How to Become a WordPress Contributor: A Comprehensive Guide

Did you know that anyone can become a WordPress contributor, regardless of technical expertise? WordPress is an open-source project powered by a global community of contributors who help shape and improve the platform. From writing code to designing user interfaces, answering support questions, creating documentation and translating content, there’s a wide range of ways to get involved. 

Contributing to WordPress is valuable for developing skills, networking, and making an impact on a widely-used platform. Being part of this community can help you grow professionally while giving back to a project that powers over 40% of the web. 

This guide will walk you through how to become a WordPress contributor with a step-by-step approach, covering everything you need to know to get started, no matter your experience level.

Why contribute to WordPress?

Before diving into how to become a WordPress contributor, let’s explore why you might want to contribute in the first place. Contributing to WordPress offers valuable rewards, from professional growth and networking opportunities to meaningful community recognition. Here’s a look at some key benefits. 

Professional growth

Contributing to WordPress provides unique opportunities for skill enhancement, portfolio building and networking within a vibrant community. By participating in WordPress’s open-source development, you gain hands-on experience, learn industry best practices and collaborate with talented individuals worldwide.  

These contributions can significantly expand your portfolio, especially if you’re in design, development, or content creation. As a contributor, you not only grow your skills but also connect with other professionals who may open doors to new projects, collaborations and career opportunities. 

Community recognition

Contributors to WordPress receive community acknowledgment in various ways. Active contributors earn badges on their WordPress.org profiles, showcasing their involvement and dedication. Additionally, if you contribute to a major release, your name might appear in the WordPress release notes—an accomplishment that boosts both personal and professional credibility.  

Such recognition can set you apart in the industry, positioning you as a trusted expert who actively shapes the WordPress ecosystem. 

Giving back to open source

WordPress is powered by contributions from a global community, with volunteers improving a platform that now supports over 40% of websites worldwide. By becoming a WordPress contributor, you’re helping sustain an accessible, innovative tool that empowers countless businesses, creators and developers.  

Giving back to open source fosters a spirit of collaboration and ensures that WordPress remains free and adaptable, continuing to thrive as a resource that anyone can use and build upon. 

Contributing to WordPress isn’t just about technical skills; it’s about joining a community that values open collaboration and impact. If you’re looking for ways to grow professionally, gain recognition and make a difference, learning how to become a WordPress contributor is a step worth taking. 

How can you start contributing to WordPress? 

One of the best things about becoming a WordPress contributor is that there are numerous ways to get involved, regardless of your background or skill level. Whether you’re a developer, designer, writer, or simply passionate about WordPress, there’s a place for you to make a difference. Here’s a quick overview of the key contribution areas to help you decide where you might like to get started on your journey to learning how to become a WordPress contributor.

Core development

Core development is focused on writing, reviewing and improving the code that powers WordPress. This is ideal for those with coding experience, particularly in PHP, JavaScript and HTML/CSS. Contributors work on everything from bug fixes to new features, ensuring that WordPress remains efficient, secure and adaptable.  

If you’re interested in development and want to dive into the inner workings of WordPress, contributing to core development is a fantastic way to refine your skills and impact millions of users worldwide. 

Design and accessibility

For those skilled in design or interested in improving user experience, the design and accessibility teams offer valuable opportunities. These contributors focus on enhancing the look and feel of WordPress and ensuring the platform is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. Tasks range from creating user interface (UI) designs to conducting accessibility audits.  

This area is ideal for UI/UX designers, accessibility advocates and anyone interested in making WordPress more user-friendly and inclusive. 

Documentation

Good documentation is essential to a project as large as WordPress. Documentation contributors create and update user guides, developer documentation, tutorials and reference materials that help users and developers understand how to use and customize WordPress.  

This area is perfect for writers, technical communicators and those with a clear understanding of WordPress’s features. By contributing to documentation, you’ll make WordPress easier to navigate for both new users and seasoned developers. 

Support and community 

The support and community teams focus on building and sustaining the WordPress community. This involves helping users solve issues on the WordPress forums, offering guidance on Slack and organizing or participating in events like WordCamps and local meetups.  

Contributing to support is a rewarding way to share your knowledge, connect with other users and help people make the most of their WordPress experience. If you enjoy working with people and helping them succeed, this area is a great fit. 

Translation (Polyglots)

WordPress is used all over the world, so it’s crucial to make it accessible in as many languages as possible. The Polyglots team works on translating WordPress software, themes, plugins and documentation to ensure global accessibility.  

As a translation contributor, you’ll help make WordPress a truly international platform, allowing people from diverse linguistic backgrounds to use it effectively. This area is ideal for multilingual WordPress contributors or those passionate about bridging language barriers. 

