WordPress centers on versatility, flexibility, and creativity. You can have your pick from thousands of uniquely crafted themes, pair them with hordes of WordPress plugins, and have a website unlike any other on the web today. But that takes a lot of hard work, not to mention knowledge. Sure, most WordPress themes and plugins boast that coding knowledge is not required for use. But when you start mixing and matching themes and plugins of all sorts, and aim for a very specific design or functionality, chances are high that you are going to need to have a least a little bit of tech-knowledge. Luckily, if you want create a highly functioning and truly dynamic website, yet have zero coding knowledge, there are plenty of WordPress developers aching to work for you. Today we’re going to look at how you can vet the highest quality WordPress developers available, and where to find them. So, let’s get started and find you an exceptional WordPress developer. What to Look for in a Quality WordPress Developer Before jumping into where you can find the best WordPress developers, it is important to have an idea what to look for in an experienced developer. This way you can pick the best one for your project. Here are some of the top traits of a quality WordPress developer: Responsive to all communication in a timely manner Adherence to deadlines with little or no delays Delivers what the client requests with no additional changes Properly functioning design Professional, kind, and respectful personality Flexible with client changes Extensive portfolio for clients to view, complete with references Proper skillset (think designer vs developer or a mix of the two) In addition to having all of the above qualities, here are some crucial questions to ask any potential WordPress developer you are thinking of hiring: Will you be using an existing theme, a child theme, or building a theme from scratch? Which web hosting providers do you recommend? How many plugins will you install? Will my website be mobile-friendly? What SEO optimization will you include? How will you secure my website from outside threats? Will you include a backup solution? How will I be able to analyze my website’s traffic? Do you provide ongoing support? What is the price for your services and are there any additional fees I should be aware of? If you ask this set of core questions to any developer you are interested in working with, you’ll have a good idea whether they are serious about your business or not. The Best Way to Find a High Quality WordPress Developer for Your Next Project Here is a list of some of the best resources you can use to find a reputable WordPress developer without getting lost in a sea of people competing for your business. 1. WPhired WPhired is a job board dedicated to offering WordPress talent to the masses. If you are looking for a WordPress developer, programmer, theme author, plugin author, or content writer, WPhired has you covered. Start by signing up for a free account. Then, fill out a short form designating which region you would like your developer to be stationed in, what your individual project needs are, and even add a link to your project if you want to. Additionally, you can sign up for their email list and receive regular information about available developers looking for more work. 2. Toptal Toptal is a marketplace for the top 3% of all freelance WordPress developers, engineers, programmers, coders, architects, and consultants. All developers featured on this site have passed rigorous screening procedures and have qualities such as passion and drive. To use this site you simply fill out the form provided with your information and get connected to a developer within 24 hours of your request. What’s more, Toptal is convinced you will be satisfied with the very first developer they match you with since this is the case with 90% of their clients. However, if you are not satisfied, Toptal will gladly match you with another developer until you are happy. 3. Upwork Upwork boasts over 12 million registered freelancers looking for work using its massive marketplace. Thus, you will have no problem finding the right developer for your project here. After creating an account, search Upwork’s finest based on hourly rate, location, and job success. In addition, gain access to individual developers’ profiles for more information about their skillset, their previous work, test scores, and client feedback. Moreover, if they have uploaded any portfolio pieces you can view them too. Altogether, this site is relatively simple to use and is perfect for those who have an easy project they want finished quickly. 4. WordPress Jobs Powered by WordPress itself, this wonderful job board will put you in touch with a variety of WordPress experts. Moreover, you can post your own opening requesting the help of a developer, complete with your requirements. Include things like required education, key responsibilities if hired, and needed skillset to complete your project. You will also include your contact information so that anyone interested has a way of reaching out to you. In all, this job board’s association with WordPress.org boosts your chances of you finding the right developer match. 