How to Hire a WordPress Developer [11 Tips and Tricks]

Are you ready to hire a WordPress developer but not sure where to start? In this article, we’ll provide you with 11 tips and tricks to help you find and hire the perfect WordPress developer. 

From identifying the essential skills and experience to crafting the perfect job posting and conducting thorough interviews, we’ve got you covered.

By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to finding a developer who will bring your project to life. So if you want to ensure a smooth and successful collaboration, keep reading.

Who is a WordPress developer?

A WordPress developer is a person who specializes in the development and customization of WordPress websites. They are good at using WordPress as a content management system and know a lot about how it works and what it can do.

WordPress developers know how to code in languages like PHP, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, which they use to make custom themes, plugins, and integrations for WordPress. They may also be responsible for keeping WordPress websites up-to-date, fixing problems, and improving how well websites work.

WordPress developers may work as freelancers, as in-house employees at a company, or as part of an agency. They may also work on a variety of projects, ranging from small personal blogs to large corporate websites

Types of WordPress Developers

There are five specific types of WordPress developers.

WordPress Core Developers

Core WordPress developers are responsible for working on the core codebase of the WordPress platform. This means fixing bugs, adding new features, and keeping the code that runs WordPress in good shape.

Core developers know a lot about the codebase of WordPress and are skilled in languages like PHP and MySQL. They work closely with other developers and users of WordPress to make sure the platform is stable, secure, and easy to use.

Core developers often contribute their time and expertise to the WordPress project on a voluntary basis, as WordPress is an open-source project. However, some core developers may also be employed by WordPress-related companies or organizations.

WordPress Theme Developer

A WordPress theme developer is an expert at making themes for the WordPress content management system. Themes are templates that determine the look and feel of a WordPress website. They decide a site’s layout, color scheme, and other design elements. Plugins and custom code can be used to add functionality.

Most WordPress theme developers know a lot about HTML, CSS, and PHP, and they are also skilled professionals with technical knowledge who create and customize themes for WordPress websites. They might be self-employed or work for a company that focuses on WordPress development. 

Some theme developers possess SEO knowledge and also create and sell their own WordPress themes on marketplaces like ThemeForest.

WordPress Plugin Developer

A WordPress plugin developer is one who creates WordPress content management system plugins. WordPress plugins are small pieces of software that add specific functionality to a website. They can be used to add things like contact forms, SEO optimization, and integration with social media, to name a few.

WordPress plugin developer creates add-ons for the WordPress platform that offer a variety of features and functions. To produce a quality product, it’s essential to hire a skilled developer who understands the technical aspects and has SEO knowledge. Lack of experience may lead to plugin errors and bugs, negatively impacting the user experience.

Front End Designer

A WordPress front-end developer is a person who specializes in the design and implementation of user-facing elements for WordPress websites. They are knowledgeable about programming languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, which they use to create attractive, responsive, and intuitive themes that make websites look great on any device.

They also have a good eye for design, making sure that websites look nice and give users a good experience. Front-end WordPress developers may also be responsible for maintenance, troubleshooting, and bug fixing.

Back End WordPress Developer

A WordPress back-end developer is a person who builds and customizes the parts of WordPress websites that are on the server side. They are proficient in programming languages such as PHP, MySQL, and JavaScript, which they use to create custom themes, plugins, and integrations and maintain database support for WordPress websites. 

Back-end developers also have an understanding of how WordPress works and are able to troubleshoot any issues that may arise. They may work as freelancers or as part of an agency.

11 Tips and Tricks to Hire a WordPress Developer

Finding the right WordPress developer can be challenging, but here are tips and tricks for hiring a professional and qualified WordPress developer;

Look for a developer with experience in WordPress

You can hire a developer who has a strong understanding of the WordPress platform and has worked on multiple projects. For example, a developer who has built custom plugins or themes for WordPress will have a good understanding of how the platform works and how to leverage its capabilities.

Consider their coding skills

A WordPress developer should have strong coding skills, including proficiency in PHP, HTML, and CSS. They should also be familiar with best practices for coding and be able to write clean, efficient code. For example, a developer who has worked with object-oriented programming in PHP and added security measures to their code will be well-equipped to handle the technical challenges of a WordPress project.

Seek out a developer with design skills

A developer who has experience with design and user experience (UX) will be able to create custom solutions that are visually appealing and easy to use. For example, a developer who has designed custom templates for WordPress and has a strong understanding of color theory and typography will be able to create a professional and cohesive look for your website.

Look for someone with experience working with plugins and themes

WordPress developers should be familiar with how to use and customize plugins and themes to meet the needs of a project. For example, a developer who has worked with e-commerce plugins like WooCommerce and has customized themes to fit the style of a brand will be able to give you valuable advice on how to use these tools most effectively for your project.

Seek out a developer who is up-to-date on industry trends

A developer who stays up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices in web development will be able to bring new ideas and approaches to your project. For example, a developer who is familiar with the latest WordPress features and has experience with newer technologies like AMP (Accelerated Mobile Pages) will be able to provide valuable insights on how to optimize your website for mobile devices and improve its performance.

Look for a developer who has strong problem-solving skills

WordPress projects often involve solving technical challenges and finding creative solutions to problems. A developer who has strong problem-solving skills and is able to think on their feet will be able to tackle these challenges effectively.

Consider their communication skills

When it comes to hiring a WordPress developer, technical skills are important, but communication skills are equally crucial. Effective communication ensures that the developer understands your requirements and can convey their progress to you in a clear and concise manner

Look for a developer who is able to work independently

Look for a WordPress developer who can work independently, take initiative, and solve problems creatively without constant supervision.

