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Custom PHP Programming for Existing Websites & Systems
Fixing, extending, and stabilizing real-world PHP — not forcing rewrites.
If you’re here, you’re probably not looking for a shiny new framework or a complete rebuild.
You’re asking a quieter question:
“Can this developer safely work on what I already have?”
That’s exactly what this page is for.
I’m Keith Smith, a freelance PHP developer providing practical PHP programming services for businesses that already rely on PHP in production – whether that’s WordPress, a custom-built system, or something that’s been running quietly for years.
I’ve been building web applications since 2000.
This page exists to reassure you that I work with existing PHP systems, not against them.
What I Actually Do (Plain English)
Most of my work falls into a few very real, very common categories:
- Fix broken or unstable PHP code
- Extend existing PHP systems without disrupting live data
- Improve reliability and performance of legacy PHP applications
- Build small internal business tools around forms and data
- Provide PHP consulting for businesses that need a second set of eyes
- Support production PHP environments where uptime matters
- Work with both WordPress and non-WordPress PHP systems
If you need a PHP developer for hire who respects existing code, workflows, and users — that’s my lane.
Working With Legacy PHP (Without Panic)
A lot of PHP systems don’t look pretty.
They still matter.
Businesses depend on them.
I regularly help companies fix legacy PHP code that has grown fragile over time – forms that stopped submitting, data that’s no longer flowing correctly, integrations that quietly broke after updates.
I don’t start by recommending a rewrite.
I start by understanding:
- What the system does today
- Where the risk actually is
- What can be fixed incrementally
- What must remain stable at all costs
This approach is especially important for internal business systems, lead capture tools, and customer-facing forms where downtime means lost revenue.
Extending Existing PHP Systems Safely
Many clients don’t need “new software.”
They need their existing PHP system to do one or two more things:
- Capture additional data
- Trigger internal workflows
- Integrate with WordPress or another platform
- Export data for reporting
- Support a growing team
That’s where PHP system enhancement makes sense.
I help businesses extend existing PHP systems carefully — preserving what works, improving what doesn’t, and avoiding unnecessary complexity.
Internal Tools Built Around Forms & Data
This is where most custom PHP work actually starts.
A simple contact form becomes:
- A lead tracking tool
- A client intake system
- An internal dashboard
- A lightweight CRM
- A reporting or follow-up workflow
I build small business PHP tools that are purpose-built – not bloated SaaS platforms, not over-engineered apps.
Just tools that solve the problem in front of you.
Many of these systems begin as custom PHP for lead capture, which naturally overlaps with my primary focus on form handling and data flow.
WordPress & PHP Integration (Without Fighting WordPress)
WordPress is PHP.
A lot of problems happen when developers forget that.
I regularly handle WordPress & PHP integration work such as:
- Custom plugin development
- Extending existing plugins safely
- Connecting WordPress forms to external PHP systems
- Fixing plugin conflicts caused by bad PHP logic
- Auditing custom code added to themes or plugins
If WordPress is part of your stack, I work with it – not around it.
PHP Code Audit, Troubleshooting & Production Support
Sometimes you don’t need new features at all.
You need answers.
I offer PHP code audit and troubleshooting services to identify:
- Why something stopped working
- Where data is being lost
- What code is risky in production
- What can be fixed quickly vs. what needs planning
For ongoing systems, I also provide production PHP support – the kind where changes are tested, logged, and deployed carefully because real users depend on the system every day.
My Philosophy (This Matters)
I respect production systems.
I avoid unnecessary rewrites.
I work incrementally.
I care deeply about uptime, data integrity, and predictability.
That mindset comes from years of working with real businesses — not demo projects, not tutorials, not greenfield apps that don’t have consequences yet.
If something is already working, I don’t break it just to prove I can build something “better.”
Why Forms and Data Are Usually the Starting Point
Here’s a pattern I see constantly:
Most PHP issues start with forms and data handling.
- Leads not arriving
- Submissions failing silently
- Data stored incorrectly
- No visibility into what’s happening
That’s why many custom PHP projects eventually lead back to form systems, internal tools, and lightweight CRM-style workflows.
If that’s your situation, you’ll probably want to look at my main focus here:
Custom PHP Forms & CRM Solutions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you only work on large PHP projects?
No. Many projects are small but important — a broken form, a failing integration, or a legacy script that needs stabilization.
Will you rewrite my entire PHP system?
Only if it’s truly necessary — and I’ll explain why before touching anything.
Do you work with WordPress-only projects?
I work with WordPress, non-WordPress PHP, and systems that mix both.
Can you review code written by another developer?
Yes. PHP code audits and troubleshooting are a common request.
Next Step
If you’re trying to determine whether I’m a safe fit for your PHP project – that’s exactly why this page exists.
If your issue involves forms, lead capture, or internal data flow, start here:
Visit the PHP Forms & CRM page
If you’re unsure where to begin, reach out and explain what’s happening. I’ll tell you honestly whether I can help – and whether it makes sense to proceed.
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