Stop Guessing: How to Hire the Right WordPress Developer for Your Project

Hiring a WordPress developer can feel like rolling the dice—especially if you’re not sure what questions to ask or how to tell the difference between a solid developer and someone who’s just good at configuring page builders.

As a freelance WordPress developer, I’ve worked on projects that started off on the wrong foot because the client hired someone who wasn’t a great fit for their needs. Sometimes it was poor communication, sometimes it was bloated code, and sometimes the site was entirely dependent on plugins that broke as soon as updates rolled out.

The problem isn’t just the developer—it’s often the hiring process itself.

Most businesses don’t know what to ask beyond, “How much does it cost?” or “How long will it take?” But there are better questions that reveal how a developer really works, how much they actually know, and whether they’re the right person to trust with your website.

The Right Questions Make All the Difference

If you’re planning to build or rebuild your WordPress site, you should be asking things like:

  • Do you write your own code (PHP, HTML, CSS, JavaScript), or do you rely on page builders?
  • How do you handle SEO and performance optimization during development?
  • What happens if something breaks after launch?
  • Will I have full ownership of my site and hosting accounts?
  • How do you test for mobile responsiveness and browser compatibility?

These kinds of questions go deeper than the surface-level promises—and the answers can save you from wasted time, unexpected costs, or hiring someone who isn’t equipped to do the job well.

Download the Free WordPress Developer Interview Checklist

To make this easier, I put together a free WordPress Developer Interview Checklist that includes the key questions you should be asking before hiring any WordPress developer.

I’ve also included my answers in the checklist, so you can see how I approach projects and compare that directly to other developers you might be speaking with.

➡️ Get the free checklist here

No guesswork. Just real questions and real answers, so you can hire with confidence.

Why This Matters

Your website is an investment, not just a line item on your to-do list. Whether you’re a small business owner, marketing manager, or agency looking for subcontractor support, choosing the right developer upfront makes a huge difference in how smoothly your project runs—and how successful your site is long term.

If you’re ready to make a smart hiring decision, grab the checklist and feel free to reach out with any questions.


Vernon S. Howard is a seasoned WordPress developer and problem-solver, who helms VSHoward LLC, a freelance development business based in Norwalk, CT. Specializing in building, maintaining, and optimizing WordPress sites for diverse businesses, Vernon also collaborates as a subcontractor for agencies, delivering high-quality development services. Vernon excels in strategic, efficient problem-solving, traits reflected in his insightful blog sharing WordPress solutions and business strategies.

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