WordPress is the most popular CMS (Content Management System) in use on the web right now. That’s why you need to know everything you can about it.
To become a successful programmer freelancer working with WordPress, you have to have the skills, and the confidence to apply them. The tips and lessons in this article will help you get there. These tips are based on what I learned and used when starting out as a freelancer working with WordPress.
| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| Consider the specific skill set and experience level of a WordPress developer before hiring them. |
| Look for developers with a strong portfolio of WordPress projects that align with your needs. |
| When interviewing potential WordPress developers, ask about their development process and communication style. |
| Take the time to establish clear expectations and project scope with your hired WordPress developer. |
| Consider ongoing maintenance and support needs when hiring a WordPress developer. |
1. Get A Portfolio Site
When a potential employer contacts you, they don’t expect you to start doing all the work by yourself. That’s why everything in your portfolio site should be helpful and informative, as well as memorable. It should also look professional, so make sure that your portfolio site is pleasing to the eye and easy to navigate for visitors.
Keep important information at the top of your page, or have multiple sections that flow from one into another. And make sure that each piece of content on your site is linked to the next so people can easily scroll through it and see what you’ve got. In short: a strong portfolio site makes getting hired as a WordPress programmer freelancer easier for both you and the employer looking for someone like you.
Are you looking to improve your web design freelancing career? Our experts share their top tips in our article on 22 expert tips to improve your web design freelancing career, covering everything from networking to staying up-to-date with industry trends.
2. Display Your Skills
If you’re a programmer, it’s important to display your skills. It’s especially important if you’re trying to stand out as an independent developer on Upwork. As a freelancer, you’ll likely be hired by another software developer looking for someone who can do the job right. They might ask to see examples of your past work, so make sure to have a portfolio ready!
Make sure your freelancer’s profile is current. It should include links to all of their past jobs and code samples that can demonstrate their talent. You may be hired by the business owner or CEO, or even the client itself; so make sure they have an easy way to find these posts from their website!
3. Consider Creating An Online Presence
A professional e-mail account is one of the best things you can do to maximize your online presence and stand out among other candidates for a programming job. Not only does it help increase the likelihood that you get through the application process but it will also be instrumental in helping your company find you after you land a project.
For example, if you’re applying for work on themes such as WordPress or Drupal, using a professional e-mail address will help make it easier for recruiters to find your profile online. Using an e-mail address that’s easy to remember (such as “zach@example.com”) is also helpful when initiating conversations with potential employers since they’ll be able to easily find and contact you via LinkedIn or their website.
4. Create A Resume And A Great Cover Letter
Now that you’ve prepared your portfolio and have a great LinkedIn profile, it’s time to create a resume to apply for jobs. Make sure you make a resume specifically tailored to each job application you submit. Try not to use the same one over and over again, or it will come off as boilerplate.
The most important thing about your resume is that it includes all of the skills and experience listed in the job description so that employers can see how qualified you are. It should also be error-free (no typos!). There are plenty of templates for resumes on Google Docs if you want some help with formatting, but I recommend just coming up with a simple layout yourself it will be more personal and unique than anything else out there!
Feeling uninspired in your web design work? Take a look at our list of top 20 web design ideas that will help spark your creativity and take your designs to the next level.
5. Become An Expert On The Top Freelancer Sites
In a nutshell, freelancing sites are online marketplaces where individuals can post their services for others to hire (for a fee). There are many freelancing sites in existence today each with its own idiosyncratic characteristics and individual users but the two most popular include Upwork and Fiverr.
All you have to do is pick which site will work best for you and start posting your services. Next, learn how to be successful on the site by using these tips:
Respect the other people who use the platform so that everyone can get along well. You don’t want to negatively influence the user base because they’re all relying on each other’s bids, reviews, content quality, and performance. If you don’t respect them, they won’t respect you either.
Make sure that your high-quality work matches what’s expected from others on the site. Yes, it’s possible to get away with mediocre or substandard work if you’re not competing against anyone else for tasks but it doesn’t pay off in the long run. On a project like this one where there are multiple contractors competing for business from clients all over the world, any slipups will come back to haunt your reputation on Freelancer and Upwork more than ever before!
Promise only what you know that you can deliver; don’t promise things that aren’t within your area of expertise or expertise level (e.g., audio productions vs website design). A bad review could result in lost business when clients get frustrated over unsatisfying results or if potential competitors see your skills as being lackluster enough to take advantage of this opportunity with less competition as a result of your promises not being met!
6. Start As Low As Possible And Negotiate From There
It can be tempting to start high, but charging too much may scare off clients. A good way to get your foot in the door is to start low and then negotiate from there if needed.
