WordPress Trends: What’s Trending Now

Introduction

WordPress continues to dominate the content management system (CMS) landscape, powering over 43% of all websites globally as of 2024. In the UK alone, tens of thousands of businesses, bloggers, and eCommerce platforms rely on WordPress to build and maintain their digital presence. As technology evolves and user expectations grow, so too does WordPress. This article explores the most significant trends shaping the platform today, offering insights for developers, designers, content creators, and business owners who want to stay ahead of the curve.

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1. Full Site Editing (FSE): Redefining Customisation

One of the most transformative changes in recent WordPress development is Full Site Editing (FSE). Introduced with WordPress 5.9, FSE empowers users to customise every part of their website using blocks—including headers, footers, sidebars, and more.

Previously, editing these areas required diving into theme files or using third-party page builders. Now, users can design entire themes visually using the Site Editor, which aligns with the growing preference for no-code and low-code solutions.

Key Features of FSE:

• Block-based templates and template parts
• Global styles and settings
• Real-time visual editing

Why it matters: FSE democratises design by allowing anyone—even those without technical expertise—to create fully customised websites. For UK-based SMEs and freelancers, this reduces reliance on developers and speeds up the launch process.

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2. Accessibility and Inclusivity in Design

In 2025, inclusivity is no longer optional. Web accessibility has taken centre stage as more organisations aim to meet compliance standards and reach broader audiences. According to the UK Government Digital Service, nearly 1 in 5 people in the UK have a disability [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/accessibility-requirements-for-public-sector-websites-and-apps/accessibility-requirements-for-public-sector-websites-and-apps].

Current Accessibility Enhancements:

• Themes with better keyboard navigation
• Screen reader compatibility
• Contrast-aware colour palettes

Developers are also leveraging plugins like WP Accessibility and using the WAVE tool to audit their sites. The WordPress Accessibility Team continues to work towards WCAG 2.1 compliance.

Why it matters: An accessible site broadens audience reach, improves SEO, and supports legal compliance, especially with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) Accessibility Regulations 2018.

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3. Headless WordPress: Decoupling for Performance

Headless architecture is gaining popularity among developers seeking maximum flexibility and speed. In a headless setup, WordPress manages the backend (content), while the frontend is built using technologies like React, Vue.js, or Gatsby.

Benefits of Going Headless:

• Lightning-fast performance
• Scalability for enterprise projects
• Enhanced security
• Omnichannel content distribution

For instance, a retailer might use WordPress to manage product content and distribute it via APIs to a website, mobile app, and digital signage.

Why it matters: In the UK, eCommerce continues to rise—online sales reached nearly 27% of total retail sales in 2023 [https://www.ons.gov.uk/businessindustryandtrade/retailindustry]. A faster, more secure web presence can provide a crucial competitive advantage.

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4. AI Integration and Automation

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the way we build, optimise, and manage WordPress sites. From AI-generated content to predictive analytics, machine learning is being infused into WordPress plugins and themes.

Popular AI-Driven Tools:

• ChatGPT-powered chatbots
• AI image generators (e.g. DALL·E integrations)
• SEO automation tools like RankMath and All in One SEO
• AI-driven personalisation for WooCommerce

Why it matters: Automating repetitive tasks saves time and improves efficiency, particularly for content-heavy UK businesses like news portals or agencies. It also enhances user engagement through smart personalisation.

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5. WooCommerce Advancements and eCommerce Growth

WooCommerce remains the go-to solution for WordPress eCommerce. Recent updates have focused on improving user experience, mobile responsiveness, and checkout conversion rates.

Trends in WooCommerce:

• One-page checkouts
• Mobile-first design
• Integration with BNPL (Buy Now Pay Later) services
• Advanced product filters and AI-powered recommendations

Why it matters: With the UK eCommerce market projected to reach over £100 billion by 2025, having a robust, scalable online store is essential [https://www.statista.com/outlook/dmo/ecommerce/united-kingdom].

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6. Sustainable Web Design

The web’s environmental impact is coming under increasing scrutiny. Sustainable web design involves optimising site performance to reduce server load, data transfer, and energy use.

Best Practices:

• Using efficient coding standards
• Compressing images and media
• Reducing third-party scripts
• Leveraging green hosting providers

Why it matters: In the UK, 60% of consumers report sustainability as a key factor in brand loyalty [https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/environmentalaccounts]. Brands with sustainable digital practices can improve reputation and align with user values.

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7. Design Systems and Component Libraries

Design systems bring consistency to websites by standardising components such as buttons, cards, and navigation. WordPress developers are now integrating tools like Storybook or using pattern libraries built with Gutenberg blocks.

Benefits Include:

• Faster development cycles
• Easier maintenance and updates
• Brand consistency

Why it matters: For agencies handling multiple client sites or large-scale UK projects like university portals, design systems provide efficiency and scalability.

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8. Mobile-First and Responsive Evolution

While responsive design has long been standard, mobile-first approaches are increasingly prioritised. Given that over 60% of UK web traffic comes from mobile devices [https://www.statista.com/statistics/284425/uk-mobile-internet-usage/], designs must load quickly and function smoothly across varied screen sizes.

Innovations in Responsive Design:

• Container queries in CSS
• Variable fonts for better performance
• Mobile-optimised navigation patterns

Why it matters: Mobile users expect a seamless experience. A clunky mobile site can drastically reduce engagement and conversion rates.

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9. Visual and Interactive Storytelling

Websites are moving beyond static content toward immersive storytelling using visuals, animations, and interactivity.

Tools and Techniques:

• Parallax scrolling
• Scroll-triggered animations
• Microinteractions
• Lottie animations (lightweight JSON-based animations)

Why it matters: Visual storytelling captures attention and drives emotional engagement—essential in sectors like education, charity, or travel where conveying mission and impact is vital.

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10. Enhanced Security Practices

Cybersecurity remains a top priority, especially with increasing attacks on CMS platforms. WordPress developers are doubling down on security with two-factor authentication (2FA), activity logs, and secure APIs.

Top Security Plugins:

• Wordfence
• iThemes Security
• Sucuri

Why it matters: UK businesses face increasing cyber threats—40% of UK businesses identified a cyber attack in the past 12 months [https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/cyber-security-breaches-survey-2024]. Secure websites protect data, build trust, and ensure business continuity.

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Conclusion

WordPress trends in 2025 reflect a dynamic blend of user-centric design, technological advancement, and ethical responsibility. From headless architecture and AI integration to accessibility and sustainability, these developments shape a more inclusive, efficient, and impactful web.

For UK businesses, developers, and content creators, understanding and adopting these trends isn’t just about staying current—it’s about futureproofing digital strategy in a rapidly changing online landscape.

Whether you’re refreshing an existing website or building a new one from scratch, aligning with these WordPress trends can set the stage for long-term success.