Your WordPress site is slow
Heavy themes, unused plugins and uncompressed images are common causes. A lean custom theme loads only what is needed.
Services · Web design
WordPress web design
WordPress web design without bloated page builders: a custom theme, straightforward editing and attention to Core Web Vitals so your site stays fast and maintainable in two years' time.
- System
- WordPress with a custom theme
- Editing
- Manage content without code
- Focus
- Performance & maintainability
- Hosting
- Included on request
WordPress is powerful when it is not overloaded.
WordPress powers a large part of the web and suits many business websites. You can edit content yourself, benefit from a large community and avoid dependence on a single provider. Problems usually stem from universal themes with hundreds of options, page builders and piles of plugins.
I build a custom theme containing only what your site needs, making it faster, more secure and easier to maintain.
Does this sound familiar?
Updates feel risky
More plugins mean greater risk of an update breaking something. I keep the plugin stack small and justify each addition.
Only the developer can make changes
Confusing editors overwhelm content teams. I design blocks and fields so you can safely edit content.
What WordPress web design includes
Custom theme
Built specifically for your design: clear code, no unused features and full control.
Editorial setup
Blocks and fields for the content you actually want to edit: text, images, offers and references.
Performance optimisation
Optimised images, caching, fewer scripts and measurement against Core Web Vitals.
SEO foundation
Clear headings, metadata, schema markup, XML sitemap and redirects. Rank Math on request.
Security & updates
Hardened configuration, regular updates and backups, managed by you or through a support arrangement.
Training
A short introduction to updating content without breaking the site.
Why a custom theme rather than a page builder?
Speed
Page builders often load unnecessary CSS and JavaScript. This affects loading time and LCP and INP, two Core Web Vitals. A custom theme delivers only the code the page needs.
Maintainability
A theme built by one developer can be clearly documented. When changes are needed a year later, I or another developer can find the relevant code. A mixture of builders, add-ons and helper plugins is harder to navigate.
Security
Every plugin is a potential attack surface. Fewer plugins, kept up to date, reduce risk significantly. Access restrictions, backups and current PHP versions also help.
Independence
You own the theme and content and receive access credentials. You can change hosting or support providers at any time. I can help plan hosting or connect your existing setup, such as IONOS.
How your WordPress website is built
-
Requirements 1 week
Which pages and content are needed, and who edits what? This defines the editorial approach.
-
Theme architecture 1 week
Plan page types, blocks and fields before design and coding start.
-
Design 1–2 weeks
Design key pages with clear typography and a colour system.
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Development & content 2–3 weeks
Build the theme, add content and test across devices and browsers.
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Training & launch 1 week
Training, approval and publication, including redirects and backups.
Who WordPress is for
A good fit if
- You want to regularly edit text and images yourself, such as news, offers or blog posts.
- Several people need their own roles on the website.
- You want to remain independent of a single provider.
Probably not a fit if
- You need a large shop with complex processes; Shopify is often a better option.
- You expect a site to remain secure indefinitely without maintenance.
- You want a ready-made theme with hundreds of demo layouts.
WordPress web design questions
Ready-made themes include features you do not need, adding loading time and maintenance. A custom theme includes only what your site requires, making it faster and easier to understand.
Only those with a clear purpose, such as SEO, caching, forms or security. Every plugin is justified and kept up to date.
WordPress is secure when its core, theme and plugins are kept current. Updates, strong credentials, backups and good hosting matter. I can handle maintenance on request.
Yes. Depending on its condition, a cleanup or a relaunch with a new theme may be appropriate. I first assess what can be retained.
I can recommend suitable hosting. You can also stay with your provider if its PHP version and resources are adequate.
It depends on scope and features. You receive a fixed-price proposal after the introductory call. The price calculator provides a guide.
Why es.design
01
Custom-built, never off the shelf
Every website is built for your business and your people – no themes, no templates, no 08/15. Powered by Storyblok, Vercel and Supabase.
02
100% personal
One contact for strategy, design and build – no account-manager ping-pong.
03
Fixed price, clear scope
You know what you get and what it costs before we start.
04
Local, digital everywhere
Studio in the Odenwald, projects across the region and beyond.
Ready for a first-class web project?
Free 30-minute intro call – no pitch deck, no obligation.
Book an intro call