Remember that these prices are for individual projects. If you’re a freelancer working with an agency, they’ll likely have their own rate charts that you’ll have to stick to. These rates are also usually on top of any fees or commissions charged by the site you’re using for work.
Also, beware of being undervalued: some people will try to get work done as cheaply as possible, especially in this economy. Don’t be afraid to negotiate, and don’t be afraid to say no if a client isn’t willing to pay more than peanuts for your services (or if they seem difficult to work with).
If they’re offering a flat-rate project, ask how much time they expect it’ll take and give them your honest opinion of what it’s worth (including other hidden costs like software purchase or maintenance fees). If that doesn’t work, suggest hourly billing instead that way, you’ll be able to charge them fairly for the amount of time it takes (provided you can keep track of your hours). And if all else fails? Ask for references if they’re reluctant, think twice about starting work on that project!
7. Identify Your Unique Selling Point
In order to be relevant in any field these days, you need a niche. If you’re interested in becoming a freelance WordPress developer, honing in on your specific skill set is the key to building a profitable, sustainable career.
Before jumping headfirst into the race to earn money creating websites for other people, take some time to think about what makes you unique among WordPress programmers. What makes it so that someone who needs a website should hire you over anyone else? This will help shape your career and help you find clients who are the right fit for your skills.
Choosing the right freelance web designer can make all the difference in the success of your project. Check out our article on 15 tips to help you choose a freelance web designer for insights on what to look for and questions to ask.
8. Have Several Work Samples Ready For Potential Employers
Having work samples ready is a must when you’re interviewing for a job as a freelance WordPress programmer. A potential employer will naturally want to see what you’ve done in the past, and having samples available shows that you are established, trustworthy, and know your stuff.
Make sure you have several samples to show potential employers having gone through the trouble of compiling them should pay off with every new interview and be selective about which ones you choose, ensuring that they’re relevant to the job at hand.
9. Keep Track Of All Potential Leads
You need to be able to keep track of each and every lead you interact with. While it may seem obvious, the reality is that many freelancers do not have enough leads, and so they feel like they can’t afford to turn down any work.
In order for immediate success as a freelancer, you need to be able to filter out all of the potential clients that are either bad fits or simply not hiring at the moment. It’s important to establish a good working relationship with these potential clients when they’re in a spot where hiring you isn’t an option right now.
10. Be Patient, But Keep Your Efforts Consistent
There’s no such thing as a sure thing in the world of freelance programming, and that’s especially true when it comes to programming websites. You can have all the skills you need to be a successful freelancer, but that doesn’t mean you’ll land a job right away. If you’ve been rejected, again and again, it may be tempting to give up and move on from your dream of coding for profit but with enough persistence, there’s nothing stopping you from becoming a freelance programmer for WordPress.
If you’re determined to become a freelance WordPress programmer, don’t stop trying just because things haven’t worked out yet. With each rejection or failed attempt, think about what went wrong and how you can do better next time.
The skills we’ve covered in this article are an excellent foundation for success; now it’s up to you to keep learning new things so your skills stay sharp while also keeping your efforts consistent. The more experience you have building websites with WordPress, the easier it will be to get hired down the road even if it takes quite some time.
Freelance web design work can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can make the most of your projects. Our article on how to get the most out of your freelance web design work offers practical advice on everything from setting goals to managing your time effectively.
11. Write Blogs To Demonstrate Your Knowledge And Skills
Now that you’ve created your profile, it’s time to start building your credibility. One of the best ways to do this is by writing blog posts to demonstrate your knowledge and skills. You can choose any topic you’d like, but it’s a good idea to write about things you’re passionate about or simply enjoy writing about.
Keep content relevant to your skills and experience. When writing blogs for clients who are potential customers, focus on topics that highlight the skills listed in your portfolio and profile. For example, if one of your listed skills is Search Engine Optimization (SEO), write a blog post about SEO strategies as they apply to WordPress programmers. This will show prospective clients that you are knowledgeable in what they need from their project and increase the likelihood of being invited for an interview.
Use your blog posts as a way to build up an online reputation for yourself as a reliable professional freelancer with knowledge and expertise in the field of WordPress programming.
12. Don’t Forget To Market Yourself
Once you get some experience and have made a few connections, you may find that clients come to you. This can be a great thing for your career, but don’t rely on it happening naturally. As a freelancer, one of the most important things you can do is market yourself so that people know who you are and what services you offer. After all, they can’t hire you if they don’t know how much value they’ll gain from doing business with you!
Starting a web design freelance business can be overwhelming, but with the right preparation, you can set yourself up for success. Our article on top 17 things to consider when starting a web design freelance business covers important considerations like pricing, marketing, and client communication.
