How to Find a Good WordPress Website Developer

Having a professional and functional website is essential for businesses, bloggers, and entrepreneurs alike. Finding the right WordPress website developer can mean the difference between a smooth website experience and a frustrating one.

WordPress powers over 40% of the web, making it a popular choice for creating websites. However, to get the most out of WordPress, hiring an expert developer is often the key to a successful website build. A well-built WordPress website can enhance your online presence, improve user experience, and drive more traffic to your business.

But how do you find the right developer? In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of finding a skilled WordPress developer and provide insightful tips for making the right choice.

Why You Need to a Good WordPress Developer

Building a successful website isn’t as simple as just installing the CMS software, uploading plugins and adding in content. There is more to it.

WordPress is highly flexible when it comes to customisation, and with the right web developer you can help leverage its full potential. A skilled developer will be able to handle all the development side of things including:

Basic setup to advanced front-end customisation
Back-end functionality
Integration with third party plugins
Installation of payment gateways and eCommerce integrations
Security measures
Web speed and performance optimisation

Key Areas to Look for When Choosing a WordPress Developer

Here are the key areas you should look for when hiring a WordPress expert:

1. Define Your Project Requirements

Before you start searching for a developer, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of your project needs and key website objectives. Without clear requirements, you may struggle to communicate your expectations, leading to potential misunderstandings. Consider the following:

Website Type: What type of website do you need (e.g. brochure, e-commerce, portfolio, blog)?
Key Features: Identify essential functionalities like user registration, payment gateways, or a content management system.
Budget and Timeline: Be realistic about what you can afford and how quickly you need the project completed.

Creating a detailed project brief will help you communicate your needs effectively and ensure the developer understands your business needs. It also serves as a reference point throughout the development process, keeping everyone aligned.

2. Look for Experience and Expertise

Not all WordPress website developers are the same. Some specialise in designing custom themes, while others are experts in pre-built themes and template development. The right developer for your project depends on their ability to meet your specific requirements. When evaluating potential developers, look for:

Portfolio: Review their previous website projects to see if their style aligns with your vision. A diverse portfolio shows their skills, adaptability and creative ability.
Experience: Assess how long they’ve been working with WordPress and whether they have experience with similar projects. Developers with a proven track record are more likely to deliver high-quality results.
Technical Skills: Ensure they’re proficient in relevant areas like PHP, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and WordPress frameworks. Familiarity with tools like Elementor or WooCommerce can also be valuable.
Certifications: While not mandatory, certifications or specialised training in web development can enhance their credibility.

3. Check Reviews and Testimonials

One of the best ways to gauge a developer’s reliability and quality of work is by checking reviews and testimonials from past clients. Look for feedback on platforms like:

Social Media and Google Reviews: Additional insights into their reputation and work ethic can often be found here.
Freelance Marketplaces: Sites like Upwork and Fiverr often have detailed reviews and ratings for developers.
Professional Directories: Websites like Clutch and GoodFirms offer in-depth reviews and ratings.

Focus on reviews that highlight the developer’s communication skills, ability to meet deadlines, and quality of work. If possible, reach out to past clients for direct feedback to gain a deeper understanding of their experience.

4. Assess Communication Skills

Effective communication is vital for the success of any website project. A developer who communicates well can understand your vision, address concerns, and provide updates throughout the project. During your initial interactions, evaluate the developer’s ability to:

Responsiveness: Do they reply promptly to your inquiries? Timely responses indicate professionalism and reliability.
Clarity: Can they explain technical concepts in simple terms? Clear communication helps avoid confusion.
Proactivity: Do they ask insightful questions about your project? A proactive developer demonstrates genuine interest in your goals.

Good communication fosters trust and ensures that any challenges are addressed quickly and efficiently.

5. Request a Proposal or Quote

Once you’ve shortlisted a few developers, ask them for a detailed proposal or quote. This document should include:

Scope of Work: A clear breakdown of tasks and deliverables.
Timeline and Milestones: Key dates and deadlines for different phases of the project.
Cost Breakdown: Detailed pricing for each component, including any additional fees.
Payment Terms: Information about deposits, milestones, and payment schedules.

Compare these proposals to determine which developer offers the best value. Remember, the cheapest option isn’t always the best—prioritise quality and reliability.

6. Start with a Small Test Project

If you’re unsure about committing to a long-term project, consider starting with a small test project. This could be as simple as fixing a bug, optimising site speed and performance, or designing a single page. A test project allows you to evaluate their:

Technical Skills: Assess the quality of their work.
Work Ethic: Observe their dedication and attention to detail.
Compatibility: Determine if they’re a good fit for your team.

Starting small reduces risks and provides valuable insights into their capabilities.

7. Consider Ongoing Support

A good WordPress website developer doesn’t just complete the project and disappear. They should offer ongoing support and maintenance to ensure your site remains secure and functional. Discuss their availability for future updates and troubleshooting before hiring. Key areas of ongoing support include:

Regular updates to the WordPress platform, themes, and plugins.
Site backups and security monitoring.
Performance optimisation to keep your site running smoothly.

Reliable support post website launch is crucial for the long-term success of your website.

8. Red Flags to Look For

Not all developers wear green capes and will be a good fit for your project. With that in mind, it’s important to be aware of certain red flags, such as:

Lack of Experience: Developers who lack specific expertise in WordPress may struggle to deliver a high-quality website.

Poor Communication: If a developer is hard to contact or slow to respond to your questions, this may indicate poor communication skills.

Unrealistic Promises: Be cautious of developers who offer prices that seem too good to be true or make promises they can’t realistically keep. This often results in underwhelming results.

Lack of Portfolio Work: A reliable developer should be able to provide examples of their past work or client references. If they can’t provide this, consider this a major red flag.

Trust your instincts and don’t rush the hiring process. Completing your due diligence and verifying credentials and taking the time to find the right fit will save you headaches down the line.

Final Thoughts

Finding a skilled WordPress website developer requires research, patience, and diligence. Remember, a professional and well-maintained website is an investment in your brand’s success. Choose a developer who aligns with your goals, values, and expectations—and watch your online presence thrive.

Why Choose Design Point Digital as Your WordPress Website Developer?

Finding the right WordPress developer takes time and effort to ensure you’re choosing one that’s going to make a great long-term investment. A skilled developer will not only ensure your business needs are met but will also create a user-friendly, high-performing website that supports your online success.

At Design Point Digital, we specialise in building custom WordPress websites with inbuilt functionality that drives growth and delivers an exceptional online experience. Our team is combined of creative designers and technical developers with a deep understanding of WordPress to deliver tailored business solutions.

Whether you’re looking to create a simple brochure site, or a website that sells products online, we cover all aspects of web development to ensure your online presence continues to thrive.