The Best Places to Hire WordPress Developers (Expert Pick)
As a WordPress developer with over 15 years of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how crucial it is to find the right developer for your project. Whether you need a one-time fix or ongoing support, choosing the right platform and developer can make all the difference in achieving your website goals and ensuring high-quality results.
WordPress is a fantastic platform for building a basic website, but for more specialized needs, you may need to hire a developer for assistance. A great developer can help you with:
- Creating a custom WordPress theme or plugin
- Integrating third-party tools
- Optimizing your site for speed and performance
- Improving your site’s security
- Maintaining your site and keeping it updated.
But with so many options available, it can be tough to know where to start your search for the perfect WordPress developer. That’s why I’ve compiled this list of the best places to find skilled, experienced WordPress developers who can bring your vision to life. We’ll cover everything you need to know, from platform pros and cons to expert tips for choosing the right developer for your needs.
Why and When You Need to Hire a WordPress Developer
While WordPress is user-friendly and popular, you don’t always need a developer to create a basic website. However, as your website grows, so do your needs and, inevitably, your costs. For a detailed breakdown, check out my beginner’s guide on how much it truly costs to build a WordPress website.
Many small businesses can successfully manage with a “do-it-yourself” approach, keeping costs low by using free tools and plugins whenever possible. But when your site starts generating revenue, you might want to consider building a custom WordPress theme or plugin to enhance functionality.
This is where developers step in. For example, if you have an online store and want a custom e-commerce theme, a developer can quickly create that for you. Developers also perform regular maintenance tasks to keep your site updated and improve its security against hackers and malware.
How We Tested and Reviewed Developer Hiring Platforms
The internet is overflowing with individuals offering WordPress development services. So, how do you find the right platform to connect with developers who have the technical skills you need? To answer this question, we tested and reviewed various platforms in real-time, focusing on the following criteria:
- **User Interface:** We prioritized platforms with a user-friendly interface and a smooth hiring process.
- **Communication Tools:** We analyzed the communication features available on each platform, such as messaging, video calls, and project management tools, to ensure effective interactions.
- **Developer Verification Process:** We examined the platform’s process for verifying developers, including qualifications, skills assessments, and background checks.
- **Pricing:** We compared pricing models for each platform, such as hourly rates, fixed-price projects, and subscription plans.
- **Customer Reviews:** We reviewed customer testimonials from those who hired developers through the platform to gain insights into their experiences.
Why Trust WPBeginner?
WPBeginner is a team of experts with years of experience in WordPress, SEO development, online marketing, and more. We meticulously test and analyze each platform to provide you with reliable recommendations. For more details, check out our editorial process.
Now, let’s dive into the best places to hire WordPress developers with the right skills, experience, and specialization.
1. WPBeginner Pro Services
WPBeginner Pro Services is an easy and affordable way to get your WordPress projects done, including custom WordPress website design and website maintenance. We also offer other services such as:
- Hacked site repair
- WordPress SEO optimization
- On-demand WordPress support
- WordPress speed and performance optimization
At WPBeginner, we’ve helped over 100,000 people get started with WordPress. Our team of WordPress experts has over 10 years of experience in developing WordPress solutions. What sets WPBeginner Pro Services apart is our simple pricing. Just visit the Services page and purchase a package that meets your needs.
Pros
- Offers professional services like WordPress website design and development, WordPress website speed optimization, WordPress website maintenance, and hacked WordPress website repair.
- Provides customized services based on your specific requirements, whether you have a small business website, a blog, an e-commerce store, etc.
- Choose the level of service you need in simple pricing packages.
- Superior customer support to ensure you have the best experience.
Cons
- Currently offers fewer services than some other WordPress development platforms.
Why We Recommend WPBeginner Pro Services:
WPBeginner Pro Services is the best place to hire WordPress developers for small to large website projects without breaking the bank. You can get affordable custom website design or get help maintaining your existing site with a team of true WordPress experts.
2. Seahawk
Seahawk is a global WordPress service provider trusted by big names like DreamHost, Alibaba Cloud, GoDaddy Pro, Pressable, and others. We’ve worked directly with Seahawk before, and you can read more about them in our Seahawk review.
Seahawk allows you to hire certified WordPress developers based on your specific requirements. They have a dedicated web development team with over 10 years of experience in WordPress. You can schedule a free consultation to speak with a professional about your WordPress development needs or use their self-service marketplace to purchase hours of WordPress development support.
