WordPress Automation for Developers: How to Streamline Your Development Workflows

WordPress development has always been about more than writing code. A successful WordPress site or WooCommerce store depends on efficient and cost-effective workflows for everyone who uses, manages, and maintains it.

Modern WordPress automation tools can streamline every stage of the project lifecycle. Developers can test and deploy code faster while also supporting marketing, editorial, and client service teams to automate repetitive and time-consuming tasks.

In this article, we explore how developers can use automation features built into WordPress and their managed WordPress hosting platforms to:

• Build, deploy, and manage WordPress sites more efficiently.
• Create reliable, automated workflows that support teams across the business.

Each section links to a deep-dive resource so you can start putting WordPress automation best practices into action.

GitHub to Streamline Development and Deployment

Most developers already rely on cloud-based version control to collaborate with teams, track changes, and roll back updates. Extending that workflow directly to WordPress site deployment means fewer steps between writing code and delivering it to production.

Integrating GitHub with your WordPress hosting platform transforms how you manage code deployments. Instead of manually copying files to your server, you can deploy changes automatically by pushing updates to your GitHub repository.

GitHub integration brings the automation, repeatability, and accountability of source control into WordPress projects without adding unnecessary complexity.

Learn more about deploying to your site using Git.

SSH for Access and Control

Secure Shell (SSH) is a protocol that allows developers to securely connect to a remote server using a command-line interface. Once connected, you can run commands, manage files, automate tasks with WP-CLI, and integrate custom scripts into your workflows.

Repeatability is a key benefit of SSH access. You can create scripts and commands and apply them consistently across multiple sites. Instead of repeating the same manual steps individually in a web control panel, you can automate common tasks, accelerate site management, and reduce common errors.

Learn more about connecting to SSH on Pressable.

WP-CLI for Scripted Site Management

WP-CLI is a command-line tool for managing WordPress sites by running commands instead of clicking buttons. It lets you automate tasks like installing themes and plugins, updating settings, managing users, and cleaning up post-migration issues. For example, you can quickly install and activate a theme with a simple command:

wp theme install kadence --activate

WP-CLI becomes even more powerful when paired with scripts that automate entire sequences of tasks, such as setting up a new client site or enforcing security settings.

For a deeper look at how developers and agencies use WP-CLI to streamline their workflows, see our guide to automating WordPress with WP-CLI.

Pressable API for External Automation and Site Management

The Pressable API provides programmatic access to your hosting platform. While the WordPress REST API is useful for managing site content and functionality, the Pressable API extends automation to the hosting layer for domain, backup, site creation, and user management, among other endpoints.

Agencies and developers managing multiple WordPress sites can use the API to integrate Pressable with external tools, dashboards, and continuous integration workflows. Instead of manually logging into the hosting dashboard, you can automate tasks like provisioning a new site, triggering a backup, or retrieving site performance data through simple API calls.

Learn more about connecting to the Pressable API or read the API documentation.

Webhooks for Real-Time Workflow Automation

Webhooks are a simple but powerful way to implement real-time, event-driven automation. A webhook is a lightweight message sent automatically from one system to another when an event occurs on a site. Webhooks let you push information immediately in response to events like form submissions, plugin updates, or site backups.

Webhooks open up powerful automation possibilities. You can send notifications when a backup completes, update a CRM when a form is submitted, or trigger a support ticket if a plugin update fails.

In addition to WordPress webhooks, which can be added with plugins like WP Webhooks, Pressable also provides over 50 webhooks covering hosting events like site creation and cache purges so that you can react to events triggered by both the site and the hosting platform.

To learn more about how agencies and developers can use webhooks for automation, see our guide to automating agency workflows with WordPress webhooks.

WP Cron for Scheduling Automated Tasks

Automation in WordPress isn’t only about real-time triggers. You also need to be able to schedule actions so they occur predictably over time. WP-Cron is WordPress’s internal system for scheduling tasks like mailing reports, cleaning up expired data, or sending reminders to site users.

WP-Cron gives developers a lightweight way to automate time-based workflows across WordPress and WooCommerce sites. To explore how WooCommerce uses WP-Cron and how you can manage and optimize scheduled tasks, see our guide to automation with WooCommerce cron jobs.

Data Sync for Streamlined Staging and Production Workflows

Testing changes on a staging site before pushing them live is a best practice for WordPress development. Pressable’s enhanced Data Sync feature makes it easy to move updated files, content, and database changes from a staging site to an existing live site with just a few clicks. No plugins or manual copying needed.

Data Sync streamlines staging workflows by automating a process that would otherwise be time-consuming and error-prone. When you push changes, Pressable automatically backs up both the staging and live sites, so you can recover quickly if anything needs to be rolled back.

For agencies and developers managing multiple sites, Data Sync ensures updates are deployed reliably and consistently without disrupting client sites.

Learn more about pushing staging changes to production with Data Sync.

Build Smarter WordPress Workflows with Pressable

Developer time is one of the most valuable resources in any WordPress project. Manual processes and repetitive tasks don’t just slow developers down; they also waste opportunities to deliver better sites to users and clients. Pressable helps you streamline site development and management, so you can spend more time building.

Schedule a demo or explore our managed WordPress hosting solutions to learn more.

Zach Wiesman

Zach brings a wealth of knowledge to Pressable with more than 15 years of experience in the WordPress world. His journey in WordPress began with creating and maintaining client websites, fostering a deep understanding of the intricacies and challenges of WordPress. Later, his knack for problem-solving and commitment to service led him to pursue a role at Automattic, where he excelled in providing customer support for WooCommerce. His expertise extends beyond technical proficiency to encompass a deep understanding of the WordPress community and its needs. Outside of work, Zach enjoys spending time with his family, playing and watching sports, and working on projects around the house.