WordPress since 2020
From responsive builds and migrations to content-heavy platforms.
Who am I?
Said Abdullahi / A-SAID
WordPress & Web DeveloperA-Said
About Said Abdullahi
WordPress PHP Laravel SEO VPS & Web Infrastructure
I’m a developer based in Ghent, Belgium, with practical WordPress experience since 2020. My formal IT education and independent, project-led learning meet in the work I do: responsive websites, custom plugins, web applications, SEO, performance, APIs and the infrastructure behind them.
Ghent, Belgium · Open to new opportunities
Custom development
Purpose-built plugins, PHP functionality, REST APIs and integrations.
Web infrastructure
Practical work with VPS hosting, DNS, CDN, caching and performance.
Real-world projects
Websites, Laravel services and Android products built to solve problems.
My journey
Curiosity took me beyond the page builder.
2020 Blogger & WordPress
I started working seriously with Blogger and WordPress in 2020.
At the beginning, WordPress attracted me because it made it possible to create websites without having to build every component from scratch.
However, the more I worked with WordPress, the more interested I became in understanding what was happening behind the website.
Following the curiosity
I wanted to understand questions such as:
Understand & create
- How does WordPress work internally?
- How can I customize a theme?
- How can I create functionality that does not exist by default?
- How can I create my own plugin?
Improve & optimize
- How can I improve website performance?
- How does SEO work technically?
Connect & scale
- How can I connect WordPress to external APIs?
- How does a website communicate with a server?
- How can I configure hosting and VPS servers?
- How can I manage a large WordPress website?
From questions to practice
These questions pushed me beyond simply using WordPress as a website builder.
I gradually started learning HTML, CSS, PHP, JavaScript, MySQL, APIs, server management, SEO and web performance.
That curiosity led naturally into PHP, JavaScript, MySQL, hooks, custom post types and API integrations. SEO and performance became part of the same picture; hosting and VPS administration added the infrastructure layer; Laravel and Android development expanded the range of products I could explore.
Instead of only telling people “I know WordPress,” I prefer to show what I have actually built.
Development journey
Learning one layer at a time.
Each step began with a practical need. Building, testing and troubleshooting real projects turned individual technologies into a connected understanding of the web.
Foundation
Learning WordPress
WordPress became the foundation of my development journey. I learned installation and configuration, themes, pages and posts, media, navigation, users, plugins, migrations, troubleshooting and optimization. Working with larger content libraries also taught me to think beyond individual pages.
Elementor and Elementor Pro helped me explore responsive interfaces and modern layouts while combining visual development with custom HTML and CSS. I now use them to build complete website experiences adapted to a project’s specific needs.
WordPressElementorElementor ProHTMLCSSMigrations
Deeper development
Going Beyond Elementor
I did not want my knowledge to stop at page building. Understanding the development side of WordPress meant learning PHP, JavaScript and MySQL, then applying them through hooks, actions, filters, custom post types, taxonomies, AJAX, JSON and the WordPress REST API.
The question changed from “Which plugin can do this?” to “Can I build this functionality myself?” That mindset made custom functionality and external API integrations a natural next step.
PHPHooksActionsFiltersCustom Post TypesTaxonomiesREST APIAJAXJSONMySQL
Core specialization
Developing My Own WordPress Plugins
Custom plugin development is one of the parts of WordPress I enjoy most. When an existing plugin does not fit a project properly, a focused custom solution can add the required functionality without forcing the website into someone else’s workflow.
I have built plugins for content management, recently viewed content, mobile navigation, APK management, site-specific functionality and integration with external services. This work has involved plugin structure, actions and filters, admin interfaces, custom settings, database functionality, frontend integration and REST APIs.
Building plugins taught me to treat WordPress as an application platform, not only a content editor.
Custom PluginsPHPAdmin UIDatabaseSettings APIREST APIFrontend Integration
Discovery & quality
Learning SEO
A website must be accessible to search engines as well as people. I learned technical and on-page SEO through website architecture, metadata, XML sitemaps, indexing, crawlability, structured data, rich results, internal linking and Core Web Vitals.
SEO is especially valuable to me because it connects development, content, performance and user experience. A technically sound site gives every part of that work a stronger foundation.
Speed across the stack
Website Performance
A beautiful site still fails its users when it is slow. My performance work covers caching, CDNs, Cloudflare, LiteSpeed and LiteSpeed Cache, object caching, database and image optimization, PHP configuration, server performance and Core Web Vitals.
I look for the actual bottleneck instead of treating another optimization plugin as the automatic answer. Performance is the result of connected layers.
Website→WordPress→Plugin→Database→PHP→Web Server→CDN→User
CachingCloudflareLiteSpeedObject CacheCore Web Vitals
Infrastructure
Hosting and Server Management
Learning how websites run changed the way I approach WordPress. I have practical experience with shared and managed WordPress hosting, VPS servers, Linux, SSH, PHP, MySQL, LiteSpeed Enterprise, CyberPanel, cPanel, Plesk, Cloudflare, DNS, SSL, CDNs, object caching and external storage.
