The first step is to figure out what kind of Freelance WordPress professional you are going to need.
Do you actually need a freelance WordPress developer (who can write code) or web web freelance WordPress designer (somebody who can make things pretty) or a content writer.
It’s very tempting to want a developer & a designer all in one package but to be really good in those fields, the professional must have spent enormous amounts of time.
They are pretty rare and for this reason their rates might be higher than the other WordPress professionals.
Some clients may also want the candidates to know SEO. That falls into the marketing category.
Marketing is also a vast field that too, in turn it requires time and effort to master.
For this reason it’s better to look for several candidates that have those skills individually and not all in one package. Because if the person claims to have that kind of knowledge and experience in those fields their skills may be superficial.
The next step is to screen them.
Finding WordPress Developers
Reach out to your friends, colleagues, and other business owners who have recently hired a WordPress developer and ask for their recommendations.
What mistakes they made during the hiring process and what good ideas they had used to filter out the bad candidates.
Remote sites
Try online/remote job platforms such as Upwork, Freelancer, and Guru, Fiverr and WP Gigs that connect clients with freelancers and agencies who specialize in WordPress development. You can easily find and hire a WordPress developer from these platforms by browsing their portfolio and reading their reviews from past clients.
Orbisius.com (the owner of WP Gigs) can help you out with your WordPress needs as well.
Local WordPress Meetups
You can also check for local WordPress Meetup groups. There are lots of Meetup.com and also you can check on Facebook.
Local WordCamps and also WordCamp Europe or US can be an excellent option to find developers.
Check for certifications and/or courses that they have taken from learning platforms such as LinkedIn, Udemy or other. These certifications are a good indication that the developer has taken the necessary time to complete several WordPress courses and acquire skills and knowledge to build high-quality WordPress websites.
Screening the WordPress Developers
It is important to check the developer’s portfolio, experience, and possibly testimonials from previous clients. Look for developers who have delivered quality projects on time and within budget.
Look for experience: It is important to hire a developer who has experience in building WordPress websites or whatever you’re looking for.
Sometimes clients are looking for somebody that has experience customizing a specific WordPress plugin. You could find such a WordPress developer if the plugin is very popular such as WooCommerce or Easy Digital Downloads. The experienced developers can customize any plugin.
Again, it’s important to understand that WordPress developers write code. WordPress Designers make things pretty by writing HTML, CSS and possibly some JavaScript to achieve the desired look and feel.
Evaluate communication skills: Communication is key when working with a WordPress developer. Look for a developer who is easy to communicate with and is responsive to your inquiries and requests. It is also important to ensure that the developer has a good understanding of your requirements and is able to deliver the project within the specified timeframe. It’s good to ask them how they intend to complete the project by outlining the necessary steps.
Consider the cost: WordPress developers charge different rates, so it is important to find one who fits within your budget. However, it is also important to remember that the cheapest option may not always be the best choice, as a high-quality WordPress website requires investment.
Check for availability: Make sure that the WordPress developer you choose is available to start working on your project as soon as possible. If you need the website to be completed within a specific timeframe, make sure the developer is able to deliver the project on time.
Look for a developer with a strong support system: Look for a WordPress developer who has a strong support system in place, such as a team of developers or a reliable support system for bug fixes and maintenance. This will ensure that your website runs smoothly and is always up-to-date.
Have a contract ready: Finally, it is important to ask for a contract or have one ready before hiring a WordPress developer. The contract should outline the scope of the project, payment terms, and expectations for project delivery. This will help ensure that both you and the developer are on the same page and will help to avoid any misunderstandings and/or miscommunications.