What is WordPress API development and why do I need it?
Answer: WordPress API development integrates popular online services with your business.
WordPress API development connects you to thousands of 3rd party Web Services
But what exactly is an API?
An API or Application Programing Interface is the software that enables WordPress developers to make use of third party online services. Thousands of online providers offer their own APIs to make their data available away from their own site.
Using a third party API, we can integrate any number of online services into our own website.
Popular services offering API access include Google maps, Twitter feeds, Facebook comments, help desks, CRM systems, ticketing, email sign-ups — the list is endless.
Here are a few more examples:-
- Google Maps
- Drip
- X
- SalesForce
- Disqus
- InfusionSoft
- MailChimp
Some governments and academic organisations are also beginning to offer APIs to access the information they hold.
Are third party APIs free to use or do I have to pay to use them?
You will need an account with the service provider, and there are many free services, such as Twitter, Facebook and Google maps etc. There are also many paid-for services, such as bulk email, CRM systems, ticketing etc that will require a monthly subscription.
Can’t I just use a WordPress plugin to connect to online services?
Yes absolutely. There are thousands of plugins that do exactly this, and many are completely free.
That said, many growing business find that these plugins do not always fit the needs of their business. And that is where we can help with our WordPress API development service.
How does the Code Word Digital WordPress API development service work?
We will check your business requirements very carefully to make sure we know exactly which online service you need.
Then we will research the available plugins on the market, and identify a shortlist of possible candidates for use on your site. After this, we fully test the best of these plugins to see if they integrate the online service in the way you need.
In many cases there will be a plugin that does the job, or one that only requires a minimal amount of additional development to tailor it your business.
If no suitable plugin exists, don’t panic!
Can Code Word Digital offer cost-effective WordPress API development?
Yes we can! Sometimes it can even work out cheaper to create your own plugin to access an online API. It can be more efficient as well.
With your own custom plugin to access an online service, you only build the features you really need, and you retain full control and ownership.
Get in touch today and connect WordPress to your chosen API