Hire A PHP Developer

For many companies, having a dedicated website, e-commerce store, and even a web application is a crucial aspect of staying competitive in the virtual world. Because of this, a dedicated PHP developer can be one of the most important people you can have onboard.

Are you looking for a PHP developer but don’t know where to start? Then you’re in luck because this quick guide is for you! Let’s get started!

What Does a PHP Developer Do?

Primarily, a PHP developer writes server-side web application and logic. They usually develop the back-end components, connect the application with web series, and then integrate the work of front-end developers into the application.

They must also create code that’s well-documented, reusable, and can be altered to fit a client’s changing needs.

Their four main responsibilities include:

Code Analysis

A PHP developer can conduct a feasibility study of ideas for creating or revising a website. He or she can determine the features and functionalities as well as the final design and layout of a website.

Website Development and Database Optimization

PHP developers build and develop the back-end of a website. They ensure that a website is dynamic and that the necessary PHP script is embedded into it. Furthermore, they optimize the database of a website and maximizes the speed and efficiency with which data is retrieved.

Testing and Implementation

PHP developers also test websites to detect and assess errors as well as debug them.

Maintenance and Visibility Improvement.

After a website becomes live online, a PHP developer can also finetune its functionality and improve its user interface to improve user experience.

Tips For Hiring A PHP Developer

Since PHP is such a popular and widely-used script, the pool of developers all over the globe is quite large. This makes finding the right one who will not only be able to fulfill your project needs but will also be a good fit for your company can be a challenge.

Here are some useful tips for when you’re looking for a PHP developer to work on your website or application:

Know Where to Look

Like we said earlier, the PHP developer community is robust. There are hubs online where you can find plenty of candidates for your project.

They often hang out on sites like the PHP Developer’s Network, PHP Freaks, and PHP Builder forum to share their knowledge, stay updated on trends, and even find help from other developers if they’re facing a bit of a challenge.

You can also find talented PHP developers on the PHP tag on Stack Overflow. This vibrant community lets developers share insights on problems others may encounter. You can also post your project brief on their listing page.

Of course to make things easier for you, you can always turn to marketplaces like FreeUp. Here, you can find pre-vetted PHP developers with varying skill-levels and experience. Simply make a free account if you don’t already have one, tell us what you need to get done, and in as short as one business day, you’ll meet a candidate who fits the bill.

Prepare a Well-Crafted Project Description

A great project brief is an important tool if you want to draw the attention of the right talent. A basic project description should have these sections:

• Position title, location, type of engagement (full-time, part-time, etc.), and salary range
• Company overview, vision, mission statement, and culture
•  A detailed list of day-to-day responsibilities
• Required skills
• Benefits and perks

When preparing this document, it’s important to use keywords that will attract candidates with the right skillset. If you need them to have a strong understanding of specific frameworks, then include it in the required skills section.

Create a Clear Budget

Allocating an appropriate budget is crucial when you hire a PHP developer. Having a general understanding of how much PHP developers charge on average can help in preparing a budget for your project.

Note, however, that the more experience a PHP developer is and the more complicated a project gets, the higher the project cost is going to be.

Evaluate a PHP Developer

To hire the best developer for your project, you need to make sure that they fit not only the skills and experience you require but also the general culture in your company. To do this, you need to:

• Review their past projects. If they’ve worked on something similar to what you need right not, then that is a good indicator.

• Assess their technical skills. A PHP developer should be equipped with a reliable set of technical skills that will allow them not only to build out your project but to also address problems and issues down the line.

• Check for soft skills. A developer’s personal attributes and traits, communication skills, social skills, people skills, and emotional and social intelligence can determine whether they will be a good fit for the kind of company culture you already have. Some things to look for include problem-solving skills, critical thinking, adaptability, empathy, and the desire for continuous learning.

Of course, if you use FreeUp, half of it is already done for you. You just need to spend 15 to 20 more minutes to get to know a candidate a little bit more.

Ask and Answer Questions

It helps to remove any sort of ambiguity about a project early on. When you’ve decided on a developer to work with, have an onboarding meeting before starting on the actual project.

This will give you and the developer the chance to ask and answer questions that can clarify details about the project.

Clarify the terms and conditions of the project. Reiterate your requirements and their tasks and responsibilities. This is also a good time to talk about milestones and detailing the cost breakdown to avoid future confusion.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a PHP Developer

When you hire a PHP developer, you can choose from two models of payment: fixed cost and hourly rate.

The fixed cost model is great if you have a bigger project with a clear concept laid out already. Here, a developer will give you a quotation for what you need to get done.

Meanwhile, with an hourly rate, you pay for the number of hours a developer works on your project.

The cost of hiring a PHP Developer largely depends on the qualification level, skills, experience, and the location of the candidate. However, the average hourly rate of freelance PHP developers is between $35 and $55.

If you’re hiring based on location, here’s what you can expect to shell out:

• USA & Canada: $120-$250/hour
• Australia: $120-$160/hour
• UK: $100-$180/hour
• Eastern Europe: $60-$140/hour
• Asia: $20-$50/hour

Final Words

Hiring a PHP developer isn’t just about finding someone who can write code or use the proper technology to build a website. It’s about finding a partner who can help you in taking your business to the next level.

If you’re ready to add a PHP developer to your team, we’re here to help. By hiring a PHP developer from FreeUp, you can rest assured that you’re working with one of the top freelance developers in the business.