Hire A WordPress Developer

Having a responsive and reliable website can go a long way for any business which is why it’s important to have everything you need to know before you hire a WordPress Developer.

What is a WordPress Developer

Before you hire a WordPress Developer, it’s important to understand what the job entails.

As a free and open-source blogging tool and Content Management System (CMS), it’s not surprising how popular WordPress has become. With millions of websites using WordPress as their blogging system of choice, the demand for WordPress Developers naturally increases.

While there are lots of people who possess basic internet skills to build websites using WordPress, these don’t necessarily qualify them as WordPress Developers.

A WordPress Developer should be able to do more than that. WordPress Developers are responsible for both back-end and front-end development. They should also possess the necessary skills in creating WordPress Themes and Plugins. They should also have a basic understanding of aesthetics as well as CSS3, HTML5, JavaScript, and PHP skills.

What Does a WordPress Developer Do

Having an efficient and reliable website is essential to every business which is why it’s crucial for business owners to have a clear understanding of what a WordPress Developer can do to improve their websites.

While each business has different needs, a competent WordPress Developer should at least be able to do the following:

• Formulate an effective and responsive design that can later be turned into a theme and/or plugin.
• Ensure optimum performance and availability while managing all technical aspects of the Content Management System (CMS).
• Identify widgets and plugins that can support functionality and improve site performance.

• Set up Google Analytics tools as well as test and review for device and browser compatibility.

• Establish website architecture by designing and implementing new functionalities.

• Convert layout and wireframes into working HTML pages.

• Work with debugging tools like Firebug and Chrome inspector, among others.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a WordPress Developer

As with any freelancer, WordPress developers may charge varying rates depending on several considerations. Pricing may also depend on how the developers want to get paid, that is, either on an hourly basis or via fixed price.

WordPress Developers usually charge between $20 to $100 per hour while a standard WordPress project may cost you around $190 on the average.

Experience and expertise may also become a factor since veteran developers usually work faster while delivering high-quality results to clients. Seasoned developers will naturally demand higher rates compared to newbies who are still in the process of building their portfolios.

More often than not, the total scope of work dictates the amount you need to pay especially if the work involves complex and time-consuming processes. An entire website with hundreds of products and database integrations will definitely cost more than a simple website with fewer functionalities.

Timelines to be followed can also become a factor especially if your project calls for tight deadlines. If the developer is required to work on a few extra tasks apart from the ones provided in the original scope, expect to pay higher fees since those added tasks will come with additional fees.

To avoid misunderstandings, be sure to do the following:

1. Be very specific with your proposal and let the developer decide if they are capable to fulfill them.
2. Prepare everything they need ahead of time to efficiency when working together.
3. Make communication and asset-sharing easier by establishing DropBox/Google Drive folders as well as apps like Skype or Slack before the project begins

Keep in mind that fixed-price projects usually require an agreed number of iterations or revisions. That being said, make sure to have a clear understanding of what a potential WordPress Developer is capable of before you decide.

How Do I Hire a WordPress Developer?

FreeUp makes it easy for you to hire a WordPress Developer. Just follow these simple steps and you could be working with a WordPress Developer less than 48 hours after signing up.

Create a FreeUp Account

Sign up for a FreeUp account for free to gain immediate access to the FreeUp community as well as the hundreds of top, pre-vetted WordPress Developers you can choose from.

Send a Request for the Freelancer You’re Looking For

Once logged in to your FreeUp account, click the “Freelancer Request” button so you can tell FreeUp about your budget and the qualifications of the WordPress Developer you’re looking for. You should then be able to meet the freelancer that matches your requirements within one business day.

Interview and Hire the Best Freelancer

You can then set up a 15 to 20-minute interview with the freelancer you were introduced to so you can determine if he or she is the right fit. You can then hire them instantly if you think they meet your requirements or request to be introduced to another if they don’t.

Easily Manage Freelancers Via Your FreeUp Account

Once you’ve hired the WordPress Developer of your choice, you can then meet with them again so you can set clear expectations about communication methods, work hours, hours approved, and estimated deadlines, among others.

It’s important to remember that the buck doesn’t stop upon clicking on the “Hire” button. Taking time to properly onboard a newly-hired freelancer often leads to better working relationships.