In this article, we\u2019ll focus on advancements that pertain to WordPress and what it looks like now that AI has its grip on the industry.<\/p>\n
This introductory article covers the following:<\/p>\n
- \n
- How AI Will Change the WordPress Industry<\/a>\n
- \n
- Website Building<\/a><\/li>\n
- Machine-Aided Writing<\/a><\/li>\n
- User Experience That’s Customized<\/a><\/li>\n
- Voice Service<\/a><\/li>\n
- Customer Service Automation<\/a><\/li>\n
- SEO Booster<\/a><\/li>\n
- Reduction of Human Error<\/a><\/li>\n
- Unbiased Decisions<\/a><\/li>\n
- Zero Risks<\/a><\/li>\n
- Graphics and Images<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
- Upside of AI<\/a><\/li>\n
- Downside of AI<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Plus, we\u2019ll try to answer the biggest question of them all: Will WordPress Developers Be Out of a Job?<\/a><\/p>\n
So, adjust those AI-created reading glasses, and let\u2019s begin!<\/p>\n
How AI Will Change the WordPress Industry<\/h2>\n
![\"AI](\"https:\/\/wpmudev.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/AI.png\")
AI has its eye on the WordPress industry.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Knowing that AI is here to stay, there\u2019s bound to be speculation about how AI will change the WordPress industry. Will it be for the better? Worse? Can AI take my job as a developer?<\/p>\n
We\u2019re no fortune tellers here, but we can determine a few industry changes that will more than likely take place. A lot of it has already.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s a breakdown of some of AI’s major changes to the WordPress industry.<\/p>\n
Website Building<\/h3>\n
Machines that build websites? It\u2019s not a sci-fi movie, it\u2019s reality. There are already companies that are in the process of building algorithms that can build websites (e.g. Wix ADI<\/a>, Hostinger<\/a>, and Jimdo<\/a>).<\/p>\n
ChatGPT<\/a> is also a game changer for WordPress developers. It’s a chatbox developed by OpenAI that uses a language processing model to generate text based on user inputs. Its applications range from making code based on texts to generating content.<\/p>\n
AI models like ChatGPT give users access to an AI assistant<\/a> that works with them on developing the perfect website based on a user\u2019s criteria. It makes determinations about layout, design, branding, and more.<\/p>\n
Also, WordPress-specific code-creating tools that work with AI, such as CodeWP<\/a>, are emerging rapidly.<\/p>\n
All of this being said, these are pretty simplistic websites. Therefore, web designers and developers are still essential and provide a service unsurpassed by AI… for now.<\/p>\n
Machine-Aided Writing<\/h3>\n
Like website building, machine-aided content creation and writing are on the horizon. AI assistants will create content writing, copywriting, social media writing \u2013 and basically all written content.<\/p>\n
This article you\u2019re reading right now exemplifies how things will change. Currently, technology isn\u2019t where you can get insightful, meaningful, and engaging content fully produced by AI. However, it\u2019s coming.<\/p>\n
And it might outperform current writing tasks by analyzing the best content to include without a human manually searching.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s not putting myself or any other writers down, but AI can research articles in a matter of seconds, whereas a writer like myself has to look up various resources \u2013 which can take a while.<\/p>\n
The good news is that humans can currently put an article like this together and (hopefully) make it engaging, and AI just doesn\u2019t have the creative chops (patting myself on the back).<\/p>\n
AI is already implemented to help with writing, including software like Grammarly<\/a> \u2013 which is getting better and better at understanding context, making good suggestions, and ensuring that your words are well written.<\/p>\n
![\"grammerly](\"https:\/\/wpmudev.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screenshot-2023-03-06-at-6.55.10-AM-1050x436.png\")
This Grammarly example shows how AI adds suggestions and corrections.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n There\u2019s also software like Jasper<\/a>, Hypertenuse<\/a>, and Writesonic<\/a> that help create unique articles, copywriting, and social media content by writing it for you. And AI journalism<\/a> is also here for stock insights, business reports, sports recaps, and more.<\/p>\n
Even WordPress is experimenting with some new AI writing content<\/a> to help write and provide images..<\/p>\n
User Experience That’s Customized<\/h3>\n
As AI advances, it will understand the customer more and more, providing them with a customized shopping experience.<\/p>\n
An example is a facial recognition plugin, such as Real ID<\/a>. Beyond Real ID, there will be plugins allowing AI to suggest products. This will be based on color, size, and brand \u2013 whatever would look good on an individual consumer. This will eliminate the need for browsing and can instantly match products.<\/p>\n
This takes it further than \u201csuggested items\u201d based on browsing history by knowing what is a good match with an AI assistant. It\u2019ll be like your best friends saying, \u201cOh, that looks great on you!\u201d Or, “Eh, not your style.”<\/p>\n
Customer Service Automation<\/h3>\n
You\u2019ve probably had automated customer service already. Chatbots<\/a> exist all over the WordPress community and social media. They learn from various interactions, add answers to their system, and respond automatically. Even when making calls, voice recognition answers questions via an AI assistant.<\/p>\n
