Last Updated on August 9, 2021 by Sunny Staff
More than 500 sites are built using WordPress every day. It is the most popular CMS in the world. And it is not surprising that you want to build a WordPress website too.
But designing a WordPress site from scratch or any other site for that matter is not easy. It requires different programming languages, including HTML, PHP, JavaScript, CSS, and MySQL.
Besides, to make the most of your site, you need to be an expert in SEO, Responsive Design, and so on. The job of building a WordPress website is thus best left to a WordPress developer.
There are many places to look for a developer, such as Upwork, Codeable.io, and PeoplePerHour. Or you can even hire from an agency.
However, it is not wise to hire the first developer that you stumble upon in your search. There are certain traits to look for in a WordPress developer. And you will have to do your homework as well.
In this article, we will be focusing on 7 things you should consider while hiring a WordPress developer.
Define What You are Looking for
The first step is crucial as it will play a big part in how your website looks and operates. WordPress definitely can help you build anything from a personal site to a complex online store. But you should be able to spell out your requirements to the developer clearly.
Ask yourself whether you need the site for an online store, blogging, directory, magazine, and so on. Next, jot down the features you need your site to have, such as integrated social share, author box, header and footer, comments box, backups, and so on.
Regardless of what website you are designing, make sure to tell the developer that you want a lightweight code, SEO-optimized, and mobile-friendly design for a fast-loading site and to rank better in search engines. You can also consider WordPress optimization services to speed up WordPress.
Before you post your job ad, have a clear and comprehensive description of your requirements by taking into account the budget, end result, and deadline factors.
Niche, Optimization, and Advanced WordPress Site Development Skills
There are a plethora of sites out there belonging to the same niche. But is your developer skilled enough to understand your site’s needs and come up with a unique design that stands out? Can your designer build a site that best represents your content, conveying your messages to your audience?
Again, since mobile can be credited for approximately half of the website traffic globally, your developer should design a site that is compatible with all devices, including mobile, tablet, and laptops. Ask your designer to develop a code that is responsive and optimized for different platforms.
Other than that, your designer should have advanced website development skills such as website page customization, access, site speed optimization, and other essential features that demand technical skills.
What WordPress Best Practices Does Your Developer Follow?
Every WordPress developer knows and applies certain principles when building sites. Though there can’t be the definitive best practices list, there are certain essentials that the WordPress community knows. It can include security measures that defend your site from hackers.
You need to ask what your potential developers perceive as the best practices that rule WordPress development. The developer you choose is going to employ these guiding principles to build your WordPress. Know that the best practices will vary among different developers.
Transparency
It takes time and skills to design and develop a website. Your developer is going to be spending a reasonable amount of time on your site, and it is crucial to recognize their efforts.
But there should also be transparency on what you are spending on and what is being done. Only hire someone who is willing to be transparent throughout the development and designing process.
Apart from asking questions, do thorough research online on the services they provide. The terms and conditions concerning service charges should be clear from the start. In this way, you can avoid the extra expenses, making it easier to build a long-term relationship.
Experience
Experience is a crucial factor that you should look for in a WordPress developer. The person you are hiring should show deep experience in WordPress design and must have an outstanding portfolio that proves they have previously worked in your particular field.
Apart from considering the number of years, look at their project portfolio. Also, seek references and talk with them about the designer’s experience. It is an excellent way to know your developers better than what they tell you about their skills, knowledge, experience, and abilities.
Customer relationship
You might hire a developer who works from another end of the world in different time zones. However, it is crucial to maintain a great customer relationship. It should be possible for you to get their support throughout the process of designing your website.
Even though you can’t meet with your developer face to face, you can still have a robust online communication channel. Before hiring them, use Live Chats, emails, and phone calls to contact them.
Their response time and their support should be a significant determining factor on whether they get hired or not. Unless you are fully satisfied with the communication channels and the help they provide, you shouldn’t hire them.
Also, see whether they are ready to extend their service for future updates and maintenance. You will need regular follow-ups on the site maintenance, security issues, and so on.
Make things clear concerning this matter prior to starting with your site design.
Content management
If your developer is working remotely, you should make sure to follow an effective project management system. Ask your developer to keep you updated on the work progress and see that you are able to track it. If they are unwilling to shed light on the progress, you should move to your next prospect.
Wrap-Up
There are plenty of WordPress developers out there claiming to be experienced and possessing the knowledge and skills. However, you should never blindly settle for the first or second developer that you come across. Consider these seven things while hiring a WordPress developer to ensure you are in good hands. If you need help managing your WordPress site, just drop us a line – we’d love to help!