Pros
- Seahawk offers custom web design, WordPress development, WooCommerce development, WordPress maintenance, UI design, and many other services.
- Their WordPress developers are experienced professionals in front-end development, back-end development, theme development, plugin development, and more.
- Consultations are free.
- They offer white-label WordPress development, allowing you to use Seahawk’s services under your own branding for your clients.
Cons
- Most projects are priced on a custom basis, so you’ll need a free consultation for a quote.
Why We Recommend Seahawk:
Seahawk is the best WordPress development service for a wide variety of WordPress projects. Whether you want to build a custom website design or create a custom plugin, Seahawk’s specialized WordPress developers can bring your idea to life.
For more information, check out our full Seahawk review.
3. Codeable
Codeable is one of the top outsourcing platforms for WordPress-related work. We thoroughly examined their hiring process and the quality of their development services when analyzing them for this article.
They only accept the top 2% of WordPress developers to ensure their clients receive high-quality work. The platform allows you to fill out a form detailing your vision for your WordPress blog, and Codeable connects you with the right developer for the job within a day.
Pros
- Unlike other outsourcing platforms, Codeable pre-screens each developer and ensures they go through a rigorous verification process.
- It’s 100% risk-free, and the platform offers a full refund if you’re not happy with the results.
- Estimates are free.
Cons
- Codeable’s pricing starts at $70 to $150 per hour, which may be a bit high for some beginners.
Why We Recommend Codeable:
Codeable makes it super easy to hire skilled and expert WordPress developers to customize your website or build a plugin. These features make it one of the top recommendations for businesses seeking WordPress outsourcing help.
4. Toptal
Toptal is an exclusive network that hires only the top 3% of freelance talent. With Toptal, you can hire software developers, designers, project managers, product managers, and finance experts to build a team for your small business website.
To hire a developer from this platform, simply fill out a form about the type of work you need, your budget, and the project duration. After that, Toptal easily matches you with an expert with the necessary skillset for your job.
Pros
- Toptal has a rigorous screening process to ensure only the best developers can add their portfolios to the platform.
- You can pay a deposit to start a 14-day risk-free trial, after which you can reject the potential candidate and request another or continue.
- Toptal’s pricing is based on the developer’s hourly rate, so you know the exact price of the service before hiring an expert.
- It offers excellent customer support, as they arrange a Skype or phone call with a representative at your convenience.
Cons
- Since Toptal highlights only the best talent, the rates for each expert are higher than on other websites. However, we’ve found that many experts are also available for hire on other networks, where their rates are much lower.
- You’ll have to pay an initial fee for the platform itself.
- The hiring process on Toptal can take several weeks, which can be a major drawback.
Why We Recommend Toptal:
Toptal allows you to hire the best WordPress developers on the market with great ease. They even offer a risk-free trial to verify if the developer you hired is the right choice for you. If you want to build a team of specialized WordPress developers, project managers, and designers, Toptal is a great option because you can hire all the experts on a single platform.
5. WordPress Jobs
WordPress Jobs is the official job listing site maintained by WordPress.org. It’s a completely free platform where you can easily fill out a “Post Job” form and submit it for review. In addition to developers, you can also post job ads for writers, web designers, customer support, or site migration on this platform.
Pros
- Once your job ad is approved on WordPress Jobs, it remains active for 21 days, giving you ample time to find the right developer for your site.
- Freelancers on this platform often offer competitive pricing, which can help save money on your project.
Cons
- There are many low-effort job postings on the WordPress Jobs board.
- The platform doesn’t have a pre-screening process for developers, meaning you’ll have to do the verification yourself.
- WordPress Jobs doesn’t offer an escrow service, making you responsible for paying the freelancer directly.
- Freelance developers on this platform range from beginners to experts, so you’ll have to determine the right developer on your own.
Why We Recommend WordPress Jobs:
WordPress Jobs is a good option if you’re on a tight budget and need to hire a developer who can do quality work at an affordable price. Plus, the platform is very easy to use and offers a broader selection of freelance developers than other platforms.
Related: Check out our article that debunks the myth that WordPress will replace developers.
6. WPhired
WPhired is an exclusive WordPress job board that launched in 2010. This platform allows you to post job ads for WordPress-related projects for free. WPhired offers a large selection of freelancers, from beginners to experts, making it easy to find the right person for your WordPress site.
Pros
- Developers on this platform offer competitive pricing, helping you save money on your project.
- WPhired allows you to post an unlimited number of job ads for free.