I have configured hosting environments, migrated sites and investigated problems involving servers, databases, PHP, DNS, SSL and performance. WordPress is not separate from its infrastructure; each layer affects the next.
LinuxVPSSSHPHPMySQLLiteSpeedDNSSSLCDN
A website is a connected system
01User↓
02Website↓
03WordPress↓
04Plugins / Theme↓
05PHP↓
06Database↓
07Web Server↓
08Hosting / VPS↓
09Storage / CDN
My IT Education
A formal foundation for practical development.
IT Assistant – Secondary Education Diploma
CVO Groeipunt · Ghent, Belgium
My interest in technology extends beyond web development. At CVO Groeipunt, I studied computer systems, Windows, hardware, networks, ICT security and general IT support. This education helped me understand how computers are configured, maintained, secured and connected, from initial installation through everyday use.
These practical foundations complement the development knowledge I have gained independently. They give me another perspective when investigating a website, working with hosting or helping a user resolve a technical problem.
Formal IT foundation
Computers→Operating Systems→Hardware→Networks→Security→IT Support
Practical development
WordPress→PHP→JavaScript→MySQL→APIs→SEO→Hosting→VPS→Cloudflare→Laravel→Android
01 / Files & data
Windows File Management
I learned to work efficiently with the Windows file system: organizing documents and data, managing folders and understanding how permissions affect access. This included everyday file operations as well as basic troubleshooting across different storage locations.
- Managing files and folders and organizing documents and data.
- Copying, moving and deleting files in a Windows environment.
- Working with file and folder permissions.
- Using different storage locations and investigating basic file system problems.
These skills support IT assistance, development, server management and the organization of digital projects.
02 / Operating systems
Windows Installation and Configuration
Installing and configuring Windows gave me a better understanding of the full life of an operating system, from preparing a computer for its first user to keeping it usable and maintained over time.
- Windows installation and initial system configuration.
- User account configuration and system settings.
- Hardware and device configuration and software installation.
- Windows troubleshooting and basic system maintenance.
- Preparing computers for users and everyday use.
This work connects the software a person uses with the underlying system configuration that makes it function.
03 / Hardware
Computer Techniques
My studies covered computer components and the relationship between hardware, operating systems and software. I learned how different parts work together and how to approach basic hardware configuration and maintenance.
- Computer components, processors, memory and storage devices.
- Hardware, peripherals, and input and output devices.
- Connecting and configuring hardware.
- Basic hardware troubleshooting and computer maintenance.
Understanding these relationships helps me consider the system as a whole when investigating a technical issue.
04 / Protection & access
ICT Security
ICT security introduced me to the basic principles of protecting computers, systems and data. The emphasis was on recognizing common risks, managing access and applying sensible security practices in everyday computer use.
- Password security, user access and permissions.
- Malware, security threats and identifying common security risks.
- Safe computer usage and data protection.
- Basic security practices and network security principles.
This foundation is useful when working with WordPress, hosting environments, websites and online services.
05 / Connectivity
Networks
Networking studies helped me understand how computers communicate locally and over the internet. I gained fundamental knowledge of network addressing, equipment, connections and the steps involved in diagnosing connectivity problems.
- Network fundamentals, IP addresses and Local Area Networks (LAN).
- Network devices, including routers and switches.
- Network connections and basic network configuration.
- Troubleshooting network problems.
- Internet and network communication.
This knowledge also supports my work with web hosting, VPS servers, DNS, Cloudflare, APIs and online applications.
Putting it together
Combining IT Education With Practical Development
My formal education gave me a foundation in computers, operating systems, hardware, networks, security and IT support. Independent projects allowed me to build on that foundation through WordPress, PHP, JavaScript, MySQL, APIs, SEO, hosting, VPS management, Cloudflare, Laravel and Android development.
When I work on a WordPress website, I can consider more than its page design. The operating system, server, network, DNS, security, database and PHP environment can all influence the application and the experience delivered to users.
This combination helps me approach technical problems from different perspectives. It is also one of the reasons I enjoy technology: understanding how the parts connect makes both development and troubleshooting more meaningful.
Core technology stack
Tools I use to build, improve and deliver.
WordPress is my strongest specialization, supported by practical work across development, SEO, databases, hosting, cloud services and mobile products.
WordPress Development
WordPress ↗
Elementor ↗
WooCommerce ↗
Elementor ProCustom PluginsCustom Post TypesTaxonomiesREST APIHooksActionsFilters
Web Development
SEO & Analytics
Google Analytics ↗
Search Console ↗
Ahrefs ↗
Semrush ↗
Rank MathYoast SEOSEOPressAll in One SEOBing Webmaster ToolsCore Web Vitals
Hosting & Infrastructure
Cloud & Development Tools
Featured projects
Evidence in the work.
These projects have been my working laboratory: places to solve content, performance, infrastructure, application and mobile experience problems in context.
