Looking For A WordPress Programmer? Make These 4 Qualifications A Requirement

by Andrew Millar

While there are a wide variety of options for the do-it-yourself-ers interested in website design on WordPress, those who want a more professional and versatile site will need assistance from an experienced WordPress programmer. A professional programmer can help transform standard templates into uniquely branded designs and bring your vision to life. If you’re wondering how to pick out the most talented WordPress programmer, make these qualifications a requirement during the hiring process.

Language Fluency

One of the reasons for WordPress’ popularity is its user-friendly designs and wide variety of customizable templates. While this is a benefit for less computer-savvy business owners, it can also make it harder to spot sub-par WordPress programmers. To find the most talented programmers, they need to be able to code and have working knowledge of WordPress standards. WordPress touts itself as usable “out of the box” and while that statement is true, a customized website requires modifications which, in turn, require code. If you want a truly custom website, you need a programmer who knows their code. Ask to see portfolios during the hiring process and ask about their fluency with different codes to find the best programmer for your site.

Current Referrals

Whether you’re hiring plumbers, carpenters, or WordPress programmers, you need to make current referrals a key qualification in the hiring process. While a long list of training and certifications is impressive, programmers and business owners need to work very closely together to produce a cohesive and effective site. Website owners and programmers work in partnership, volleying ideas back and forth and sometimes having disagreements about content and style. For that process to be effective, you need to find WordPress programmers who work well with clients. A call to former customers can ensure that you hire a programmer that not only has the experience but also the people skills to collaborate on the best website possible.

Mobile/Responsive Design Experience

The popularity of smart phones and other “second screen” technology has made hiring WordPress programmers who are experienced with mobile or responsive design more necessary than ever. If you plan to compete in your industry, you need a WordPress programmer who is capable of making websites look amazing on small screens. If you haven’t already decided whether to pursue a mobile design or responsive design, discussing the pros and cons with potential programmers is a great place to start. Qualified programmers not only have experience with second screen website design but can formulate a plan towards implementation unique to your business goals.

SEO Expertise

While WordPress has many of the tools needed to optimize search engine results, it isn’t a catch-all. Search engine optimization (SEO) is part knowledge and part experience and while content plays a big part, a well designed website can also help businesses reach the top of their searches. One qualification to search for when hiring a WordPress programmer is how they implement good SEO practices into their design. Talented WordPress programmers are able to integrate core concepts of SEO into the design of a website which helps boost traffic from the outset.

Unfortunately, there are no degrees or classes that make qualified WordPress programmers but there are a variety of skills that indicate a programmer is qualified. If you’re taking the dive into hiring a WordPress programmer, don’t approach it without an idea of what traits make a great programmer. Make sure whoever you choose has relevant experience with SEO, coding and mobile or responsive design as well as the ability to work with a variety of clients to their satisfaction.