Even here at WPMU DEV, we implemented AI assistance. It combs through all of our resources to provide the best answer immediately for our members.<\/p>\n
![\"WPMU](\"https:\/\/wpmudev.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screenshot-2023-03-06-at-6.48.28-AM.png\")
Our AI assistant provides information through docs, blog posts, and more.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Customer service automation is even apparent offline, in places like grocery stores. The self-checkout aisle is a good example. It is edging toward the point where humans will be out of the equation (in its current state, it\u2019s definitely not satisfactory<\/a>\u2026 yet).<\/p>\n
Along with answering questions, AI can find prospective customers and improve the sales process \u2013 plus much more.<\/p>\n
SEO Booster<\/h3>\n
AI can give you a boost in the SEO<\/a> department. It\u2019s already here for WordPress \u2013 and getting better all the time. The days of painstakingly going through your website and optimizing SEO for WordPress are already over.<\/p>\n
A plugin like SmartCrawl <\/a>automatically analyzes your website\u2019s SEO, provides recommendations, and leverages your social media SEO. Additionally, for images, Smush<\/a> can optimize images automatically.<\/p>\n
As AI advances, plugins like SmartCrawl and Smush will, too.<\/p>\n
Reduction of Human Error<\/h3>\n
Humans, of course, make mistakes. We\u2019re wired for them. And mistakes can be costly \u2013 especially with WordPress development.<\/p>\n
AI will be used more and more to prevent errors by developing flawless systems of coding, security, and specifications. This is another example of AI taking over WordPress development completely.<\/p>\n
Machine learning is here to improve efficiency. It can eliminate the need for costly meetings regarding decision-making, for example. AI will already know what\u2019s best, and you can eliminate that hours-long Slack call with a dozen employees.<\/p>\n
When decisions by AI are made, it is decided on information gathered and a set of algorithms criteria. So, when programmed well, it can eliminate any errors.<\/p>\n
Unbiased Decisions<\/h3>\n
Humans, driven by emotions, can sometimes make decisions based on bias. However, AI is emotionless, practical, and rational in any decision-making process.<\/p>\n
When eliminating biased views, it can disrupt programming by allowing agencies to make decisions on sites they want to build, what to include, and what clients to work with.<\/p>\n
Zero Risks<\/h3>\n
Ever want to remove a line of code but decided it was in your best interests not to in case it would crash an entire website? When AI robots are on the job, they can take more risks without the backlash of losing a job in case of a bad decision.<\/p>\n
Plus, they can provide more accuracy with greater responsibility.<\/p>\n
So, AIs can be written-up for bad work performance, so that\u2019s good news for developers. However, it can also take a developer’s job, so there might not be any opportunity to be written up in the first place.<\/p>\n
Graphics and Images<\/h3>\n
Part of website development is images; AI can produce images with just a few words of what it is you\u2019d like.<\/p>\n
This can also be used when creating websites for clients who need images for their WordPress site, social media, emails, and other marketing. AI generators like fotor<\/a>, DeepAI<\/a>, and craiyon<\/a> are a few examples of companies that can provide this service.<\/p>\n
![\"fotor](\"https:\/\/wpmudev.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/fotor-1050x562.png\")
An example of AI-generated artwork from fotor.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Almost anything imaginable can be generated with these programming languages, and the art is becoming increasingly complex as time goes on.<\/p>\n
The Upside to AI<\/h2>\n
We\u2019ve gone over how AI will change the WordPress industry \u2013 and much of it is positive. Beyond streamlining web development, AI can:<\/p>\n
\u2013 Drive down the time it takes to perform a task and enable multi-tasking with a hands-off approach.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\u2013 Work 24\/7 with no breaks needed.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\u2013 Increase eCommerce sales by learning the customer\u2019s needs and catering to them (e.g. like the clothing example mentioned above).<\/strong><\/p>\n
\u2013 Make decision-making faster and smarter.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\u2013 Save time and energy by implementing SEO practices practically instantly.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\u2013 Be deployed across industries.<\/strong><\/p>\n
There are other examples, but AI has great potential in the WordPress business.<\/p>\n
Still, there’s also some bad with the good.<\/p>\n
The Downside of AI<\/h2>\n
Of course, there can be a downside to AI as well. And when saying \u201cdownside\u201d, that can depend on the context of individual situations and circumstances \u2013 so keep that in mind. However, there could be some unpleasant disruptions to how WordPress has operated throughout the years that might not bode well.<\/p>\n
Some unsavory aspects will be:<\/p>\n
\u2013 Unemployment could rise as AI can take over positions in WordPress development, such as with graphics, web building, copywriting, and more.<\/strong><\/p>\n
