Your website is the most important marketing machine for your small business.
One of the most effective ways to establish this presence is through a well-designed website, and WordPress is often the go-to platform for creating one.
WordPress offers immense flexibility, scalability, and many features, making it the most popular content management system (CMS) worldwide.
However, to get the best out of WordPress, you may need the help of an expert.
Finding the right WordPress expert for your small business can be tricky.
With countless professionals, all claiming to be experts, how do you identify the agency that will best meet your needs?
This guide will walk you through the steps to find and hire the perfect WordPress expert for your small business, ensuring your online presence is as professional and effective as possible.
- Understanding Your Needs
- Where to Find WordPress Experts
- Evaluating Potential Candidates
- Making the Decision
- Working with Your WordPress Expert
1. Understanding Your Needs
Before you begin your search, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of what you need from a WordPress expert. Not all WordPress professionals offer the same services, and not all businesses require the same expertise.
Define Your Project Scope
Start by defining the scope of your project. Do you need a brand-new website, or are you looking to revamp an existing one?
Are you focusing on e-commerce, blogging, or a simple informational site?
Understanding your specific requirements will help you narrow your search to experts specialising in those areas.
For instance, if you need a website with custom functionalities, you’ll need a developer with advanced coding skills.
On the other hand, if you require assistance with design, content management, and SEO, a WordPress designer or a more generalist WordPress expert might suffice.
Identify Your Budget
Your budget will play a significant role in determining the type of WordPress expert you can afford.
WordPress experts can range from freelancers who charge by the hour to agencies with fixed pricing structures.
Having a clear budget will help you filter out agencies that are too expensive.
Be realistic about your budget. While opting for the cheapest option might be tempting, remember that you often get what you pay for.
Investing in a quality WordPress expert can save you time, money, and headaches in the long run.
2. Where to Find WordPress Experts
Once you have a clear understanding of your needs, you can start searching for potential candidates.
There are several avenues you can explore to find a WordPress expert.
Freelance Marketplaces
Freelance marketplaces like Upwork, Fiverr, and PeoplePerHour are popular platforms where you can find many potential WordPress experts.
These platforms allow you to view profiles, read reviews from previous clients, and compare rates.
While freelance marketplaces offer a broad selection, it’s essential to vet candidates carefully.
Look for those with a proven track record, relevant experience, and positive client feedback.
You also need to remember that feedback can be bought, so whoever you consider hiring, ask if you can talk directly to some of their previous clients – a good, affordable WordPress expert will have no issue with introducing you to some previous clients via email.
WordPress-Specific Job Boards
Job boards catering to WordPress professionals can be a goldmine for finding experts.
Websites like WP Hired, WPhired, and Codeable specialise in connecting businesses with experienced WordPress developers and designers.
These platforms often have a more targeted pool of candidates than general freelance marketplaces, saving you time in your search.
Another essential thing to consider when looking at these job boards is that they are freelancers, so they generally can only manage 1–3 projects simultaneously.
Freelancers are always working on new projects, so you need to consider whether you will get the attention and team that your small business needs from working with a single-person business.
Word of Mouth and Networking
Sometimes, word of mouth is the best way to find a reliable WordPress expert.
Ask fellow business owners, colleagues, or industry peers if they can recommend someone they’ve worked with.
Professionals recommended by others are often more trustworthy and have a proven track record.
Social Media and Online Communities
Social media platforms, particularly LinkedIn, can be an excellent resource for finding WordPress experts.
Join WordPress-related groups and communities, participate in discussions, and observe who the active contributors are.
Many WordPress professionals use these platforms to showcase their work and connect with potential clients.
Online communities like the WordPress subreddit or the WordPress Facebook groups can also provide leads.
Engaging with these communities can give you insights into the expertise and reputation of potential candidates.
3. Evaluating Potential Candidates
Once you’ve identified a few potential candidates, the next step is to evaluate them carefully.
Choosing the right expert involves more than just looking at their portfolio; it’s about ensuring they fit your business and project needs.
Review Their Portfolio
A candidate’s portfolio is one of the most important tools for evaluating their work.
Look for examples that are similar to what you need.
For instance, if you’re running an e-commerce business, see if they’ve built successful online stores.
Pay attention to the design, functionality, and user experience of the websites they’ve worked on.