Testing and quality assurance

Every new release of WordPress needs to be rigorously tested to ensure it is stable and bug-free. Testing and quality assurance (QA) contributors focus on testing updates, plugins, themes and new features, reporting issues and verifying that fixes work as intended.  

Testing is critical to maintaining WordPress’s reliability and it’s a great way for contributors without coding skills to make an impact. QA contributors help catch bugs before they affect users, ensuring a smooth experience for everyone. 

Each of these contribution areas plays an essential role in keeping WordPress functioning, growing and accessible. No matter your expertise, there’s a place for you to make a difference. As you grow as WordPress contributor, consider exploring one or more of these areas to see where your skills and interests can have the most impact.

Getting started as a WordPress contributor

Now that you understand the different areas you can contribute to, let’s go over the first steps to begin your journey as a WordPress contributor. Setting up your account, joining the WordPress community and familiarizing yourself with essential tools will lay a strong foundation as a WordPress contributor.

Step 1: Create a WordPress.org account

The first step to becoming a WordPress contributor is creating an account on WordPress.org. This account will be your main contributor profile and will allow you to participate across different areas of the community, from forums to WordPress development code submissions. 

1. Sign up on WordPress.org: Go to WordPress.org and click on Register. Follow the prompts to set up your account, which requires only a username and email address. 
2. Complete your profile: Once registered, fill out your profile details. Add relevant information about your skills, experience and any areas of WordPress you’re interested in contributing to. This will help other contributors know a bit more about you and it also gives you a professional presence within the community. 
3. Explore your dashboard: Familiarize yourself with the WordPress.org profile dashboard, where you’ll see options to track contributions, view any badges you earn and participate in various WordPress website projects. This profile will grow with each contribution you make, serving as a valuable portfolio within the WordPress ecosystem. 

Step 2: Join the WordPress slack channels

The WordPress community uses Slack as the primary tool for coordinating contributions, sharing updates and collaborating on WordPress projects in real-time. Joining the WordPress slack community will connect you with other contributors and help you stay updated on current projects. 

1. Join slack: Visit Make WordPress Slack and follow the instructions to join. You’ll need to use the email associated with your WordPress.org account to sign up. 

2. Explore key channels: Each team and project has its own Slack channel. Here are some primary channels you may find useful:

• #core: For discussions related to WordPress core development.
• #design: For those working on UI/UX design elements.
• #docs: A channel dedicated to documentation efforts, where contributors update user guides and developer docs.
• #polyglots: For translation contributors (Polyglots team).
• #meta: Discussions on tools, plugins and the WordPress.org website.
• #community-events: For information on WordCamps, meetups and community-driven events.

3. Introduce yourself: Once you’ve joined relevant channels, take a moment to introduce yourself. Let the other WordPress users know about your background, the area you’re interested in and that you’re learning to become WordPress contributor. The WordPress community is welcoming and collaborative, so don’t hesitate to ask questions or request guidance. 

Step 3: Understand the tools you’ll use

WordPress contributors use a few essential tools to track, manage and organize contributions. Familiarizing yourself with these WordPress environment tools will help you work efficiently and make meaningful contributions. 

• GitHub: WordPress uses GitHub for certain WordPress projects and code management. Many plugins, themes and newer features are managed here, where you can submit issues, pull requests and collaborate on code-based contributions. It’s an essential tool for contributors focused on web development. 
• Trac: Trac is a project management tool that WordPress uses to track bugs, feature requests and improvements for the core software. If you’re contributing to WordPress Core, Trac is where you’ll submit tickets and patches. You’ll also find “good first bugs” on Trac, which are ideal for new contributors. 
• Make WordPress blog: The Make WordPress blog is the central hub for updates, announcements and detailed guides for each team. Each team (Core, Design, Documentation, Polyglots, etc.) has its own section on the Make blog, where you can find meeting summaries, project updates and links to useful resources. 

By setting up your WordPress.org account, joining Slack channels and understanding these essential tools, you’ll be well-equipped to start contributing to WordPress.  

This foundation will help you navigate the community, communicate with other WordPress users and confidently explore different contribution areas as you grow.

How to choose your contribution path

As first-time WordPress contributors, finding the right area to start in is essential. WordPress offers a wide range of contribution paths, each suited to different skill levels and interests. Here’s how to determine where you’ll make the most meaningful impact and enjoy the process.

Identify your skill level 

WordPress welcomes contributors at every skill level. Here’s a breakdown of contribution areas suited to beginners, intermediate-level contributors and advanced users. 

Beginner: 

• Support forums: Help other WordPress users troubleshoot issues on the WordPress support forums. This is an excellent way to start contributing if you’re familiar with WordPress but don’t have technical skills. 
• Documentation: Contribute by updating or adding user guides, tutorials and general WordPress documentation. Clear, helpful documentation is essential for WordPress developers of all levels. 
• Testing: Test updates, themes and plugins to identify bugs or usability issues. Testing requires minimal experience but is highly valuable in ensuring a smooth experience for all users. 
• Translations: Join the Polyglots team to help translate WordPress into other languages. If you’re multilingual, translating WordPress can make the platform accessible to users around the world. 

