WordPress is one of the most simple, user-friendly content management systems to build your websites or blogs. According to W3Techs, WordPress is the back-end technology used to develop 43% of the websites you see on the internet.
With the emergence of so many programming languages, it is not easy to find the appropriate WordPress developer with the right skillset. Therefore, while searching for a web developer, you will look for someone who has profound technical knowledge.
However, WordPress developers who focus on their non-technical skills and technical skills are valuable to the company’s growth. Here we present a comprehensive guide that will help you choose and hire the right WordPress developer for your company.
3 Skills Every WordPress Developer Needs
Major WordPress-powered websites are easily adjustable without prior technical knowledge. A recent survey by Netcraft indicates that WordPress is used to build around 455,000,000 websites to date. As a result, businesses and major e-commerce companies are looking for niche WordPress content developers at higher pay grades. Some of the niche skills to look for in a WordPress developer are:
1. Programming skills
A WordPress developer requires a good understanding and in-depth knowledge of various programming skills. Different open-source languages are now available in the website design industry. The most important of these are javascript, PHP, HTML, and CSS.
2. Business knowledge
Considerable knowledge of a few business processes is expected from a WordPress developer. For example, developers should at least understand the various functions like inventory, warehousing, and shipping in creating a logistics website.
3. User adaptability
Websites developed using WordPress are user-centric and focussed on user requirements. Therefore, hiring a professional WordPress developer also includes adapting to users’ changing demands and developing a user-friendly website.
4 Technical Skills of WordPress Developers:
Like any other profession, a WordPress developer should have the profound technical knowledge to build and maintain the infrastructure of WordPress websites. In addition, they should be well acquainted with specific programming languages like PHP, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, MySQL, and also use various tools.
Here are some WordPress developer technical skills needed to create WordPress websites.
1. Knowledge of PHP
It is the most widely used server-side scripting technology to build websites around the globe. Statistical data shows that PHP is used to develop 77.9% of the total number of websites. Therefore, every WordPress developer needs to know about PHP. Some of the reasons for having such a skill are
- Easy management of contents
- Quick and easy application of themes of your choice
- Communication with the database and third-party integration
- Easy control of plug-ins
- Incorporating basic features like sign in, posting, etc.
Thus, with knowledge about PHP, the developer can seamlessly manage the back-end of the WordPress websites. However, they can’t customize the website theme, unless HTML and CSS are used.
2. Use of CSS and HTML
HTML is a standard markup language that acts as a framework for a website. At the same time, CSS or Cascading Style Sheets determine the website’s design. Therefore, a developer needs to know HTML to design the wireframe and build the same prototype, while knowledge in CSS will help in making the UI more interactive and friendlier. Editing the theme design in WordPress can be achieved if one uses a page builder plug-in. Also, theme customizers can be used to edit themes. However, your developer will have to change the theme code to customize other design elements.
There are several ways to change and add CSS code in WordPress. They are:
- WordPress Theme Editor
- CPanel or FTP
- Theme Customizer
As WordPress websites are built with PHP, developers cannot directly change or edit the HTML of the theme files. However, there are a few plug-ins they can use to achieve the goal, which includes
- Header, Footer and Post injections
- WP Coder
- Ad Inserters
3. MySQL
MySQL is a relational database system used to store and retrieve data. It is an open-source system running as a server and allows users to build and manage numerous databases. It is the vital component of the LAMP stack of software used to build websites. LAMP is Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP. Almost every WordPress installation utilizes the LAMP stack as it is open source.
MySQL is used in WordPress to store and retrieve user profiles, post types, and contents. PHP’s programming language is used to retrieve and store this database. WordPress runs SQL (Structured Query Language) queries to access data in MySQL. Unless the professional understands how to make queries, join different tables, understand the views, and more, retrieving data, updating and patching the records, DB management, and other tasks can’t be completed with efficiency.
4. Tech SEO expertise
The main aim of technical SEO is to optimize the infrastructure of a website. Therefore, WordPress developers must be acquainted with core web vitals, speed optimization, etc., to build an optimized website. Core web vitals are ranking factors of any website on search engines. They are page experience measurements based on the data collected by the Chrome browser. In addition, if your website is too slow, people will not be interested in revisiting it.
Therefore you must hire a skilled WordPress developer who has the ability to optimize the website’s speed using WordPress speed optimization plug-ins. This will improve your site ranking and increase the flow of audiences on the website.
4 Technical SEO Skills a WordPress Developer Should Know:
Link building
WordPress specialists must know the basic concepts of link building. Generating links consumes a lot of time and energy, but it is crucial. Internal links allow users to find relevant content without hovering around the website. Moreover, backlinks pointing to the company’s website will improve the site ranking in search engines. Therefore, dedicating time and effort to develop and optimize links is essential in WordPress development.