- WPhired also offers an escrow service, meaning your payment is held in escrow until you’re satisfied with the work.
- Freelancers on this platform have ratings and reviews so you can get an idea of their experience and quality of work before hiring them.
Cons
- It may take some time to find the right developer for your project on WPhired.
- The platform doesn’t have any pre-screening for developers, leaving the verification to you.
- You can only post job ads for free for 30 days. After that, you need to pay to post your job listing for 60 days or more.
Why We Recommend WPhired:
WPhired is a great option if you’re on a tight budget or want to post multiple job listings for developers. The platform offers everything you need, including an escrow service, ratings, competitive pricing, and much more.
Bonus: Upwork
Upwork is one of the largest freelance marketplaces on the internet. With this platform, you can easily post a job for developers, providing a detailed description of your project requirements, and then potential candidates can bid on it. Upwork typically has developers with varied skills and experience at all levels, meaning you can easily find a balance between your budget and the skillset you need.
Pros
- Each developer on the platform has a detailed profile showing their previous experience, completed jobs, ratings, skills tests, and much more.
- Upwork offers an escrow service.
- Posting a job is completely free.
- The platform offers competitive pricing, which can help you save money.
Cons
- It can be a bit time-consuming to find the right developer for the job, especially if you’re looking for a specific skillset.
- Some freelancers on Upwork may not respond.
- You need to pay a fee to use Upwork, which increases the cost of your project.
- Upwork can be a bit overwhelming at first. There are many features and options to choose from, which can be confusing for beginners.
Why We Recommend Upwork:
Overall, Upwork is a great website for connecting with professionals and hiring developers. However, you’ll need to do some work before making a choice.
Bonus: Freelancer
Freelancer is an extremely popular freelance marketplace that has a large community of freelancers, including WordPress developers. The platform asks you about your project and budget and then allows you to post the job listing for free. Once you do that, developers who meet your job criteria can bid on it.
In addition to developers, you can also find writers, artists, designers, and project managers on Freelancer.
Pros
- Freelancer maintains a detailed profile for each freelancer that you can review.
- It allows you to interview and communicate directly with developers to learn more about their skillsets or knowledge.
- The platform offers an escrow service to protect you from being scammed by freelancers.
- It’s super flexible in terms of project budgets.
Cons
- No pre-screening process is available for developers, so you’ll have to do the verification yourself.
- It’s not ideal for long-term projects.
- There’s a fee to use Freelancer.
- It’s not possible to exchange contact information with candidates.
Why We Recommend Freelancer:
Freelancer is a good option if you have a limited budget and don’t mind vetting WordPress developers yourself.
What’s the Best Platform to Hire WordPress Developers?
In my expert opinion, WPBeginner Pro Services is the best platform to hire developers for your WordPress website. It offers essential WordPress development services at revolutionary prices.
I also recommend Seahawk because it’s a full-fledged marketplace for WordPress development services.
Codeable is also a good option because it ensures its clients get high-quality work by hiring only the top 2% of WordPress developers.
However, if you want to build a team of developers, project managers, and designers, Toptal is a great option because you can hire all the experts on a single platform.
If you’re on a tight budget, you can also use WordPress Jobs or WPhired to find the right candidate for your site development.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hiring WordPress Developers
FAQs
When should you hire a WordPress developer?
You should consider hiring a developer if you want to create a custom theme or plugin to enhance your WordPress website’s functionality. Developers can also help with your site’s routine maintenance and make it more secure against hackers and malware. You should also think about hiring a developer if your website is slow or lagging, as a developer can help optimize it to improve performance.
How much does it cost to hire a WordPress developer?
The cost of hiring a developer can vary greatly depending on various factors, including the developer’s experience, the project’s complexity, and the platform you choose. For example, using Codeable to hire developers can cost anywhere from $70 to $150 per hour, which may be a bit high for some beginners. However, if you have a limited budget, you can use WordPress Jobs or Upwork, which will cost anywhere from $15 to $40 per hour.
How do I choose a platform to hire a developer?
There are several factors you should consider before choosing a platform to hire developers, including:
- The type of project: Some platforms are more suitable for specific types of development projects. For example, Upwork is a good option for small, one-off projects, while Seahawk or Codeable are better for larger, more complex projects.
- Budget: The cost of hiring developers varies depending on the platform you choose. For example, WordPress Jobs and Freelancer are more budget-friendly than Toptal or WPhired.
