WordPress centers on versatility, flexibility, and creativity. You can have your pick from thousands of uniquely crafted themes, pair them with hordes of WordPress plugins, and have a website unlike any other on the web today.
But that takes a lot of hard work, not to mention knowledge.
Sure, most WordPress themes and plugins boast that coding knowledge is not required for use. But when you start mixing and matching themes and plugins of all sorts, and aim for a very specific design or functionality, chances are high that you are going to need to have a least a little bit of tech-knowledge.
Luckily, if you want create a highly functioning and truly dynamic website, yet have zero coding knowledge, there are plenty of WordPress developers aching to work for you.
Today we’re going to look at how you can vet the highest quality WordPress developers available, and where to find them.
So, let’s get started and find you an exceptional WordPress developer.
What to Look for in a Quality WordPress Developer
Before jumping into where you can find the best WordPress developers, it is important to have an idea what to look for in an experienced developer. This way you can pick the best one for your project.
Here are some of the top traits of a quality WordPress developer:
- Responsive to all communication in a timely manner
- Adherence to deadlines with little or no delays
- Delivers what the client requests with no additional changes
- Properly functioning design
- Professional, kind, and respectful personality
- Flexible with client changes
- Extensive portfolio for clients to view, complete with references
- Proper skillset (think designer vs developer or a mix of the two)
In addition to having all of the above qualities, here are some crucial questions to ask any potential WordPress developer you are thinking of hiring:
- Will you be using an existing theme, a child theme, or building a theme from scratch?
- Which web hosting providers do you recommend?
- How many plugins will you install?
- Will my website be mobile-friendly?
- What SEO optimization will you include?
- How will you secure my website from outside threats?
- Will you include a backup solution?
- How will I be able to analyze my website’s traffic?
- Do you provide ongoing support?
- What is the price for your services and are there any additional fees I should be aware of?
If you ask this set of core questions to any developer you are interested in working with, you’ll have a good idea whether they are serious about your business or not.
The Best Way to Find a High Quality WordPress Developer for Your Next Project
Here is a list of some of the best resources you can use to find a reputable WordPress developer without getting lost in a sea of people competing for your business.
1. WPhired
WPhired is a job board dedicated to offering WordPress talent to the masses. If you are looking for a WordPress developer, programmer, theme author, plugin author, or content writer, WPhired has you covered.
Start by signing up for a free account. Then, fill out a short form designating which region you would like your developer to be stationed in, what your individual project needs are, and even add a link to your project if you want to. Additionally, you can sign up for their email list and receive regular information about available developers looking for more work.
2. Toptal
Toptal is a marketplace for the top 3% of all freelance WordPress developers, engineers, programmers, coders, architects, and consultants. All developers featured on this site have passed rigorous screening procedures and have qualities such as passion and drive.
To use this site you simply fill out the form provided with your information and get connected to a developer within 24 hours of your request. What’s more, Toptal is convinced you will be satisfied with the very first developer they match you with since this is the case with 90% of their clients. However, if you are not satisfied, Toptal will gladly match you with another developer until you are happy.
3. Upwork
Upwork boasts over 12 million registered freelancers looking for work using its massive marketplace. Thus, you will have no problem finding the right developer for your project here. After creating an account, search Upwork’s finest based on hourly rate, location, and job success.
In addition, gain access to individual developers’ profiles for more information about their skillset, their previous work, test scores, and client feedback. Moreover, if they have uploaded any portfolio pieces you can view them too. Altogether, this site is relatively simple to use and is perfect for those who have an easy project they want finished quickly.
4. WordPress Jobs
Powered by WordPress itself, this wonderful job board will put you in touch with a variety of WordPress experts. Moreover, you can post your own opening requesting the help of a developer, complete with your requirements.
Include things like required education, key responsibilities if hired, and needed skillset to complete your project. You will also include your contact information so that anyone interested has a way of reaching out to you. In all, this job board’s association with WordPress.org boosts your chances of you finding the right developer match.
5. Code Poet
Code Poet is another highly respected site maintained by Automattic, the creators of WordPress.com. All professionals on this site are scrutinized for quality before being allowed to feature their services for site visitors. And because of this, you will always know you are hiring the best.
With Code Poet you can search for developers based on region, specialty, and even platform. You then estimate the size of your project based on projected cost and match with consultants that are willing to work for you. Just be aware that many of the matches will be small consulting firms rather than individual freelancers. This may lead to higher estimated costs per project than can be found elsewhere.
6. Smashing Jobs
As the leading online publication on web design, it only makes sense that Smashing Magazine would offer a job board for all its loyal followers. Since Smashing Magazine content tends to focus on WordPress, you will find that there are many developers looking here that want to work for you.
To use Smashing Jobs, simply post your project needs and wait for interested developers to reach out to you. The only downfall with this job board is that it costs to post your project needs here – $75 for freelance and $225 for full time. However, plenty of experienced people frequent Smashing Magazine regularly so chances are good that you will find a quality developer in no time.
7. Freelancer.com
Connecting an estimated 22 million+ employers and freelancers across 247 countries, regions, and territories, freelancer.com is the single largest freelancing and crowdsourcing marketplace available today. Hire people to develop your website in minutes by selecting your project type, designating a budget, deciding on hourly pay or fixed prices, and determining what your project’s size is.
Next, watch the bids come in as interested freelancers vie for your business. Stay updated with your project’s status through real time chat, 24/7 support, time trackers, and even a mobile app. Moreover, do not pay until you are 100% satisfied with the project’s results. In the end, these guarantees ensure you receive your money’s worth and you are not taken advantage of by shady freelancers.
8. Envato Studio
As if ThemeForest and CodeCanyon weren’t enough for diehard WordPress fans. Envato Studio also has a hand-selected job board available so you can find an experienced developer for your needs. To start, narrow your search to designate a price range, specify a turnaround time, and even select a region.
Next, scroll through the results checking out recommendation percentages, prices, and more by clicking on individual profiles. In the profile section, find jobs completed in the past, contact information, repeat clients, and client feedback. This easy way of finding a web developer is just another reason Envato Studio remains at the top of their game in the WordPress world.
Final Thoughts
In the end, finding the perfect WordPress developer does not have to involve swimming in a sea of people who may or may not be qualified to do a job well done. Thanks in large part to the WordPress community, as well as the demand for high quality WordPress experts, there are plenty of organizations that are willing to guide you to your perfect match via their extensive jobs boards.
So, if you find yourself in need of a well-respected WordPress developer, check out some of the above-mentioned resources and shorten your search time dramatically. And if you’d like for us to make a recommendation, submit your request here and we can connect you with some of the WP folks that we’ve worked with in the past.
Have you ever used any of the above-mentioned resources to find a WordPress expert? I would love to hear all about it in the comments below!
I would highly reccomend Codeable.com. I have tried upwork and it takes a lot of vetting.
Codeable is my choice, but I did land here looking for other services so?