How to Contribute to WordPress as a Non-developer

WordPress is an open-source project. It relies heavily on contributions from the community. And there always seems to be a need for more participants.

There are misconceptions about contributing, though. Some people believe that they don’t have relevant skills. The ability to write code is a prime example. They may see being a non-developer as a disqualification.

However, coding is only one aspect of the WordPress project. There are multiple areas where code doesn’t come into play. And that’s what we’re here to discuss today.

Let’s look at some ways that non-developers can contribute to WordPress! We’ll show you where to look and how to get started.

Find a Non-coding Role on a Make WordPress Team

The Make WordPress website is a great place to start. You’ll find over 20 teams of contributors. Most have roles that require little or no coding experience.

Do you want to help fellow users? There are opportunities to improve WordPress documentation. You can also help other users via the Support and Training teams. The Accessibility team ensures that WordPress is accessible to all.

Maybe you’re a people person? The Community team is there to organize events and outreach efforts. The Marketing team provides a forum to promote WordPress around the globe.

Are you looking for something different? Then check out the WordPress Photos team or the Openverse project. Each involves making royalty-free media available to the public.

Are you multilingual? The WordPress Polyglots team is working to translate the software into just about every language.

You don’t have to be an expert. A willingness to learn the required skills is all it takes. Team members are there to get you onboarded.

Observe How Things Get Done

Are you curious to see how the various teams work? Each has regularly scheduled meetings. They take place on Slack (and eventually, Matrix) and are open to everyone. You’ll find dates and times listed on the team’s blog.

Attending a meeting lets you get a feel for what each team is all about. You can actively participate or quietly observe the happenings.

Team blogs also publish meeting summaries. You can peruse these discussions even if you weren’t able to attend.

And we can’t forget about Contributor Days. These events often coincide with WordCamps. They’re a great introduction to contributing. And you can participate in person or virtually.

The goal is to learn more about your chosen team and connect with its members. From there, you can determine whether it’s right for you. And you’ll raise your comfort level with what’s going on.

Note that there’s no need to limit yourself to a specific team. It’s OK to shop around and find one that suits your talents. There is something for everyone.

Identify a Good First Issue

Perhaps you’ve decided on a team. What comes next? It’s time to take on your first issue.

Don’t let the terminology fool you. The word “issue” may indicate something’s broken (sometimes that’s accurate). But an issue could be anything from updating a document to creating a new graphic. Think of these items as tasks on a to-do list.

Finding a suitable first issue is easier than you may think. Some teams mark them as such via a GitHub repository. You can also ask a team representative to help you find one.

Look for issues that are simple and quick to complete. Start small and with minimal stress. You can work your way up to more complex items in time.

It’s also worth noting that there are processes and guidelines to follow. The respective teams publish documents on the subject.

Be sure to reference these resources before submitting your work. And don’t be afraid to ask questions! Every newbie faces a learning curve.

Contribute to WordPress without Code

There are myriad ways to contribute to the WordPress project. Contrary to popular belief, many have nothing to do with code.

People from just about every background, locale, and skill level participate. Some are everyday users who are familiar with the software. Others come with skills like marketing, communications, or design. All are welcome and appreciated.

Each contribution is valuable. To paraphrase project Executive Director Josepha Haden Chomphosy, contributing to WordPress is one way to help it thrive.

Think of the potential impact. You can help to improve something. You may have helped a user stumped by a problem. Or a task you completed may potentially help millions. All are important to the project and the community.

So, don’t worry if you’re not a coding expert. You still have plenty to offer as a WordPress contributor!

Eric Karkovack

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Monday, 4 Dec 2023

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Reading time:

7 mins

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Buy us a digital coffee for as little as $5 and you can join our Slack membership filled with WordPress Professionals.

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Thanks to our Pillar Sponsors

Thanks to Foundation+ Sponsors