Check Their Resume and Application

Look closely at the developer’s application and resume to make sure they have the right experience, qualifications, and skills for the job. However, here are some points to look for:

• Experience with WordPress development
• Proficiency with web development languages
• Knowledge of best practices and coding standards
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Strong and effective communication skills

Seek out a developer who is flexible and adaptable

The requirements for WordPress projects can often change, so it’s crucial to hire a developer who is flexible and adaptable. A developer who is able to pivot and adjust their approach as needed will be able to handle the changing needs of your project.

Look for a developer who is a team player

You can hire a developer who is able to work well with your team and collaborate effectively. A developer who is a good team player and able to contribute to a positive work environment will be an asset to your project.

Advantages of Having a WordPress Developer on Your Team

There are several advantages to having a WordPress developer on your team:

• Customization: A WordPress developer can customize your website to meet your specific needs and requirements. They can add custom functionality, such as contact forms, e-commerce capabilities, and social media integrations.
• Maintenance: A WordPress developer can handle all aspects of website maintenance, including updates, backups, and security. This frees up time for you to focus on other essential tasks.
• Expertise: A WordPress developer has the knowledge and expertise to troubleshoot any issues that may arise with your website. They can identify and fix problems quickly, minimizing downtime and ensuring that your website is always running smoothly.
• Cost-effective: Hiring a WordPress developer may be more cost-effective in the long run compared to using a web design agency for ongoing maintenance and updates.

Disadvantages of a WordPress Developer

There are a few potential disadvantages to having a WordPress developer on your team:

• Cost: Hiring a WordPress developer can be costly, especially if you need someone with a lot of experience or expertise. The salary expectations go higher if you limit your search to North America alone.
• Limited skillset: A WordPress developer may only be proficient in WordPress and not have experience with other technologies or programming languages, which could be a limitation if you need to work on projects outside of the WordPress ecosystem.
• Dependence on a single person: If you have a team that relies heavily on a single WordPress developer, you may be at risk if that person becomes unavailable or leaves the company. Having a diverse team with different skill sets is essential to ensure your projects can continue moving forward.
• Compatibility issues: WordPress is a popular platform, but it may not always be the best fit for every project. A WordPress developer may be inclined to use WordPress for every project, even if it’s not the most appropriate solution.
• Security risks: WordPress is a widely-used platform, which means it is a common target for hackers. A WordPress developer must be vigilant about keeping the site secure and up to date with the latest patches and security measures.

The Interview Questions to Ask a WordPress Developer

After you’ve chosen a few good candidates, it’s time to find out more about each one’s qualifications. Here is a list of questions to ask and sample answers to get from a potential developer:

How Long Have You Been Working With WordPress, and What Attracted You to It as a Platform?

WordPress interview questions like this aim to understand their depth of knowledge and experience with the platform.

A suitable answer would be something like; “I’ve been working with WordPress for about two years now, and what attracted me to it was its ease of use, flexibility, and wide range of features.”

Can you describe your experience with custom plugin development for WordPress?

This question will help you figure out how much the candidate knows about making custom plugins for WordPress. Some potential answers could include:

•  “I’ve worked on several projects that involved developing custom plugins for WordPress.”

• “I know how to use the latest APIs and best practices for plugin development to make sure that the solution is secure and works well.” 

The answer should also show that candidates know about the most recent changes or additions to WordPress plugins.

Have you used WordPress multisite before? If so, could you tell me about your experience with it?

This kind of question is designed to get a better understanding of the candidate’s experience and skills in working with a particular technology. It can help you identify which developers have the best expertise, so you know who to hire for your project.

For example, if you’re looking for someone who has worked with WordPress Multisite, this question will allow you to assess how knowledgeable a prospective developer is about this platform and their experience with it.

So, some good answers would be, “Yes, I’ve worked with WordPress Multisite before, and I’m familiar with its features and settings.” Or “I’ve had a few projects where I used WordPress Multisite and gained a good understanding of its capabilities.”

How Do You Stay Up-to-Date on the Latest WordPress Developments and Best Practices?

This kind of question will help you figure out how committed the candidate is to staying up-to-date on the latest WordPress changes and best practices. It also lets you know if they are actively talking about the industry, going to conferences, or reading technical documents.

A suitable answer could include, “I’m always up-to-date on the latest WordPress developments and follow relevant industry trends by subscribing to newsletters and keeping an eye out for new blog posts.” 

They should also mention any specific resources that have been helpful in staying informed about changes. This can include conferences, webinars, podcasts, etc.

Can you describe a complex WordPress project that you worked on and the challenges you faced? How did you overcome those challenges?

Questions of this kind aim to get a better understanding of the candidate’s experience and process in handling complex WordPress projects. 

In a good answer, the candidate should talk about the project’s purpose and goals, as well as any problems that came up while it was being made. It should also explain how these problems were solved, such as by putting certain solutions or technologies into place. 

For example, “I recently worked on a project where we needed to develop an e-commerce website for selling products online.” 

“We encountered various technical challenges during development but were able to successfully implement solutions such as WooCommerce and the Redux Framework.” 

This demonstrates problem-solving skills and familiarity with different WordPress tools and technologies.

Final Thoughts

When hiring a WordPress developer, it’s important to find a candidate with the right skills and experience to succeed in the role. Your ideal candidate should, among other things, be good at solving problems and talking to people.

Also, a candidate’s work portfolio can be a great way to confirm their skills and experience in the real world. By taking a thorough and thoughtful approach to hiring, you can find the best WordPress developer for your company.

FAQs