01 WordPress platform
Arewa Movies TV
A WordPress-based Hausa video and content platform where storage, database performance, video delivery, caching, server resources and large content management all matter. It brings together custom plugins, video players, memberships, external storage, CDN delivery, SEO, VPS hosting, Firebase, Google Cloud and performance optimization.
WordPressElementorCustom PluginsPHPCDNCloudflareVPSFirebase
View Project 02 Laravel application
Arewa Web Data
A responsive digital-services application built beyond the WordPress ecosystem. Working with PHP, Laravel, MySQL, APIs and user management has supported services for internet data and VTU, electricity payments, examination PINs and currency exchange functionality.
PHPLaravelMySQLAPIsUser ManagementDigital Services
View Project 03 Digital library
Hausa Novel Lite
A mobile-focused platform for preserving and publishing Hausa novels online, with external book storage, PDF viewing and custom WordPress functionality designed around comfortable reading on smaller screens.
WordPressElementorCustom PluginsPDF ViewerExternal Storage
View Project 04 Structured content
Dog Breeds Index
A content-focused WordPress site for breed histories, origins, characteristics and comparisons. The project emphasizes structured publishing, readable interfaces, SEO and information architecture.
WordPressElementorSEOContent Architecture
View Project 05 Visual resource platform
Book Cover Lite
A WordPress image gallery for AI-generated book covers, mockups and visual resources. It explores a simple discovery experience for authors and creators using galleries and internal media storage.
WordPressElementorGalleriesInternal Storage
View Project 06 Android multimedia
ArewaX Player / ARX Player
An Android multimedia application for video and music playback, galleries and media management. The project extends my development work into mobile interfaces and everyday media experiences.
AndroidVideo PlaybackMusic PlaybackGalleryMobile UI
View Project E-Commerce Development
I have also created demonstration stores with WordPress, Elementor Pro, WooCommerce and Stripe. These projects let me explore how products and product categories, shopping functionality, customer accounts and payment gateways fit together in a responsive store. They have given me practical experience with WooCommerce configuration and the structure of an online shopping experience.
How I learn
Build first. Understand deeply.
For me, learning does not end after a course or a documentation page. It becomes useful when it is applied, tested and improved in a real project.
- 01
Identify a Problem
Start with something useful to build or a specific issue to solve.
- 02
Research
Study documentation, APIs, libraries and existing approaches.
- 03
Build
Turn the research into a practical working solution.
- 04
Test
Check the expected behavior and look deliberately for problems.
- 05
Debug
Trace what failed, where it failed and why it happened.
- 06
Optimize
Make the working result faster, cleaner and easier to maintain.
- 07
Improve
Return to the project as new knowledge creates better options.
Problem solving
Investigate the layer. Don’t change everything.
A slow or broken WordPress site can have many causes. I work systematically through the stack, use the evidence available and narrow the problem before changing the system.
PluginDatabase QueryPHPImagesJavaScriptCSSHostingServerCDNCachingAPIs
Working with a team
Practical skills I can contribute.
I can support the day-to-day work behind WordPress websites—from interface building and maintenance to custom functionality, integrations, migrations, SEO, performance and infrastructure troubleshooting.
Build & maintain
WordPress websites, Elementor interfaces, WooCommerce, migrations and existing-site maintenance.
Extend
Custom functionality, plugin development, PHP, REST APIs and external integrations.
Improve
Technical SEO, performance optimization, LiteSpeed, Cloudflare and database troubleshooting.
Grow professionally
I want to deepen my experience with communication, documentation, teamwork, Git workflows, coding standards, business requirements, deadlines and maintaining shared systems.
Development philosophy
A good website simply works for its users.
Design, search visibility, code and infrastructure are different views of the same product. I try to understand each perspective while keeping the user’s experience at the center.
- Fast
- Responsive
- Accessible
- Easy to use
- Well structured
- Secure
- Maintainable
- Search-friendly
- Built around users
Why I created Arewa Web
A platform for the work behind the profile.
Arewa Web is my developer platform, portfolio and place to experiment. It gives me one home for documenting projects, publishing WordPress plugins, sharing Android applications, developer resources, tutorials and other useful digital work.
“I prefer to show what I have actually built.”
Professional goals
Deeper expertise, built on experience.
I already work across PHP, JavaScript, Laravel, WordPress architecture, REST APIs, databases and cloud infrastructure. My goal is to deepen that practical knowledge in a professional environment.
Advanced PHPJavaScriptLaravelWordPress ArchitectureREST APIsDatabase OptimizationModern Web DevelopmentGit WorkflowsCloud InfrastructureApplication Security
Looking for new opportunities
Ready to bring practical experience into a professional team.
I am based in Ghent, Belgium, and interested in WordPress Developer, Web Developer, WordPress / Elementor, PHP development, WordPress & SEO and website development opportunities. I am also open to the right junior Web Developer or PHP role where my WordPress experience since 2020 and wider technical perspective can add value.
Ghent
Belgium
Let’s work together
Let’s build something useful.
I’m interested in development opportunities, collaborations and projects where I can contribute my WordPress and web development experience while continuing to grow professionally.