Final Thought
If you’re a WordPress programmer, getting hired for a freelance job is probably your top priority when you first start out freelancing.
Some of these tips might seem like common sense, but I’m sure some of them will be helpful to even the most experienced WordPress programmers out there.
These are just some little things that could make or break you as a WordPress programmer.
Use social media to advertise your skills to your network. If Twitter is your jam, consider tweeting updates about WordPress updates or issues in the industry that are important to freelancers like yourself. You never know when someone in need of programming help will see your post and reach out to make inquiries!
Post advertisements for freelance programming services on other websites such as UpWork or Fiverr these sites have thousands upon thousands of visitors each day looking specifically for work-from-home jobs like yours!
Start blogging about WordPress development topics such as plugins or themes this way people interested in learning more about this software program can find out what kinds of tips/advice/information are available through reading blog posts written by someone who knows firsthand (you!). With luck, these readers might even end up being potential clients down the line.”
Further Reading
How to Hire a WordPress Developer: Tips & Best Practices: This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to hire a skilled WordPress developer for your website or project, covering everything from where to look for candidates to interview questions to ask.
Top Tips to Find WordPress Developers to Hire: This tutorial offers practical advice on finding and hiring a WordPress developer, including tips on how to assess a developer’s skills, where to look for candidates, and what questions to ask during the hiring process.
How to Hire a WordPress Developer: A Step-by-Step Guide: This guide provides a step-by-step process for hiring a WordPress developer, from defining your project requirements to evaluating candidate portfolios and conducting interviews.
FAQs
How do I know if a WordPress developer is the right fit for my project?
It’s important to assess a developer’s skills, experience, and portfolio to determine if they are the right fit for your project. Be sure to ask for references and check them, and consider conducting a trial project or paid test project to assess a developer’s abilities.
Where can I find WordPress developers to hire?
There are many online platforms and job boards where you can find WordPress developers, such as Upwork, Freelancer, and Indeed. You can also look for developers on social media platforms like LinkedIn or through referrals from colleagues or friends.
How much should I expect to pay a WordPress developer?
The cost of hiring a WordPress developer can vary depending on factors such as their level of experience, geographic location, and the complexity of your project. Be sure to discuss pricing and payment terms with potential candidates before hiring them.
What questions should I ask during a WordPress developer interview?
Some important questions to ask during a WordPress developer interview include: What is your experience with WordPress? Can you walk me through a project you’ve worked on? How do you handle project management and communication? Can you provide references from past clients or employers?
What should I include in a project brief for a WordPress developer?
A project brief for a WordPress developer should include information such as the scope of the project, your desired timeline and budget, and any specific features or functionalities you require. Be sure to clearly communicate your expectations and goals for the project.
How Do I Get Started As A Freelancer?
Before you start looking for new projects, you need to make sure that you’re ready to work on them. You’ll need your own computer and internet connection a smartphone or tablet won’t cut it. You’ll also need to download the necessary software and make sure you have a way to accept payments. It’s nice if you can have a dedicated workspace, too. If you don’t, try to find a quiet area where you can work without interruptions.
You might also want to consider taking some classes in project management or marketing. These will help you understand what clients are looking for and how to manage your time so that you can maximize your earnings.
What Skills Do I Need As A WordPress Programmer?
In addition to being comfortable with computers, web development requires excellent communication skills because most projects involve communicating with clients via email or chat programs. WordPress programmers are also responsible for writing code that is optimized for the web, which means they must be proficient at writing HTML and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets).
Being able to use other languages such as JavaScript or PHP would be helpful but isn’t required because WordPress has its own built-in scripting language called “WordPressScript”.
How Much Should I Charge Per Hour?
The standard rate is around $75 per hour, but this varies widely depending on the company and the type of work they do.
Is It Possible To Get Hired As A WordPress Programmer Freelancer?
Yes, if you have the right skills and strategy, it is possible to get hired as a WordPress programmer freelancer. In fact, many freelance programmers do make money from this type of work.
Do I Need A Degree To Be A Freelance Programmer?
No, a degree is not required for you to be a freelance programmer.
How Much Can I Earn As A Freelance Programmer?
This depends on your skill level and how much time you are willing to put into this work. If you have more experience, then it’s possible that you could earn higher amounts. However, if your skills are limited or you don’t have enough time, then your earnings may be lower than what they would be if someone else did all of the work for you (such as an assistant).
What Kind Of Jobs Should I Look For?
The first thing that comes to mind when thinking about freelance programming jobs is web development. This is because there are so many web developers out there who need help with their projects and websites that they’re willing to hire someone else in order to get them done faster or cheaper than they could do it themselves – especially when they did.
Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.