Intermediate: 

• Writing and reviewing documentation: Intermediate contributors can take on more detailed documentation work, like writing developer-focused guides or reviewing technical documents for accuracy. 
• Organizing meetups: WordPress meetups and community events bring users together to learn and network. If you’re experienced WordPress user and enjoy community engagement, organizing events is a great way to contribute. 

Advanced: 

• Core development: For WordPress developers experienced in PHP, JavaScript and WordPress architecture, contributing to WordPress core development team allows you to make direct improvements to WordPress itself. 
• Design: UI/UX design skills are highly valuable in improving WordPress’s user experience. Design contributors work on everything from feature layouts to overall user interface improvements. 
• Quality assurance: Experienced contributors can focus on quality assurance, identifying bugs and providing thorough testing to ensure stability and performance. 

Assess your interests

Contribution to WordPress can be even more rewarding if you focus on areas that align with your personal interests and passions. Consider what you’re most excited about: 

• If you love helping people: Support forums or community meetups may be a perfect fit. You’ll get to interact with users directly, answering questions and making WordPress more accessible. 
• If you enjoy writing or explaining complex topics: Documentation is a valuable area where you can create user guides, developer resources and tutorials. Your contributions will help other WordPress teams understand and navigate WordPress more easily. 
• If you’re a WordPress developer or designer at heart: WordPress development and design offer impactful ways to use your skills in programming or UI/UX design. You’ll contribute to WordPress site development or design improvements that shape WordPress version evolution. 

Identifying areas that excite you will make your contributions feel purposeful and enjoyable. WordPress thrives because contributors work on what they’re passionate about and that passion shows in their work. 

Start small with “Good First Issues”

If you’re unsure where to start, look for tasks labeled as “good first issues.” These beginner-friendly tasks are designed to help new members ease into WordPress projects with manageable tasks. Here’s where to find them: 

• Website development: The WordPress Core Trac includes tickets marked with the “good first bug” label. These tickets are typically smaller code issues that are ideal for new developers. 
• Documentation: The contribution team tag simple documentation updates as beginner tasks. You can find these by joining the #docs Slack channel or browsing the Make WordPress Documentation page. 
• Translation: WordPress translations (Polyglots) allow many contributors to start by translating small sections of different languages, making it easy to begin contributing without a large commitment. 

Starting with these smaller learning opportunities will give you valuable experience and allow you to familiarize yourself with the WordPress contribution process before tackling more complex open source projects. 

While contributing to the WordPress remember that there’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach. You can start in one area and expand into others as you gain experience and confidence. By choosing a contribution path suited to your skills and interests, you’ll find your place in the WordPress community and make a lasting impact.

Step-by-step guide to making your first contribution

Now that you’re familiar with the various areas of contribution, it’s time to dive into the process of making your first WordPress contribution.  

This section will walk you through three examples: contributing to core development, updating documentation and translating WordPress. 

Core development example: Finding, forking and submitting a patch

Contributing to WordPress core is an excellent way to directly improve the software. Here’s a step-by-step guide to finding a small issue, making a change and submitting it as a patch on GitHub. 

1. Find an issue: 

• Start by visiting the WordPress Core Trac, where issues and improvement tickets are tracked. 
• Look for tickets labeled as “good first bugs” to find beginner-friendly tasks. 
• Read through the ticket details to understand the problem and any proposed solutions. 

2. Fork the repository on GitHub:

• WordPress uses GitHub for development work. To start, navigate to the repository and click on Fork to create a personal copy in your GitHub account.
• Clone your fork to your local development environment with the following command:

git clone https://github.com/yourusername/wordpress-develop.git

3. Make the change:

• Switch to the relevant branch (typically trunk) and create a new branch for your work:

git clone https://github.com/yourusername/wordpress-develop.git

• Open the necessary files in your code editor and make the changes described in the ticket.
• Test your updates locally to confirm they solve the issue without causing new problems.

4. Commit and submit your patch:

• Stage and commit your changes with a clear message:

git add . 
git commit -m "Fix: [Description of the issue]"

Push the changes to your GitHub fork:

git push origin fix-small-issue

• Go to your GitHub WordPress repository and submit a pull request to the main WordPress repository. Include a brief description and link to the original ticket.

Core contributions to WordPress project are reviewed by WordPress developers who may provide feedback. Once approved, your code will become part of WordPress core—an exciting milestone for any contributor of WordPress community.

