Running a digital agency means juggling many different tasks every day. And, let’s face it, sometimes you could use a bit of extra help to keep things sailing smoothly.
That’s where a freelancer steps in, lifting some weight off your shoulders by helping you manage your clients’ WordPress sites.
However, hiring a freelance WordPress developer or designer is a decision that needs careful consideration. While it could potentially deliver outstanding results for your clients, it’s not a one-size-fits-all scenario.
Thankfully, there are secrets to unlocking the full potential of your partnership with a WordPress freelancer. By following this simple blueprint, you can enjoy a smooth collaboration, and impressive results.
Curious about these steps? Stick around.
In this blog, we’ll share 10 essential steps when hiring a WordPress freelancer, along with some crucial questions to ask candidates before committing to a partnership.
10 Steps for Working with a WordPress Freelancer
Jumping into a project with a WordPress freelancer can be great if you take the right approach. Here’s a simple but practical guide to making your collaboration smoother:
1. Set Clear Goals
Before diving into a project, start by openly discussing and defining your project goals and expectations.
This sets the stage for a shared understanding, and guarantees you and your freelancer are always on the same page.
2. Focus on Smooth Onboarding
Help your freelancers settle in comfortably by introducing them to your agency’s unique style, culture, and expectations.
Providing the necessary resources and support will make their onboarding smooth and positive.
3. Create Clear Workflows
Establish clear processes to make everyone’s life easier. Think of it as providing a roadmap, which is nothing but a well-defined workflow that helps your WordPress freelancer to navigate tasks without confusion.
4. Be Open to Feedback
Foster an environment where feedback is encouraged. Open communication allows for a free exchange of insights and suggestions, creating a collaborative space for continuous improvement.
5. Schedule Check-ins
Keep everyone in the loop by setting regular check-in times. This is an opportunity to discuss progress, challenges, and updates in a relaxed, proactive way.
6. Plan Ahead
Make project management less stressful by planning various things ahead of time. Get to know your freelancers’ availability, and schedule tasks accordingly to keep things running smoothly.
7. Encourage Mentoring
Foster a supportive atmosphere by promoting mentorship within your freelance team. Experienced WordPress freelancers can share their knowledge, making the learning curve more manageable for everyone.
8. Handle Conflicts Thoughtfully
If conflicts arise, don’t brush them under the rug; focus on achieving a calm resolution before they grow into a larger issue. Actively listen to different perspectives, and work together to find solutions. Early intervention can help maintain a positive working environment.
9. Flexible Communication
Be open to different communication styles. Some freelancers prefer emails, while others might be more comfortable with video calls or instant messaging.
Find a communication method that works for you both!
10. Celebrate Milestones
Don’t forget to acknowledge and celebrate achievements along the way.
Whether it’s completing a project phase or overcoming a challenge on a client’s WordPress platform, recognizing these moments of success can boost morale and foster a positive atmosphere.
Questions to Ask a Potential WordPress Freelancer
When you hire freelance WordPress developers and designers, it’s not just about the skills listed on their resume; it’s not just about digging into their hands-on experience, but also knowing their approach to work.
Below, we’ve included key questions to help you find a perfect fit for your agency.
- The best WordPress developers and designers will be able to answer the following questions:
- What’s your hands-on experience with the latest in WordPress?
- Can you give me an example of a tight deadline you’ve met?
- Have you cracked any tricky WordPress site problems?
- How do you keep your remote work game strong?
- What strategies do you use to align with a project’s vision and goals?
- How do you handle feedback?
- How would you describe your ideal team culture?
- What is your experience with creating custom WordPress themes?
- How do you stay ahead of the curve with WordPress tools and features?
- What’s your approach to collaborating on projects?
- Can you walk me through how you manage project revisions and updates?
- How do you handle troubleshooting and resolving compatibility issues, specifically in WordPress theme development and WordPress plugin development?
- Have you ever had to migrate a WordPress website, and if so, how did you approach the process?
- How do you stay informed about industry trends and updates related to WordPress?
Hiring a WordPress freelancer requires careful thought beyond a simple hire.
For successful collaboration with a WordPress freelancer, it’s important to follow a few essential steps. This process can help you unlock the full potential of the partnership for seamless collaboration, and impressive results.
Remember: set clear goals, focus on a smooth onboarding process, establish efficient workflows, foster an open environment for feedback, schedule regular check-ins, and handle conflicts thoughtfully.
In addition, it’s a good idea to ask specific questions of a WordPress freelancer before committing to a partnership. This way, you can get a clear overview of their experience, expertise, and approach to see if they’re a good fit for your digital agency.
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