Keyword research
It is the foundation of a robust SEO strategy. Your WordPress developers should possess the skill to understand and analyze competitors and choose high-quality, organic keywords. This is essential for developing a content marketing strategy for a WordPress site. Additionally, your developers must know how to use popular SEO tools to conduct keyword searches.
Data analysis
At the very basic, WordPress developers need to understand the information they’re gathering. Therefore, data analysis is a vital SEO skill that they must have as a WordPress developer. Interpreting and analyzing the data helps them make informed marketing decisions. Several SEO tools help build WordPress strategies. Google Analytics and Google Search Console are the two most popular analytical tools used for SEO data analysis.
Copywriting
One of the best ways to enhance SEO in WordPress development is to create and publish high-quality, relevant, and fresh content. Your WordPress developers can create and publish optimized content using several plug-ins such as Yoast SEO. It is a tool that optimizes SEO content and alerts them about readability issues in the article. This is the reason that WordPress acquired the market share of 35% of online content.
5 Non-Technical Skills of a WordPress Developer:
WordPress developers who focus on their non-technical skills as much as their technical adeptness augment your business growth. While technical expertise is crucial, other skills are also necessary to consider while hiring WordPress developers. Below are some essential WordPress developer non-technical skills that need to be considered prior to hiring a professional for developing your business website.
1. Willingness to receive feedback
Continuous testing and code reviews are part and parcel of any application development process. Improvement through feedback is how developers can learn and adopt changes in the website design. They must have an open mind to take constructive criticism effectively. Additionally, learning new skills is essential to effectively build a responsive and appealing WordPress website.
The web development field is ever-changing. Therefore, WordPress developers must explore new technologies and willingly keep up with the changes.
2. Focused performance
Website developments need a lot of strategizing and planning. Following a plan is essential; otherwise, developers may not deliver the project at the set deadline. Therefore, it is crucial to look for WordPress developers who can work with 100% dedication and passion. Knowledge of software development methods and project management tools can come in handy for strategizing the work in the best way possible.
3. Know the limitations
A skilled WordPress developer should be open to learning new technicalities. However, no developer can do every task assigned to them. Therefore, they must not promise to do vital work, not in their specialties. Furthermore, abiding by the instructions and following a certain etiquette is necessary when working as a WordPress developer.
4. Teamwork
Regular communication and effective teamwork are of utmost importance for a developer. To support responsive delivery, they must work in an agile methodology team.
The agile method helps web developers to complete a WordPress project within a budget and a set timeframe.
As a WordPress web developer, it is essential to have a focussed and dedicated approach to the project. Moreover, it helps in delivering quality work at the scheduled time window. This will help prevent delayed deliveries or errors caused due to lack of communication.
5. Mindset
Being a WordPress website developer is not just about having textbook knowledge. It is much more than that. They need to approach the field with a positive mindset. Having sound business logic matters just as much. The developers must have the skill to reflect the values of a business and what it has to offer the best in your website. Every professional you want to hire for your business must work to enhance the performance and productivity
Find the best WordPress developer for your company
Since you now have an idea about the skills needed for a WordPress developer, finding a suitable candidate by considering the hiring factors won’t be difficult. The most obvious skill you will expect from a WordPress web developer is their sound knowledge in programming and makeup languages. It includes PHP, SQL, HTML, CSS, jQuery, JavaScript, etc.
A deserving and talented web developer will exhibit a strong business sense and sound technical knowledge. They must also understand user experience and its importance in businesses. However, web designs and development processes are ever-changing. So, it will help if you look for a WordPress developer who can create web designs that keep up with the change.
FAQ on WordPress Developer Skills:
1. Does a WordPress developer need to know about AI?
The primary technical skills that you must look for in the WordPress developer are knowledge about PHP, HTML, CSS, and more. There is no hard and fast rule that the developer should have experience in AI.
2. Why should we hire a WordPress developer?
There are so many reasons to hire a WordPress developer for your business. If you are running a business on WordPress without any technical skills, then it might cause a loss in your ROI. Your developer will know how to maximize the performance, security, and traffic of your website. If you need any help regarding technical tasks, bug/error fixing, any themes update, etc. then they will help you to resolve all of these issues in a very less time.
3. How much does it cost to hire a WordPress developer?
The cost of hiring a WordPress developer depends on so many factors such as the type of website, number of features required, type of business, level of customization, etc. Also, the cost depends on the developer’s requirements (full-time, part-time). The cost of hiring expert WordPress developers starts from $40.
4. What qualifications should a business look for in WordPress developers?
WordPress developers must be proficient with WordPress.
Other qualifications necessary are:
Proficiency in HTML5, CSS3, jQuery, JavaScript, PHP
- Good understanding of front-end and back-end website development technicalities.
- Expertise in using debugging tools like the Chrome Inspector.
5. Which technologies and frameworks should a WordPress Developer be familiar with or expert in?
A WordPress web developer must be fluent in programming languages like HTML, PHP, JavaScript, jQuery, and good commands on back-end systems and architecture to build optimized, user-friendly websites.
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