Nearly 20% of all websites on the web are based on WordPress. This fact exemplifies the popularity of WordPress. This makes many people want to start a website based on this platform. The challenge is getting the right person to set-up your website. There are many techies out there claiming to be WordPress experts. However, it is a fact that not all are made the same. Maybe you are starting the site for business purposes and so you want the best possible solutions to all your needs. Whether you are a technical or lay person in matters of technology, knowing the right question to ask your potential service provider will greatly determine the type of work quality you will get.
Let’s consider a number of specific questions you need to ask before hiring a WordPress developer.
- Are you conversant with the emerging website technologies?
One of the trends in website development is the designing of responsive websites. More and more people are using smart phones, tablets and iPad to satisfy their internet and business interests. You want a developer who will make your site ready not only for the desktop computer but for all these other mobile devices.
- What do you want from me to make this project a success?
This question will help you to fully understand your full responsibility towards the success of your project. Even if you are not technologically savvy, there are things that need your attention and input. For example, the type of content on your site needs your approval. You also need to be clear on what the terms and conditions are. Copyright issues as regards content and logos must be clearly spelled out and ideally should be yours since they have been created through a hired service.
- What data do you expect from me?
This question is related to the one immediately above. Your developer will need some files about your business so that among other things the finished website will be easy to navigate for your customers. With this information, your WordPress developer should be able to bring out your marketing strategy clearly.
- What are your rates?
The rates should be consistent with the type of service or website building technique applied. For example, using a custom theme as it is should be relatively cheap than customizing such a theme or even creating one from scratch. A good developer should be able to outline what his rate covers and what they don’t. At this point, you will be able to do a comparison. Having the complete picture will also enable you to decide whether the service is within your budget or not.
- What is your overall experience with WordPress?
A good developer should have been in the business for a reasonable period of time. The list of clients they have worked for or projects they have had an active role in are also a good indication of their capability and what to expect from them. A fresh developer should not be dismissed on that aspect alone since they may be sharp in newer ways of doing things than older developers who may be fixed in doing things in a certain way.
The list of question can vary depending on your own experience and specific project. A technologically knowledgeable person will ask more technical questions regarding things like version control, github and debugging issues. Despite this, you should always make a careful choice of your WordPress developer because the success of your business success will to a good extent depend on it.