How to Find the Best WordPress Consultant to Hire
Business owners know they need a reliable website. However, 46% of business owners still don’t have one. Why could this be?
Many business owners simply don’t have the time or skills to create a website. Creating a website may sound like a daunting affair, so they shove it to the side to be dealt with “later.”
But, later never seems to come. Instead of taking on this task yourself, you can hire a WordPress consultant.
WordPress is a website builder tool. It’s a popular option used to create your website either from scratch or by using a premade theme. These premade themes, however, aren’t easily customizable.
A WordPress consultant can help you to create your website from scratch. Using coding language, plugins, and the latest SEO best practices, a WordPress consultant should be able to give you the website you deserve. They can even help you setup the hosting steps using a hoting provider such as HostGator or Hosting Foundry.
But, not all WordPress consultants are created equally. That’s what it’s essential that you learn what to look for when hiring a WordPress consultant. Not only could a subpar WordPress consultant not deliver what you need, but they could also overcharge you in the process.
Read on to determine how to hire the right WordPress consultant for your website.
A Guide to Hiring the Right WordPress Consultant
WordPress Consultants also are known as WordPress Developers and they can be found in a variety of ways. Some may be freelance, in-house, or available at contracted companies. To find the right WordPress Consultant, you’ll need to know the right questions to ask and where to find them.
Use this guide as a way to find the best WordPress consultant to design your business’s website.
1. Ask for Referrals
Asking people you know is still an excellent way to discover worthwhile talent. The people you ask will have firsthand knowledge of the WordPress Consultant’s strengths and weaknesses. They will also be able to help you understand more about their processes and what to expect.
Ask other business owners who use WordPress for referrals. Ask them what makes their WordPress consultant a great choice. You should also find out how long it took their WordPress consultant to complete their website and if they offered them any support after the website launched.
2. Experience and Education
Any WordPress Consultant you consider working with should have an exceptional experience. They should also have the proper education and training. While they don’t necessarily need a college degree, they should have adequate training, an understanding of WordPress and coding, and possibly some certifications.
Ask a potential candidate about their previous projects and their successes. You should also ask them how long they’ve been working as a WordPress Consultant.
If you’re in need of improving your manufacturing process and ERP system, you would need to hire someone experienced like Epicor Consultants. The same logic applies to hire a WordPress consultant. They need to be experienced and have a proven record of success and customer satisfaction.
3. Pricing
Business owners should worry about their bottom line. They need to be aware of their finances and stick to a budget.
When hiring a WordPress Consultant, ask them about their rates and expenses.
Do they work on a fixed-rate basis? Charge by the hour?
Someone who charges by the hour may cost more. Determine what you can and can’t afford, and then find a WordPress consultant who is able to meet your budgeting needs. Make sure, however, that any WordPress consultant you hire is still experienced and has a track record of success.
If you can’t afford an experienced WordPress consultant, then it’s a good idea to continue saving money until you can. Your website will be the first thing some customers see about your business, so it’s essential that it makes a good impression.
4. Project Timeline
Determine how long it will take a WordPress consultant to complete the job. Ask the WordPress consultant if they are willing to send regular project updates. You could also request a deadline to ensure that the project is completed in a timely manner.
You should also determine who will be in charge of website maintenance once the website is live. If you are willing to become the admin of the website, then ask if they will give you a tutorial about website updates and maintenance.
5. Getting Multiple Quotes
WordPress consultants charge different rates and fees. A freelance consultant may cost less but this is also a riskier option. An agency may charge more but have more experience and resources to get you exactly what you want for your website.
It’s important to get multiple quotes so that you have a ballpark range of what to expect. This will also let you know if someone is attempting to overcharge you.
6. Testing Their Knowledge
Test each WordPress consultant’s knowledge by asking them questions about WordPress website development. The following are some questions you can ask them to know if they are the real deal:
- Do you create new themes from scratch?
- What does creating a custom theme entail?
- Do you use WordPress plugins?
- What website design and layout would you suggest for my business?
If you’re paying someone to create a website for you, you have a right to know the answers to these questions. Creating a theme from scratch will take more time and likely cost more, so be prepared. A custom theme is created from scratch using coding languages.
Plugins on WordPress are additional software that can be added to improve the functionality of your website. Some plugins include contact forms, anti-spam plugins, and Yoast SEO.
7. Customer Service
Great customer service is a necessity when hiring a WordPress consultant. They need to be friendly, professional, and available to answers your questions. They need to view you as an important client.
Get a feel for their customer service skills by speaking with them on the phone or in-person. You could also correspond with them via email. Make note of how long it takes for them to respond and their willingness to answer your questions.
Getting the Most Out of Your WordPress Consultant
To get the most out your WordPress Consultant and their services, ask them about any additional services they offer. You should also request to receive regular updates as your project is being completed.
If you’re interested in technical support after the website is created, then see if they are willing and able to provide it.
Interested in learning more about WordPress? Check out our blog post to learn more.