5. Code Poet Code Poet is another highly respected site maintained by Automattic, the creators of WordPress.com. All professionals on this site are scrutinized for quality before being allowed to feature their services for site visitors. And because of this, you will always know you are hiring the best. With Code Poet you can search for developers based on region, specialty, and even platform. You then estimate the size of your project based on projected cost and match with consultants that are willing to work for you. Just be aware that many of the matches will be small consulting firms rather than individual freelancers. This may lead to higher estimated costs per project than can be found elsewhere. 6. Smashing Jobs As the leading online publication on web design, it only makes sense that Smashing Magazine would offer a job board for all its loyal followers. Since Smashing Magazine content tends to focus on WordPress, you will find that there are many developers looking here that want to work for you. To use Smashing Jobs, simply post your project needs and wait for interested developers to reach out to you. The only downfall with this job board is that it costs to post your project needs here – $75 for freelance and $225 for full time. However, plenty of experienced people frequent Smashing Magazine regularly so chances are good that you will find a quality developer in no time. 7. Freelancer.com Connecting an estimated 22 million+ employers and freelancers across 247 countries, regions, and territories, freelancer.com is the single largest freelancing and crowdsourcing marketplace available today. Hire people to develop your website in minutes by selecting your project type, designating a budget, deciding on hourly pay or fixed prices, and determining what your project’s size is. Next, watch the bids come in as interested freelancers vie for your business. Stay updated with your project’s status through real time chat, 24/7 support, time trackers, and even a mobile app. Moreover, do not pay until you are 100% satisfied with the project’s results. In the end, these guarantees ensure you receive your money’s worth and you are not taken advantage of by shady freelancers. 8. Envato Studio As if ThemeForest and CodeCanyon weren’t enough for diehard WordPress fans. Envato Studio also has a hand-selected job board available so you can find an experienced developer for your needs. To start, narrow your search to designate a price range, specify a turnaround time, and even select a region. Next, scroll through the results checking out recommendation percentages, prices, and more by clicking on individual profiles. In the profile section, find jobs completed in the past, contact information, repeat clients, and client feedback. This easy way of finding a web developer is just another reason Envato Studio remains at the top of their game in the WordPress world. Final Thoughts In the end, finding the perfect WordPress developer does not have to involve swimming in a sea of people who may or may not be qualified to do a job well done. Thanks in large part to the WordPress community, as well as the demand for high quality WordPress experts, there are plenty of organizations that are willing to guide you to your perfect match via their extensive jobs boards. So, if you find yourself in need of a well-respected WordPress developer, check out some of the above-mentioned resources and shorten your search time dramatically. And if you’d like for us to make a recommendation, submit your request here and we can connect you with some of the WP folks that we’ve worked with in the past. Have you ever used any of the above-mentioned resources to find a WordPress expert? I would love to hear all about it in the comments below!
As you build your online business using WordPress, it’s likely you’ll find that organization is one of the more important things you can do to nurture your success (that is, after selecting a secure web host.) Have you ever forgotten the location of a project you were just working on earlier that day? Or have you ever found yourself needing to contact a fellow team member, only to realize there was no quick and efficient way to do so? If so, you’re not alone. There are plenty of project management tools for WordPress available today that offer ways of staying organized when it comes to your online business. However, wading through all of the options and features can be time-consuming and overwhelming. That’s why I created this list of some of the best project management tools specifically designed for WordPress users looking to stay organized, connected, and headache-free. 1. Orbis Orbis is a powerful WordPress plugin perfect for running your online business. Packed with project management, customer relation management (CRM), and Intranet functionalities, this business tool is a flexible solution for those looking to stay organized, extend their business tools, and gain more control. Add new projects, include clients, connect with staff, and customize it all to match your needs using the sensible and easy-to-use WordPress dashboard turned business management tool. Additional features of Orbis include: Extendable functionality with plugin add-ons Free Orbis framework complete with front-end Orbis theme Manage projects, people, vendors, suppliers, and companies Add pages or posts to your company Intranet Fully translatable PRICE: FREE 2. SP Project & Document Manager SP Project & Document Manager is a popular WordPress project management plugin for easy file sharing of any type of document. For instance, it allows users to maintain documents, records, files, videos, and images. In addition, you can manage client accounts and document distribution, as well as get clients involved in the modification of projects if you wish. Additional features of SP Project & Document Manager include: Intuitive layout for managing projects, clients, and documents Monitor client uploads Add staff, suppliers, vendors, subcontractors, and partners Works with WordPress Multisite Maintain complete control over the flow of information PRICE: FREE 3. Kanban Boards for WordPress Kanban Boards for WordPress is a unique WordPress plugin that lets you add Kanban boards (visual workflow tools) to your website. Ideal for project management, Kanban boards are also optimal for CRM, sales tracking, content scheduling, hiring employees, and more. With its “edit in place” feature, Kanban keeps your workflow moving quickly, easily, and directly from the board. In addition, it provides an easy interface for customizing each board per your client’s needs, estimates completion times, and lets you monitor logged hours. Additional features of Kanban include: Filter and search for tasks, then bookmark for easy access Store data separately from WordPress data for extra privacy and security Collaborate and review in real-time Mobile friendly Easy task assignment PRICE: FREE 4. Project Panorama Project Panorama is a robust plugin designed for WordPress users looking to streamline client interactions and project management. It has a visual project dashboard with instant access to any project. In addition, each client or team member you collaborate with can have their own customized dashboard previewing only the projects assigned to them. Lastly, you can discuss all projects in one convenient location so projects don’t overwhelm your email inbox. Additional features of Project Panorama include: Automatic project updates Project templates for setting up new projects quickly Request changes or make approvals directly on project pages Compare project assignment, status, and projected completion deadlines Fully translatable and mobile friendly PRICE: Starting at $59 5. TaskFreak! TaskFreak! Is a great project management plugin for creating projects, assigning tasks, communicating with team members, and monitoring project status. This project management tool is designed for those who need a simple and easy solution for staying organized and connected. Built into the WordPress dashboard, TaskFreak! gives users a way to create, edit, and delete all projects and tasks. In addition, you can add attachments to tasks and leave comments using the built-in commenting system. Additional features of TaskFreak! include: Fully integration with default WordPress users and roles Mobile friendly Create private and public projects Multi-language support Easy installation PRICE: FREE 6. WP Project Manager WP Project Manager boasts being the best project management plugin on the market today. Full-featured and meant to work directly with WordPress, this project management tool includes only the things you need to run a successful online business and nothing more. For example, create new projects, assign members to tasks, send messages, attach files to messages, and leave comments directly on tasks or projects. In addition, make to-do lists, follow a task progress bar, and even mark any project as complete/incomplete. Additional features of WP Project Manager include: Create and track milestones for collaborators to follow Monitor all uploaded files in one place Easily navigate to any project, task, message, or comment Control all user roles and limit project visibility Utilize the built-in commenting system to communicate PRICE: FREE 7. CQPIM WordPress Project Management CQPIM WordPress Project Management is a full-featured project management tool for managing clients and team members alike. Combining all project management needs into one easy to use plugin, CQPIM works to get projects organized and communication cleared up so progress is made and success is had. For example, maintain complete control over the workflow, utilize the powerful settings panel for customizing projects, and assign roles limiting visibility of projects. In addition, provide each client their own individualized dashboard with everything they need to stay involved with their projects. Additional features of CQPIM include: Track milestones, tasks, and deadlines Create team member to-do lists One-click cloning of quotes and projects Automatically generate and send invoices for completed projects Online contract acceptance PRICE: $38 8. Task Manager Task Manager is a lightweight, fast-performing WordPress plugin for all of your project management needs. For instance, create new projects and tasks, assign to team members, and track completion times. In addition, categorize tasks by date for easy monitoring and accessibility. Lastly, team members can comment with the date and time spent on any project they have been assigned to. Additional features of Task Manager include: Email notifications of project assignments Export tasks in text format or integrate into a report Monitor user activity thanks to the plugin’s chronology Archive all completed tasks and projects Display tasks or projects in any post or page using a shortcode PRICE: FREE Final Thoughts In the end, there’s definitely no shortage when it comes to project management tools for WordPress. And, with so many available options, all with different features that may appeal to you and your overall management goals, you can rest assured there is a solution for you. So, pick a solution from this list of project management tools for WordPress and start getting organized and connected today. Like ‘best of’ lists? Try Finding the Best WordPress Hosting.
