- The plugin you need doesn't exist.
- You've found several plugins that cover part of what you need, but none of them fit completely.
- Your business has rules that can't be solved with a standard configuration.
- You need to connect WordPress with an ERP, CRM, in-house application or external service.
- You need to change how WooCommerce works in a way the available plugins don't allow.
- You want to avoid depending on several different plugins to solve one important process.
Custom plugins for WordPress
Plugin development for WordPress and WooCommerce when a standard feature doesn't fit your business's needs.
A custom plugin lets you bring processes, business rules and integrations into WordPress that you won't find in the plugin directory. From a specific WooCommerce feature to a full application integrated into your site.
Spotting the need
When do you need a custom plugin?
WordPress has thousands of plugins, and in many cases one of them will solve a need perfectly.
Where your business stops looking like your neighbour's, that's where you need a custom-built plugin.
Solutions
What kind of WordPress plugins can we build?
A plugin can handle one very specific feature or become an important part of the application.
Some examples of custom development include...
WooCommerce features
One of the most common reasons to build a custom plugin is connecting WordPress with other systems.
- Payment methods and ways to charge.
- Shipping methods and cost calculation.
- Pricing and discount rules.
- Products with special configurations.
- Custom checkout processes.
- Validations and restrictions based on customer or product.
- Integrations with external systems.
- Automation of order-related processes.
When your store's logic doesn't fit WooCommerce's standard behaviour, custom development lets you adapt it to how the business actually works.
Integrations with other systems
One of the most common reasons to build a custom plugin is connecting WordPress with other systems.
- ERP / CMS
- Booking platforms.
- In-house management systems.
- In-house production systems.
- Third-party APIs.
- Payment services.
- Logistics systems.
- External applications.
The plugin acts as a bridge between WordPress and the rest of the tools the business uses.
Private areas and internal processes
WordPress can also be used to build private applications for customers, employees or collaborators.
- Private areas for customers.
- Different user profiles and permissions.
- Custom forms and processes.
- Viewing information from other systems.
- Request management.
- Workflows.
- Task automation.
In these projects, WordPress stops being just a content manager and becomes a tool adapted to a specific business process.
Interactive features
We also build components that need more advanced user interaction:
- Product configurators.
- Advanced filters.
- Multi-step forms.
- Interactive maps.
- Selecting elements on plans or images.
- Calculation tools.
- Interfaces specific to certain processes.
The interface and logic are built together so the feature becomes part of the website instead of looking like a separate tool bolted on afterwards.
Process
How do we build a custom plugin?
Development starts before writing any code.
We analyse the need
You explain what you want to achieve, how the process currently works, and what problems you need to solve. You don't need a technical spec. You can explain the problem from your business's point of view, and we'll turn it into a technical solution.
Quote and planning
We look at the different options and work out what the plugin needs to do, how it will integrate with WordPress, and which other systems will be involved. We also define what's in scope and what isn't.
Development and testing
We build the plugin and check it works before putting it into production. When the project needs it, we work first in a testing environment so we can verify the integration with WordPress, WooCommerce and any external systems involved.
Going live
Once we've checked everything works, we install and configure the development in the final environment. The goal isn't to hand you a file to figure out yourself, but to leave the feature integrated and working correctly.
Maintenance and evolution
After delivery, the development can be maintained and evolve with the project. We can take care of updates, compatibility with new WordPress or WooCommerce versions, fixes and new features whenever needed.
The cost range is very wide, because the range of possible features is just as wide.
A development that looks simple on paper might need very little work, or might involve integrations, different user profiles, admin processes, testing and compatibility with other systems.
...Ownership
What happens with the plugin's code?
The development is delivered as part of the project and doesn't depend on you continuing to work with Albin Soft in the future.
The solution is built specifically for your project and can be maintained and evolve later on.
This is especially important for developments that are part of important business processes: there shouldn't be an unnecessary technical dependency on the original developer.
Reuse
Can an existing plugin be modified?
In some cases it makes much more sense to modify or extend an existing plugin than to build a new one.
We first look at how it's built, what room there is to extend it, and what it would mean to maintain that solution in the future.
If the plugin is well-built and allows the necessary changes, we can work on it.
If, on the other hand, modifying it means introducing too many dependencies or complications, we can propose a standalone development.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
What happens with the plugin's code?
The development is delivered as part of the project and doesn't depend on you continuing to work with Albin Soft in the future.
The solution is built specifically for your project and can be maintained and evolve later on.
This is especially important for developments that are part of important business processes: there shouldn't be an unnecessary technical dependency on the original developer.
Can an existing plugin be modified?
Yes.
In some cases it makes much more sense to modify or extend an existing plugin than to build a new one.
We first look at how it's built, what room there is to extend it, and what it would mean to maintain that solution in the future.
If the plugin is well-built and allows the necessary changes, we can work on it.
If, on the other hand, modifying it means introducing too many dependencies or complications, we can propose a standalone development.
When is it worth building your own plugin?
When the feature you need doesn't exist, when the available solutions don't fit your process, or when you need to integrate WordPress with other systems in the business.
Before building anything, we also check whether a standard solution could solve it.
Can you build plugins specific to WooCommerce?
Yes. We can modify or extend how WooCommerce works to adapt it to each project's business rules, checkout process, payments, shipping or integrations.
Can you integrate the plugin with my ERP or CRM?
Yes, as long as the system has some mechanism that allows integration, such as an API, web services, controlled data access or another communication method.
Feasibility and scope are assessed for each project.
Is it better to modify an existing plugin or build a new one?
It depends on the plugin and what you need to change.
If the plugin is well-built and allows you to safely extend its behaviour, modifying it can be the best option. In other cases, building your own solution is simpler and gives you more control over the code.
How long does plugin development take?
It mainly depends on the scope.
A small feature can be built in a few days, while a plugin that includes complex processes, private areas or integrations with other systems can take several weeks or more.
After analysing the project we can give a realistic estimate.
Can you maintain the plugin after development?
Yes.
We can take care of updates, fixes, compatibility with new WordPress and WooCommerce versions, and any new features you need later on.
What do you need to prepare a quote?
You don't need to prepare a technical spec.
It's most useful to explain what you want to achieve, how the process currently works, and what problem you want to solve.
From there we can help you define the solution and work out what additional information we need to assess the development.
Do you need a custom WordPress plugin?
If WordPress or WooCommerce doesn't do exactly what you need, tell us what you want to achieve.
We'll analyse the project, look at the alternatives, and suggest the solution that makes the most sense for your business — whether that ends up being a custom plugin or a simpler option exists.