Documentation contribution example: Updating a user guide

Documentation is crucial to helping users understand and navigate WordPress. If you’re more interested in writing than coding, updating documentation on the WordPress Codex or HelpHub is an impactful way to contribute.

Identify a documentation need: 

Select a guide to update:

• In HelpHub or the Codex, look for guides that may need updates. This could be due to new WordPress features, outdated screenshots, or a need for clarification. 
• Choose a guide you feel comfortable updating or improving based on your familiarity with the topic. 

Edit and submit your updates: 

• In your WordPress.org account, go to the relevant documentation page and click on Edit (you must be logged in to see this option). 
• Update the content as needed, ensuring your information is clear, concise and accurate. If your update involves screenshots, make sure they are recent and reflect the latest WordPress interface. 
• Once you’ve made your changes, submit them for review. Editors within the WordPress documentation team will review and approve the changes. 

Documentation contributions make WordPress more accessible, ensuring that users and developers alike have accurate information to guide them. 

Translation contribution example: Joining the Polyglots team 

If you’re fluent in another language, joining the Polyglots team to translate WordPress into different languages is a valuable way to make WordPress accessible worldwide. Here’s how to get started with translations. 

Join the Polyglots team: 

1. Go to the Make WordPress Polyglots page to understand the basics of contributing translations. 
2. You can also join the #polyglots Slack channel to connect with other translators and ask questions. 

Find a project to translate: 

1. Visit the WordPress Translation Dashboard to see a list of WordPress websites available for translation. You’ll find WordPress core, plugins, themes and even documentation projects listed here. 
2. Select a project in your preferred language to start working on. If you’re new to translations, it’s best to start with smaller projects, like translating a popular plugin or theme. 

Translate and submit your work: 

1. Click on the project to open the translation interface. Here, you’ll see untranslated strings (phrases or sentences that need translation). 
2. Enter translations for each string, keeping the tone consistent with the original English text. 
3. Submit your translations. They will be reviewed by translation editors and approved strings will appear in the live project. 

Translating WordPress allows speakers of other languages to use the platform comfortably, expanding the reach and inclusivity of WordPress community. 

Each of these contribution paths—core development, documentation and translation—offers a unique way to get involved. Following these steps will help you make your first WordPress contribution with confidence. Remember, as you continue learning, your skills and knowledge will grow and so will your impact on the WordPress community. 

Bluehost’s role in supporting WordPress contributors

Bluehost offers a variety of WordPress hosting solutions and tools that cater specifically to WordPress developers, designers and contributors. Whether you’re testing code, updating documentation or translating content, Bluehost’s services provide a stable, reliable environment for all types of WordPress projects. 

Free tools for WordPress development

Bluehost provides several free resources that are particularly useful for WordPress community contributors and developers: 

• Staging environments: Bluehost’s staging tool allows you to create a clone of your live site where you can safely test new features, designs and updates. Staging is invaluable for contributors who want to experiment with code, plugins and themes without affecting a live site. 

• WordPress-optimized hosting: Bluehost offers WordPress-specific hosting plans designed to enhance site performance. These plans include automatic updates, enhanced security and caching, which are essential for contributors who want to focus on development rather than server management. 

• Developer-friendly tools: From free SSL certificates to access to tools like WP-CLI (command-line interface for WordPress), Bluehost provides resources that streamline the development process. These features are great for both new and experienced contributors, helping you build and test efficiently. 

Why choose Bluehost for a WordPress project

Choosing the right hosting provider to contribute to WordPress easier and more productive. Bluehost’s managed WordPress hosting plans offer several advantages that directly support the needs to contribute to WordPress: 

• Managed hosting and automatic updates: With Bluehost’s managed hosting, your WordPress installation, themes and plugins are kept up to date automatically. This is especially helpful for contributors who want to work on the latest WordPress version without manually handling updates. 

• 24/7 customer support: Bluehost’s dedicated support team is available around the clock to assist with any technical issues. This is particularly beneficial if you’re experimenting with new features, as quick assistance can help you solve issues and focus on contributing. 

• Reliable performance and scalability: Bluehost’s infrastructure is designed to handle traffic spikes, making it ideal for contributors who may be testing high-traffic features or eCommerce integrations. With scalable hosting options, you can start small and expand as your project or contributions grow. 

Conclusion

If you’re ready to take your WordPress contributions to the next level, consider moving from WordPress Localhost to a live Bluehost server. Bluehost’s reliable hosting environment, developer tools and staging capabilities make it easy to go from a local development setup to a fully functional live site. Whether you’re building your own portfolio, developing a WordPress project for the community, or experimenting with a new WordPress theme or plugin, Bluehost has the tools and support to help you succeed. 

Start your WordPress journey with a host that’s optimized for contributors and developers—explore Bluehost’s WordPress hosting plans and see how it can enhance your contribution experience. 

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