How to Check if a Website Was Built on WordPress: A Complete Guide

As one of the most popular content management systems (CMS) in the world, WordPress powers over 43% of all websites. From blogs to e-commerce platforms, many websites rely on WordPress for its flexibility, scalability, and ease of use.

But why would you want to identify if a site is built on WordPress? For developers, designers, and agencies like Ankivo Technologies, knowing the platform helps tailor solutions, troubleshoot compatibility issues, and even gain inspiration for future projects.

This guide provides practical methods to check if a site was made on WordPress, whether you’re a seasoned developer or a curious website owner.

1. Why WordPress Dominates the Web Development Space

A. WordPress by the Numbers

• Over 455 million websites run on WordPress as of 2023.
• 64.3% of all CMS-based sites choose WordPress (W3Techs, 2023).
• Popular brands like The New Yorker, TechCrunch, and BBC America use WordPress.

B. Key Features of WordPress

1. User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive dashboard and editor.
2. Scalable Plugins: Over 60,000 plugins for enhanced functionality.
3. SEO Optimization: Built-in and plugin-enabled SEO tools.
4. Customizable Themes: Thousands of free and premium themes.

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2. The Easiest Methods to Check if a Website Uses WordPress

A. View the Page Source

One of the simplest ways is to inspect the website’s HTML code:

1. Right-click anywhere on the site and select “View Page Source” or press Ctrl + U.
2. Look for indicators like:
   • wp-content in file paths (e.g., example.com/wp-content/uploads)
   • wp-includes directory

B. Check the Footer

Many WordPress sites include credit links like “Proudly powered by WordPress” in the footer.

C. Use Online Tools

Tools like IsItWP, BuiltWith, and Wappalyzer can quickly identify if a site is running on WordPress.

Pro Tip: These tools also provide insights into hosting providers, themes, and plugins used by the site.

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3. Advanced Techniques for Identifying WordPress Sites

A. Analyze HTTP Headers

HTTP headers often reveal WordPress-specific information:

1. Use a browser’s developer tools (F12 key).
2. Check the Network tab for resources loaded from wp-content.

B. Look for Login URLs

WordPress default login pages are typically located at:

• /wp-admin
• /wp-login.php

Try accessing these URLs to confirm if the site redirects to a login page.

C. Investigate the RSS Feed

By appending /feed/ to the site URL, you can check if a WordPress-generated RSS feed exists.

Example: example.com/feed/

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4. How Plugins and Themes Can Mask WordPress

A. Why Websites Mask Their CMS

Some site owners intentionally hide their WordPress backend to:

• Prevent hacking attempts.
• Create a unique brand identity.

B. Plugins That Obfuscate WordPress

• Hide My WP Ghost: Masks WordPress identifiers.
• WP Hide & Security Enhancer: Changes default file paths like /wp-content.

C. Overcoming Obfuscation

When WordPress identifiers are hidden, try:

• Analyzing JavaScript libraries: Many WordPress sites use wp-json for REST API calls.
• Checking response headers for generator tags like X-Powered-By: WordPress.

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5. Common Use Cases for Identifying WordPress Sites

A. Competitor Analysis

Understanding a competitor’s tech stack can inspire your development strategy.

B. Troubleshooting Compatibility

For developers, confirming the CMS helps identify potential plugin or integration issues.

C. Collaboration Opportunities

If you know a client or partner uses WordPress, you can recommend targeted solutions like custom plugins or theme development.

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Conclusion: Empower Your Development Strategy with WordPress Insights

Knowing how to identify whether a website was made on WordPress is an invaluable skill for developers, marketers, and designers. By using tools like IsItWP or examining a site’s source code, you can gather insights that drive better decision-making.

At Ankivo Technologies, we specialize in crafting custom WordPress solutions that enhance performance, security, and scalability. Whether you’re exploring opportunities for a new project or need expert guidance on an existing site, we’re here to help.

Contact us today to transform your web development journey with our cutting-edge WordPress expertise!