How to hire WordPress developers that fit your agency
A handbook for digital agencies who want to hire reliable WordPress developers.
Need help with WordPress projects?
The right fit: Hiring WordPress Developers who get it
When you’re looking to hire WordPress developers, it’s not just about finding someone with the best technical skills. As an agency owner, you know more than anyone how vital it is to hire a WordPress developer who can integrate nicely with your team’s culture and workflow from day one.
It’s not as easy as it sounds. With all the things that could go wrong, you want to minimize risk as much as possible – and that’s what this guide to hiring WordPress developers is all about! By the time you’re done, you’ll know where, how, and who to hire for your WordPress needs.
Where can you find WordPress developers for hire?
The first step when you need to hire WordPress developers is knowing where to look. From job boards to freelancer WordPress websites, there are several platforms where you can find and hire WordPress developers to add value to your agency. Here are some places to start when it comes to finding WordPress developers for hire.
WordPress development websites
Rather than checking out different job platforms, you can go down the website route and partner with any of the individual agencies or companies, such as UnlimitedWP.
Pros
- Grab a vetted team that’s ready to roll right now
- Scale up fast — no job ads needed
- Host WordPress developers under your brand
Cons
- You might have to let go of the reins a bit
Toptal
Toptal matches you with WordPress developers who are in the top 3% of freelance talent. All you have to do is fill in a form to let them know what you need, and they’ll match you.
Pros
- Strict screening process
- 14-day free trial of candidate
- Transparent price per hour
Cons
- Expensive rates for top WP developers
- Initial fee required to use platform
- Hiring timeline can take a few weeks
WPhired
WPhired is another WordPress-specific jobs board that allows you to post jobs for free and connect with candidates ranging from entry- level to experienced WordPress developer.
Pros
- Range of pricing to choose from
- Post as many jobs as you want
- See WP freelancer reviews
Cons
- You must screen candidates yourself
- Job posts longer than 30 days require payment
- Can take time to find the right WP developer
Upwork
We’re sure you’ve heard of Upwork as it’s turned into quite the job platform giant! But did you know you can find quality WordPress developers for hire here?
Pros
- See detailed job profiles
- No need to pay the WP developer directly
- WP jobs are free to post
Cons
- WordPress developers can be unresponsive
- You must pay a fee to use the platform
- Quality of developers varies greatly
WordPress Jobs
If you’re looking to hire a WordPress developer, WordPress Jobs is a great place to start your talent hunt as it’s completely free and managed by WordPress themselves!
Pros
- Freelance WordPress Developers offer competitive pricing
- It’s free to post a job
- Job posts stay active for 21 days
Cons
- No pre-screening process for WordPress developers
- You need to pay the developers directly
- Quality of talent varies
WP recruitment agency
If you want to hire a reliable WordPress developer without shifting through hundreds of resumes or online profiles, try handing off the task to a specialist WordPress recruiter.
Pros
- Access sought-after talent
- Skip the screening process
- They’ve got your back if a hire doesn’t pan out
Cons
- You’ll pay more for the hand-holding service
- You don’t control candidate selection
Why hire WordPress developers when you can hire a whole agency?
Partner with UnlimitedWP and enjoy complete WordPress design, development, and care services from a dedicated team of experts – all under your name.
Just what you need?
Can you hire a WordPress developer from anywhere?
Technically, yes, you can hire a WordPress developer from anywhere in the world, but you just need to take extra care when hiring professionals from abroad. Before you slide into a developer’s DMs from across the globe, let’s break down what you need to keep an eye on.
Sync your watches
Remember, your 9 AM is someone else’s midnight. Time zones can be a hurdle, but they’re not a dealbreaker. Find a common time that works for daily catch-ups or weekly syncs. Tools like online world clocks or scheduling apps can be your best pals here.
Culture, meet keyboard
Ever had a virtual miscommunication? Add cultural differences into the mix, and you’ve got a potential recipe for confusion. The fix? Get clued up on the basics of your WordPress developer’s local work culture, and keep the lines of chat wide open. It’ll help you avoid conflict and awkwardness.
Keep things legally above board
Hiring internationally isn’t just about shaking hands over Skype. The legal tape can be really tricky when it comes to paying taxes, offering benefits, and complying with local laws. So before you hire a WordPress developer, make sure you understand the nitty-gritty of contracts and labor laws in their country.
The cash conversation
Whether you’re paying in dollars, euros, or rupees, make sure you and your developer are crystal clear on the money matter. With currency fluctuations being as unpredictable as they are, agree on a payment method that’s stable and won’t leave either of you out of pocket.
Do a trial run
Kick things off with a small project to see how you both fare. It’s like a test drive at your local dealership, but instead of cars, you’re trying out code quality, communication skills, and reliability. It’s a smart move to ensure they’re the right fit for your agency’s culture.
