AI-based features have been available in WordPress for quite some time. Several third-party plugins facilitate connections to various AI models. However, WordPress 7.0’s Connectors API is the first official solution baked into the core software.
Much of the excitement around this development surrounds AI’s potential to transform WordPress. It opens the door to easier site management and (hopefully) a better onboarding experience for new users. We’re only beginning to see what this technology can do when combined with the content management system (CMS).
Now that AI integration is available to the masses, the question is: What tasks is AI best-suited for?
You can theoretically use it for everything from changing a post title to generating new plugins on the fly. That’s great, but there are a few considerations.
The first is practicality. We likely don’t need AI to check a box on a settings page for us. Seriously, you could do it yourself in the time it takes to write a prompt. But there are also complex tasks that would be too dangerous or inefficient to perform on a production website.
Then there is the cost of using AI tokens. Connecting your website to for-profit models like Anthropic or OpenAI means paying for every prompt or automation. Thus, using AI for everything isn’t for the budget-conscious among us.
Developers and website owners must decide how to get the most value from AI. Here are a few questions to ask yourself or your client before taking the plunge.
Can AI Do It Better or More Efficiently?
The overlap of what humans and AI can do inside WordPress depends on your experience. A professional who has used the software for years will have more capabilities than a beginner. The longer you use WordPress, the more likely you’ll understand its features and quirks.
So, the trick is to identify what AI can do better or more efficiently than you. Relatively small tasks like inserting an image or formatting text are probably best left to humans. There isn’t much time to be saved unless you’re struggling with the basics.
Advanced jobs, such as creating page layouts in the Block Editor, are where things get murky. Here’s where experience really matters. A web designer may have no problem building layouts, while a novice may become stuck. Therefore, the decision comes down to your comfort level.
On the other hand, AI’s potential to perform tasks at scale is where it shines. For example, maybe you want to find every image on your site without an ALT attribute and implement descriptive text. That could take hours for a human. Meanwhile, you can use AI to search for and identify such images. From there, you can manually write the text or ask for help.
It’s also worth noting that using AI isn’t a replacement for learning. In fact, you can use it to guide you through various tools and processes. You may find that you no longer need AI to do something after it shows you how. That’s a powerful and perhaps underrated use case.
How Often Will I Need the Task?
The frequency of a given task is also a consideration. A one-off task, such as a deep code analysis, could be a wise use of AI. Spending a few tokens may be well worth the time saved when compared to other methods.
Automation is another great example, as it’s available any time you need it. You can run a task in the middle of the night or first thing in the morning – it doesn’t care or complain. AI models can schedule and perform such jobs. There is also the potential for it to recognize changing needs and adjust accordingly.
Perhaps the best measure of value is how much time a task takes a human. Consider creating custom data reports, for example. It can be extremely complicated, depending on the data you need. You can use plain language to describe what you need, and AI will do the rest.
This approach also works at scale. Agencies and freelancers managing dozens or even hundreds of websites can use AI as an extra set of eyes. Even something like troubleshooting a buggy plugin could be performed in the background while you tend to other things.
Is There a Suitable Non-AI Solution?
Here’s the elephant in the room: we don’t need AI to do most things inside of WordPress. As such, the technology may be overkill for some tasks.
There are plugins for virtually every need. They can manage automations, data exports, and everything else under the sun. This is how we got by for the 20-odd years before AI came along.
A non-AI plugin is still a viable option. You’re likely to get the functionality you need, along with cost certainty. There is also a human ready to support you if you run into problems.
However, plugins can’t cover every niche, and they aren’t always easy to use. Some require coding skills to get the most out of them. Using AI makes perfect sense in these scenarios.
The benefits of AI include speed and a seamless experience. But in many cases, a plugin will suffice. It’s a matter of looking at your needs and determining the best fit.
AI in WordPress Is Helpful, but Not Always Necessary
The most interesting part of WordPress AI integration may be in how people decide to use it. The CMS powers all types of websites, from small bespoke blogs to corporate multisite installations. There is a nearly endless supply of use cases.
And using AI in the dashboard could benefit users of all skill levels. The challenge is in finding the tasks that make the most sense for you. It’s a more personal decision than you might think.
Our advice? Experiment with this new tool and think of ways it can help you get more done. Keep track of token usage and determine what’s most valuable to your workflow.
You might find that you’re more productive than ever, or that you can safely hold off on using AI for all the things. It’s your choice!
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