community, Polyglots, and more. Explore each team and find what matches your skills or interests.
3. Start Small
You don’t have to jump into big projects. Start with small tasks, like fixing typos in documentation, testing plugins, or helping in forums. Small contributions build confidence and experience.
4. Attend Contributor Meetings
WordPress hosts online meetings monthly for each team. These meetings are perfect for asking questions, sharing ideas, and learning from experienced contributors. If you want to see how the WordPress community organizes its meetings, check out the Community Team Meeting Agenda for 08 January 2026. Even if you just listen at first, you’ll gain valuable insights.
5. Ask Questions and Seek Mentorship
Never hesitate to ask questions. Experienced contributors are usually happy to guide newcomers. Mentorship programs like WordPress Credits Mentor Huddles are designed for this.
6. Track Your Progress
Keep a log of your contributions. It helps you stay motivated, showcase your work, and see how your skills improve over time.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
- Feeling overwhelmed: Start with small, manageable tasks. Growth comes step by step.
- Technical barriers: If coding seems hard, focus on non-technical areas like documentation, translation, or community support first.
- Finding time: Contribute in short, regular sessions. Even 30 minutes a week adds up over time.
- Fear of making mistakes: Mistakes are part of learning. Open-source communities expect newcomers to learn by doing.
Benefits of Active Contribution
By contributing actively, you’ll notice real benefits:
- Improved skills: Coding, writing, design, translation, and project management skills all improve naturally.
- Recognition: WordPress shows contributor profiles publicly, which highlights your involvement.
- Community connections: You’ll make friends and mentors globally.
- Career growth: Many contributors land jobs or freelance opportunities thanks to their open-source work.
Conclusion
Becoming a WordPress contributor might seem intimidating at first, but every expert started as a beginner. Whether you code, write, translate, or support others, there’s a place for you in the WordPress community. Start small, stay consistent, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your contributions, no matter how small, make WordPress better for millions of users worldwide.
I’m Emma Rose, the founder of tryhardguides.co.uk, and a content creator with a passion for writing across multiple niches—including health, lifestyle, tech, career, and personal development. I love turning complex ideas into relatable, easy-to-digest content that helps people learn, grow, and stay inspired. Whether I’m sharing practical tips or diving into thought-provoking topics, my goal is always to add real value and connect with readers on a deeper level.