The risks of hiring a WordPress developer & how to avoid them
In the digital world, hiring the wrong candidate can mean delayed projects, budget overruns, and unhappy clients. So, let’s get straight to the point — here’s how to play it safe and ensure you’re adding the right WordPress developers to your team.
Risk 1: Ghosting developers
We’ve all been there — left hanging when someone just vanishes. To keep your developers from pulling a Houdini, make regular catch-ups a thing. Set up a no-fuss system with check-ins and collaborative tools to keep everyone accountable.
Risk 2: The money pit
Nobody likes watching their budget go up in smoke. Nail down what you need to be done and agree on a price beforehand, or costs might quickly compound. And for those just-in-case moments? Keep a little extra in the kitty — it’ll save you the stress later on.
Risk 3: The culture clash
A WordPress developer that doesn’t gel with your team’s vibe can be awkward and disruptive for everyone involved. Make sure they get the memo on how things roll at your workplace. A good onboarding guide does wonders here.
Risk 4: Code quality conundrums
Ending up with crummy code is a hard pass. Do your homework on your potential WordPress hire’s past work, and throw a practical test their way during the interview. You want to make sure they can walk the walk, not just talk the talk.
Risk 5: The red tape tango
Dealing with the legal stuff across borders can be really complicated. Get some solid legal advice to make sure you’re covered on things like work hours, who owns the code, and keeping things under wraps when hiring a WordPress developer.
Risk 6: Collaboration hiccups
A remote team that doesn’t click can mess up your WordPress development projects big time. Get everyone on the same page with project management and communication tools that work as hard as you do – and don’t skimp on the video calls! They keep the team tight.
Want an entire team of WordPress developers without the overhead?
Let our white label WordPress developers help take the pressure off and keep your project moving along – making your agency look good and flow better!
I’m interested!
Grilling for greatness: 10 interview questions to ask when hiring a WordPress developer
When you want to hire a reliable WordPress developer, it’s not just about whether they can smash out code — it’s about finding a techy gem who perfectly slots into your agency. And that takes some grilling! Here are the interview questions to ask the WordPress developers you’re considering to get the lowdown on their skills and how they tick before you hire.
01
Can you walk me through your process for creating a custom WordPress theme from scratch?
Why ask: You’re not just looking for a developer who can code; you’re looking for someone with a process. A structured approach means fewer headaches down the line.
02
What’s your strategy for ensuring a website’s security, and what steps do you take to implement it?
Why ask: Security breaches are a nightmare. You need someone who’s proactive about security, not just reactive when things go south.
03
How do you handle website performance and optimization for speed?
Why ask: Speed sells. A WordPress developer who knows how to keep your clients’ sites lightning-fast ensures a smooth user experience, better SEO, and more website traffic.
04
Tell me about a time you had to troubleshoot a particularly tough WordPress issue.
Why ask: Problem-solving skills are gold when it comes to WordPress development projects and all its complexities. This question reveals if they’ve got the chops to tackle big issues and come out on top.
05
How do you approach plugin selection and management?
Why ask: WordPress plugins can be fickle beasts. You want someone who picks the right tools for the job and manages them well.
06
What’s your experience with WordPress page builders versus custom coding?
Why ask: It’s the ol’ builder versus coder showdown. Their answer gives you insight into their flexibility as WordPress developer and how they balance custom work with efficiency.
07
How do you stay updated with the latest WordPress trends and updates?
Why ask: WordPress is always evolving. You need a WordPress dev who stays on the ball, and can keep your sites up-to-date without breaking a sweat.
08
What’s your approach to mobile responsiveness and cross-browser compatibility?
Why ask: In a multi-screen world, adaptability is key. You’re looking for a WordPress developer who ensures a seamless experience across all devices and browsers.
09
Can you give an example of a custom functionality you developed for a client?
Why ask: Custom functionality is where a WordPress developer can really shine. This question lets them showcase their innovation and expertise.
10
How do you handle client feedback, especially if it involves significant changes to the project?
Why ask: Flexibility and a cool head under pressure are must-haves. This question tests their people skills and adaptability to change.
The work samples checklist for hiring a WordPress developer
Hiring a WordPress developer is a serious business. Before you shake hands, you need to know exactly what they bring to the table. Let’s make sure you’re checking all the boxes so your next hire is more ‘wow’ than ‘whoops’.
Custom WordPress theme portfolio
Their custom themes need to impress, showcasing, their ability to blend unique design with robust functionality, proving they can bring a brand’s vision to life online.
Security implementations
A look at their security solutions confirms they’re vigilant about protecting WP sites, demonstrating their commitment to protecting your clients’ WordPress websites.
Performance optimizations
Seeing WordPress sites they’ve optimized for speed shows they value user experience and understand the SEO benefits of quick-loading pages.
WP plugin management
Evaluating their WP plugin strategy reveals their skill in enhancing site functionality efficiently, ensuring a clean, fast-running website.
eCommerce sites
Check out their ability to adapt to eCommerce trends, and build fully functional online stores that ensure seamless experience on multiple devices.
