Full Site Editing (FSE) isn’t just another WordPress feature—it’s a real game-changer for the industry. If before, building a WordPress site required a team of specialists (designer, front-end developer), now most of the work can be done through a visual editor. As a result, the WordPress development market is shifting in the same way that page builders once transformed web design.
For current professionals in this industry, the best course of action is to start learning new technologies now. And to stay ahead of the competition, they shouldn’t just learn—they should actively participate in the creation and implementation of new innovations.
How Will FSE Change the WordPress Development Market?
- Lower demand for traditional developers
With FSE, a single person can build a website quickly using blocks, templates, and global styles. This means small businesses and bloggers can create their own sites without hiring developers, and agencies won’t need as many employees. In other words, traditional WordPress developers will either face unemployment or need to switch to new specializations—or even different careers altogether. - The decline of the premium theme market
In the past, users bought pre-made themes on platforms like ThemeForest. Now, they can simply use a base FSE theme and customize it to their liking. This reduces the demand for ready-made themes and increases interest in flexible blocks and templates. - Focus on custom projects and new niches
Large companies and complex platforms (marketplaces, SaaS services) will still need unique solutions. However, developers who previously worked on mass-market websites will have to adapt, shifting toward creating blocks, plugins, or services for FSE.
How Many Developers Will Remain in the Industry?
If thousands of specialists were involved in WordPress development before, now the same work can be done by four to five times fewer people. The rest will either transition to plugin and service development or move to other technologies and industries.
That said, FSE is far from being a fully polished solution—at least for the next five years. Despite automation, custom solutions will still be in demand. For example, WooCommerce-powered online stores require specific payment system integrations, logistics setups, CRM connections, and marketing tools. A simple FSE configuration won’t be able to handle all of these needs effectively.
Additionally, custom design solutions will continue to be relevant. Businesses looking to stand out will still require unique animations, special page layouts, and interactive elements that standard blocks simply can’t provide.
Another key question: Can business owners without technical knowledge create a truly professional website using FSE? Unlikely. Yes, they can put together something functional, but without an understanding of UX, SEO, performance optimization, and security, their site might be slow, poorly indexed, and ineffective for their business. Eventually, they’ll still need to hire specialists.
Looking ahead
FSE doesn’t mark the end of WordPress, but it does signal the end of the traditional market for themes and custom-coded sites. Now, the key isn’t just writing code—it’s finding new ways to automate, customize, and create real value for users. Developers who can adapt will thrive in custom solutions, plugin development, FSE extensions, and consulting. FSE won’t fully replace developers just yet, but it will drastically reduce their numbers in the mass-market segment.
For current professionals in this industry, the best course of action is to start learning new technologies now. And to stay ahead of the competition, they shouldn’t just learn—they should actively participate in the creation and implementation of new innovations.