— Misinformation due to AI not knowing what is true and what isn’t.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\u2013 A personalized experience on a human level will disappear if AI performs the tasks.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\u2013 High costs can occur when using AI software, tools, robots, etc.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\u2013 No creativity.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\u2013 No ethics, which we all have regarding our work.<\/strong><\/p>\n
— Using images and text without permission from original sources.<\/strong><\/p>\n
All of this also begs the question\u2026<\/p>\n
Will WordPress Developers Be Out of a Job?<\/h2>\n
As of right now, AIs are capable of churning out websites that are quite limited, basic, and lack imagination. Sure, this will improve over time. However, at the moment, AI isn\u2019t there. WordPress developers and designers are a necessity.<\/p>\n
AI is on a trek to form a next-generation workplace that relies on collaboration between systems and individuals. So, humans are essential and not obsolete. If anything, human efforts are strengthened by the emergence of AI.<\/p>\n
Tasks will be able to be performed quicker, jobs can be done around the clock, and decisions can be made in a few moments.<\/p>\n
A personalized touch on web development, design, graphics, and writing is still needed (and valuable). Additionally, updating and maintaining web design is done by humans.<\/p>\n
So\u2026 will AI ever completely take over WordPress development?<\/strong><\/p>\n
Fear not — it\u2019s not likely to happen too soon.<\/p>\n
BUT\u2026<\/p>\n
What you can do as a WordPress developer is adapt<\/strong> to AI. There\u2019s no point in turning a blind eye to AI \u2013 it\u2019s here already and will become more and more prominent.<\/p>\n
Be aware of AI tools, and get to know them well. Learn about what an AI web design tool does and how it works. Then, decide what tools you can use in your web development business. And finally, practice using the tools until you figure out exactly what it does.<\/p>\n
No amount of AI can replace human creativity. The best AI out there doesn\u2019t know what a customer wants. There will be an increase in one-off AI-generated websites now and from here on out, but it\u2019s unlikely that full automation will take over web development jobs soon.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a matter of combining your skills as a web developer with AI \u2013 and adapting to this new technology.<\/p>\n
Seeing Eye-to-Eye With AI<\/h2>\n
With AI emerging, there’s a lot of speculation, excitement, worry — you name it — in the WordPress community. But, like everything else, it’s not the demise of WordPress developers, illustrators, writers, and every other job required for good web development.<\/p>\n
It’s just a matter of embracing change and working with it. And at the end of the day, if you get on top of what’s coming, you can expand and grow tremendously with the AI resources at your disposal.<\/p>\n
Don’t worry about a robot coming along and handing you a termination letter anytime soon. Sure, there’ll be some changes, but as much anxiety as change can bring, try to see eye-to-eye with AI.<\/p>\n
Be sure to check back with us soon as we dive deeper into AI with more articles about this ever-evolving technology.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
AI is becoming more prominent every day, and there’s no question it will change the WordPress business. Many changes are already taking place. This article showcases what might be different in the near future, as well as what’s happening currently. You’ve probably been hearing a ton about AI (artificial intelligence), which describes human reasoning mimicked […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":811449,"featured_media":214513,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"blog_reading_time":"","wds_primary_category":0,"wds_primary_tutorials_categories":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[263],"tags":[],"tutorials_categories":[],"class_list":["post-214503","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tutorials"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpmudev.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/214503","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpmudev.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpmudev.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpmudev.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/811449"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpmudev.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=214503"}],"version-history":[{"count":30,"href":"https:\/\/wpmudev.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/214503\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":215008,"href":"https:\/\/wpmudev.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/214503\/revisions\/215008"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpmudev.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/214513"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpmudev.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=214503"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpmudev.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=214503"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpmudev.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=214503"},{"taxonomy":"tutorials_categories","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpmudev.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tutorials_categories?post=214503"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
- Machine-Aided Writing<\/a><\/li>\n
- Website Building<\/a><\/li>\n