- Level of expertise: Some platforms have a larger pool of experienced developers than others. Developers on platforms like Seahawk and Codeable are pre-screened and vetted, while developers on platforms like Upwork or WordPress Jobs have not been vetted.
What are some good resources for learning more about WordPress development?
Here are some good resources for learning more about WordPress development:
- WPBeginner’s WordPress Tutorials: WPBeginner offers a wealth of free tutorials covering various aspects of WordPress, from basic setup to advanced development techniques.
- WordPress Codex: The official WordPress Codex is a comprehensive resource containing documentation on all things WordPress, including development guidelines and best practices.
- WordPress.org: The official WordPress website offers a forum for developers to connect, share knowledge, and ask questions.
- WordPress Developer Resources: WordPress.org provides a dedicated section for developers, offering resources like documentation, guides, and tools.
- Online Courses: Platforms like Udemy and Coursera offer comprehensive courses on WordPress development, covering everything from the basics to advanced topics.
How can I get the most out of my WordPress development budget?
Here are some tips for getting the most out of your WordPress development budget:
- Define your project scope: Clearly define your project requirements, features, and functionalities to avoid scope creep and unnecessary costs.
- Get multiple quotes: Request quotes from several developers to compare pricing and services.
- Negotiate rates: Don’t be afraid to negotiate rates with developers to secure the best deal.
- Consider freelancers: Freelancers often offer competitive rates compared to agencies, and you can find skilled freelancers on platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and Codeable.
- Use open-source tools: Leverage free and open-source tools and plugins to reduce development costs.
What are some red flags to look out for when hiring a WordPress developer?
Here are some red flags to watch out for when hiring a WordPress developer:
- Lack of experience: Be wary of developers with limited experience or no portfolio showcasing their work.
- Unrealistic pricing: Avoid developers who offer extremely low or high prices, as it might indicate a lack of professionalism or a lack of understanding of your project’s complexity.
- Poor communication: If a developer is unresponsive or doesn’t communicate clearly, it’s a red flag. You need someone who is easy to work with and will keep you informed throughout the project.
- Negative reviews: Check online reviews and testimonials to get an idea of a developer’s reputation.
- Lack of guarantees: Look for developers who offer some form of guarantee or warranty on their work.
What are some tips for choosing the right WordPress developer for my project?
Here are some tips for choosing the right WordPress developer for your project:
- Define your needs: Clearly outline your project requirements, goals, and budget before starting your search.
- Review portfolios: Check out the developer’s portfolio to see examples of their previous work and assess their skills.
- Read reviews and testimonials: Get feedback from past clients to gauge a developer’s reputation and communication style.
- Ask for references: Request references from previous clients to verify their experience and expertise.
- Get a detailed proposal: Request a detailed proposal outlining the project scope, timeline, deliverables, and pricing.
- Communicate effectively: Establish clear communication channels and expectations from the start. Regularly communicate with the developer to ensure the project stays on track.
How can I manage my WordPress development project effectively?
Here are some tips for managing your WordPress development project effectively:
- Set clear expectations: Clearly define project goals, deadlines, and deliverables with the developer.
- Use project management tools: Use project management tools like Trello, Asana, or Monday.com to track progress, manage tasks, and communicate with the developer.
- Provide regular feedback: Provide constructive feedback regularly to ensure the developer is on the right track and that the project meets your needs.
- Review deliverables: Thoroughly review deliverables before accepting them to ensure they meet your expectations.
- Stay organized: Maintain detailed documentation and keep track of all communication and project milestones.
What should I do if I’m not satisfied with the work of my WordPress developer?
If you’re not satisfied with the work of your WordPress developer, here’s what you should do:
- Communicate your concerns: Clearly articulate your concerns and expectations to the developer.
- Give them a chance to rectify the issue: Allow the developer to address the issues and make the necessary changes.
- Seek mediation: If you can’t resolve the issues directly, consider seeking mediation from a trusted third party or using the platform’s dispute resolution process.
- Consider terminating the contract: If you’re not satisfied with the developer’s work or communication, you may need to terminate the contract and find a new developer.
Conclusion
Hiring the right WordPress developer is crucial for building a successful website. By understanding the different platforms and choosing the developer who best matches your needs and budget, you can ensure a smooth and successful project. Remember to research thoroughly, communicate effectively, and stay organized throughout the process to achieve your desired outcomes.
If you’re interested in learning more about tech news, feel free to visit my website: www.naveedahmed.me.