Custom WordPress development
Assessing their bespoke WordPress coding projects gives insight into their problem-solving creativity and their capability to deliver specialized solutions.
WordPress core contributions
Check out contributions to WordPress core, as this is a great sign of a WordPress dev who doesn’t just use WordPress but actively helps to improve it.
eCommerce integrations
Look at their eCommerce integrations (like WooCommerce) within WordPress to gauge their knack for turning a website into a user-friendly online store.
API integrations
You’re looking for someone who can seamlessly connect WordPress sites to other apps and services, making sure your site’s talking the right tech language.
Why hire WordPress developers when you can outsource a whole team?
Looking for a no-fuss, all-in kind of deal to ramp up your agency’s WordPress development? Say hello to UnlimitedWP — your go-to white label WordPress development partner that’s all about supporting your WordPress development projects – without the headache.
Why you’ll love working with our white label WordPress developers
- Managed WP dream team: We’re not just freelancers; we’re your dedicated WordPress development team. Managed, prepped, and ready to roll whenever you say go.
- Fixed cost freedom: No more budget surprises with our flat monthly rates. Choose from 2, 4, or 8 hours of WordPress development every day.
- Unlimited tasks: From site builds to SEO tweaks, we’ve got the talent to tackle it all. No caps, just endless possibilities.
- Quick turnaround: Need a task ready to go by tomorrow? Consider it done. Our turnaround time is as snappy as your agency demands.
- Your brand, our developers: We work so seamlessly behind the scenes, your clients will never know we’re here. Your brand stays front and center — always.
What’s in it for you?
- Specialist WP development services: From landing pages to full-blown eCommerce sites, we build, customize, optimize, and maintain it all.
- Full customization: Need custom WordPress plugins or theme tweaks? We’re on it.
- Community cred: We’re not just WordPress developers; we’re WordPress Plugin Authors, WordCamp Speakers, and community contributors with 200+ digital agencies served.
- Risk-free guarantee: Try us out with a 14-day money-back promise.
Pricing starts from just $749/mo with plans to suit every budget!
(interested? See our WP development plans)
Testimonials
Why digital agencies love UnlimitedWP
See what they think about outsourcing WordPress care to our expert team.
UnlimitedWP helps us manage WordPress website work for our business and they have done an outstanding job. They are diligent, their technical knowledge of development work goes way beyond most outsource companies and they are always going above and beyond in anticipating our needs to get the most out of our work.
– H Picot
Our team has become so much more productive since we started working with UnlimitedWP. The best part is that we have our own project manager ensuring all of the projects are taken care of, understood, and properly prioritized. Highly recommended!
– M Morgan
These guys are solid and deliver consistent results in the WordPress world. If you need a reliable team to help you manage your sites and build new ones using WordPress, you’ll find they are capable and communicate very well!
– J Rutel
Don’t hire WordPress developers. Hire a WordPress partner.
With UnlimitedWP, you’re not just hiring WordPress developers; you’re partnering with a team that’s as dedicated to your agency’s growth as you are. Ready to take your agency to the next level?
FAQ’s
Need to hire a team of WordPress developers? We’ve got you!
See our commonly asked questions below. Don’t see your question? Get in touch with our friendly team, and we’ll be happy to help.
Can my agency really assign unlimited tasks to WordPress developers?
Absolutely! Your agency can assign as many tasks as you need to our WordPress experts. While we tackle them one at a time, there’s no cap on what you can send our way. It’s all part of our commitment to providing comprehensive WordPress development services without limits.
What’s the turnaround time for a complete website from your WordPress development services?
The timeline for website completion varies based on complexity and specifications. A landing page can be crafted in a week on our starter plan, while a more intricate custom site typically takes around 3 weeks with our business plan, inclusive of quality assurance from our dedicated testers.
What kinds of tasks can I assign when hiring WordPress developers from UnlimitedWP?
Anything WordPress-related is fair game—site builds, customizations, bug fixes, plugin conflicts, updates, migrations, and SEO, to name a few. We also cover tasks in Shopify, PPC, and design. Check out our services list for the full scope we offer when you hire our WordPress developers.
Who benefits most from hiring WordPress developers through UnlimitedWP?
Our ideal clients are digital agencies, freelancers, and consultants who manage several active clients and need expert WordPress development services to extend their capabilities, save time, or support their growth.
How quickly can hired WordPress developers complete tasks?
Small to medium tasks are typically turned around within 24-48 hours. The size and complexity of the task will dictate the exact timing, but rest assured; there’s, there’s no task too large for our team to tackle efficiently.
How does UnlimitedWP stand out from other WordPress development services?
Unlike some competitors, we offer truly unlimited tasks with no time restrictions. Our services extend beyond support and maintenance — we excel in new WordPress website development, plugin and theme customization, bespoke plugin development, and a wide array of other WordPress development services. Our white-label program is perfect for agencies looking to scale their WordPress development capabilities.