It’s been 15 years since WordPress first launched. Back then, there were limited demands and limited choices when it came to WordPress development services.
Since then, the CMS has grown to power over 30 percent of the web and there are a lot more developers to choose from. Because WordPress is so customizable, it can become anything you want, but you might need the help of a professional to fully utilize all the features it can offer.
Not only the theme of your unique WordPress website can be customized using PHP, MySQL, CSS and more, but also the plugins can be custom-made to add any functionality.
Because the market is so big, it can be hard to know how to choose a developer to assist you. Here are some tips for finding someone you really trust.
Go to the developer
Yes, chase them! Not literally though. You don’t need to be looking for the developers physically. In this day and age of digital fondness, one can easily get hold of and search for the developers online.
Use Slack, Twitter, or email to reach out to someone you want to work with. Chances are if they can’t help you, they can point you in the direction of someone who can. Try going to a WordCamp and meeting people in person. This is a great way to make connections and relationships with people that you can work with in the future.
Online forums and discussion platforms
Like we said before, productive discussions, as well as chit-chat about the latest WordPress developments here, will let you sift through a talented pool and community of the developers who are actively engaged in providing or freelancing WordPress development services. Did you know that Stack Overflow has around 111k questions asked by the progressive community of WordPress developers?
This is a great idea to get a list of names of developers you would be interested in working with. Then reach out through Slack.
What to say when you reach out
Finding a developer is the easy part, but actually reaching out can be daunting. One of the greatest things about WordPress is the open community. No matter where you look, you’ll find someone willing to help you, even if they themselves can’t do the job. Here are a few ways to start a conversation.
- Look around for a way where you can contact them. As we said above, you can try Slack, Twitter, a contact form, or email. Begin a friendly conversation and ask what they are working on currently. This will give you insight into the kind of projects they can tackle. From there explain what you’re looking for and ask if they have time to help.
- The amount you’ll have to pay a developer will vary depending on experience level and the difficulty of your project. Hammer out how much you’re willing to pay before hiring anyone. That way, you’ll make sure you can afford the person you like and they will get a fair amount.
- If the person you are interested in can’t do the job, ask for recommendations. WordPress developers have their ear the ground in the community and know of people free and looking for work. See if they wouldn’t mind facilitating an introduction, and continue that process until you find the right fit.
- Have a clear idea of what you want for your project before reaching out to anyone. It will be easier for both of you if the developer understands exactly how much work your website will entail.
These are a few simple ways to start looking for a freelance developer. At the end of the day, remember that the WordPress community is a large place, and people are willing to help you on your journey. Don’t be afraid to reach out or attend a WordCamp.
2 Comments