Don’t hesitate to ask for specific examples or case studies that demonstrate their ability to solve problems similar to those you might encounter.
Also, you do need to make sure they have done the work – there is an alarming increase in portfolio sites where the work shown has not actually been completed by the person claiming to have done the work.
Check Their References and Testimonials
References and testimonials provide insight into the candidate’s reliability, professionalism, and ability to deliver on their promises.
Reach out to past clients, if possible, and ask about their experience working with the expert (it’s usually best to ask the agency for some contacts to speak to first).
Were deadlines met? Was communication clear and consistent?
Did the final product meet expectations?
These are the types of questions you should ask to gauge the candidate’s performance.
Evaluate Their Technical Skills
Depending on your project’s needs, you’ll want to ensure the candidate has the necessary technical skills.
For instance, if you require a custom plugin or theme development, ensure the expert is proficient in PHP, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and other relevant technologies.
A good way to assess their skills is to ask technical questions during the interview or request that they complete a small test project.
Something to remember here is that WordPress developers come in all shapes and sizes. Some build sites from scratch like we do; others simply add your logo and colours to an off-the-shelf theme they buy for £50. This approach is fine, provided you know about it in advance.
Assess Their Communication Skills
Effective communication is crucial when working with a WordPress expert.
You need someone who can understand your vision, provide regular updates, and respond promptly to your queries.
During the initial discussions, pay attention to how well they communicate. Are they asking the right questions to understand your project?
Do they explain technical concepts in a way that’s easy to understand?
Good communication can prevent misunderstandings and ensure the project runs smoothly.
We manage all our projects on a shared spreadsheet and use Basecamp for all project communication to keep it out of your inbox and organised in easy-to-follow threaded conversations.
Consider Their Problem-Solving Abilities
A WordPress expert’s ability to troubleshoot and solve problems is vital, especially if your project involves complex features or customisations.
Ask about challenges they’ve faced in past projects and how they overcame them.
This will give you an idea of their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
4. Making the Decision
After evaluating potential candidates, you’ll need to make a decision.
This stage involves balancing various factors such as cost, experience, technical skills, and your gut feeling about the candidate’s ability to deliver.
Struggling to find the best WordPress experts?
Get in touch to book a free consultation call for your website; we’ll talk you through the whole process and tell you how to get the most from your website.
Compare Proposals
If you’ve received proposals from multiple candidates, compare them side by side.
Look beyond the price; consider the value offered in each proposal.
Does one candidate offer additional services like SEO optimisation or content creation? Does another have a faster turnaround time or a more detailed project plan?
Weighing these factors against your priorities will help you choose the best fit.
Conduct a Trial Project
If you’re still uncertain, consider hiring the candidate for a small trial project.
This could be a minor task such as a website audit, a design mock-up, or a small coding task.
A trial project allows you to see how they work, communicate, and deliver results on a smaller scale before committing to a larger project.
Finalise the Contract
Once you’ve made your choice, it’s time to finalise the contract.
Ensure that all the details are clearly laid out, including the project scope, timeline, deliverables, payment terms, and any other relevant conditions.
A well-drafted contract protects both parties and sets clear expectations.
If you’re unsure about the legal aspects, consider consulting a lawyer to review the contract before signing.
5. Working with Your WordPress Expert
Hiring the right WordPress expert is just the beginning.
How you manage the relationship will significantly impact the success of your project.
Set Clear Expectations
From the outset, make sure that both you and your WordPress expert have a mutual understanding of the project’s goals, timelines, and deliverables.
Regular check-ins and progress updates can help keep the project on track and allow for necessary adjustments.
Provide Detailed Feedback
Providing clear and constructive feedback is crucial for achieving the desired outcome.
Be specific about what you like or dislike and why. The more detailed your feedback, the easier it will be for your WordPress expert to make the necessary changes.
Stay Engaged
While you’ve hired an expert to handle the technical aspects, your involvement is still crucial.
Stay engaged throughout the process to ensure that the final product aligns with your vision.
Regular communication will help prevent misunderstandings and ensure the project stays on course.
Plan for Ongoing Maintenance
Even after your website is launched, you’ll need ongoing maintenance to keep it running smoothly.
Discuss with your WordPress expert what the ongoing maintenance will entail and whether they offer maintenance services or can recommend someone who does.
Planning for maintenance from the beginning ensures that your website remains secure, updated, and functional over time.