Reasons to hire WordPress expert for your agency

Need to hire a WordPress developer for your digital marketing agency, but don’t know what to look for? You’re probably not alone. Of the digital marketing agencies that host websites, almost two thirds don’t specialize in development, and many have very little to no inhouse development experience. But, depending on the projects you take on, it’s very likely that you at some stage will need to procure web development expertise, or outsource it.

At the White Label Agency, we know WordPress development. As the world’s leading provider of WordPress outsourcing services to digital agencies, we employ over 130 inhouse WordPress developers, and we’ve built over 10,000 sites. Let us share some tips on what skills your agency needs to look for when you hire WordPress expert developers for your team.

Essential skills for WordPress experts

First and foremost, expert developers should be adept at debugging. This means not just knowing the ins and outs of WordPress core but also understanding the inner workings of frequently used plugins. Debugging is the foundation of a robust WordPress project.

Additionally, setting up a new domain and grasping web server complexities are fundamental skills. The ability to create custom plugins and make adjustments to existing ones demonstrates a developer’s proficiency.

In today’s interconnected digital landscape, expertise in handling different APIs is a must. Furthermore, a strong command of the back-end structure, including multi-site and e-commerce websites, sets expert developers apart.

But it’s not just about technical abilities. Effective communication skills are equally crucial. Expert developers often tackle complex projects that require translating clients’ needs into technical solutions. They should be able to explain the difficulties of a project even to non-technical stakeholders, ensuring a smooth collaboration.

Lastly, it’s important to understand the distinction between WordPress experts and developers with less experience. The difference extends beyond technical skills; it involves self-organization and speed.

Choosing the right developer for your project size

When it comes to the decision to hire WordPress expert developer for your projects, one size certainly does not fit all. Your project’s size plays a pivotal role in determining which developer is the right fit. Let’s dive into how project size influences this decision and explore the skill levels of Junior, Middle, and Senior developers.

Junior Developers are the backbone of many projects, especially those on the smaller side. With project sizes ranging from 2-6 different page designs, Junior developers shine in tasks like building simple websites from scratch, adding new layouts to existing sites, and handling regular maintenance. Their skills are well-suited for basic use of Advanced Custom Fields (ACF), making site content easy to manage.

Middle Developers step up to the plate when your project grows to encompass 6-10 different page designs. They excel in building more substantial sites or those with complex plugins like Event Calendars and WooCommerce. Middle developers are also adept at working with login areas, using conditional logic in GravityForms, and managing advanced ACF setups. They offer the flexibility needed for projects of this size and complexity.

Senior Developers are the masters of the craft, best suited for projects with 10 or more different page designs. They tackle complex sites with ease, connecting various APIs, creating custom plugins, and managing intricate back-end structures. Senior developers are the go-to choice for larger e-commerce projects, multi-site solutions, and projects requiring pixel-perfect attention to detail.

So, as you evaluate the size and complexity of your WordPress project, remember that choosing the right developer can make all the difference in its success. But project size isn’t the only factor to consider, keep in mind that time is an important asset. WLA’s head of production Dmitry adds his perspective:
“When it comes to speed and self-organization skills, the eminent difference between mid-level developers and the expert developer is considerable.”

Matching developer skills to project requirements

To make this decision easier, I’ve outlined the key skills and project sizes that match Junior, Middle, and Senior developers. Dive into the details below to ensure you’re making the right choice to hire WordPress expert for your agency.

Junior Developers

• Proficient in WordPress core
• Basic ACF usage
• Debugging expertise
• Basic API handling
• Basic back-end knowledge
• Project Size: 2-6 different page designs
• Project Types: Simple websites, maintenance
• Communication Skills: Effective communication

Middle Developers

• Proficient in WordPress core
• Advanced ACF usage
• Debugging expertise
• Advanced API handling
• Advanced back-end knowledge
• Project Size: 6-10 different page designs
• Project Types: Substantial sites, complex plugins, login areas
• Communication Skills: Effective communication

Senior Developers

• Proficient in WordPress core
• Advanced ACF usage
• Debugging expertise
• Advanced API handling
• Advanced back-end knowledge
• Project Size: 10+ different page designs
• Project Types: Complex sites, custom plugins, advanced back-end structures
• Communication Skills: Effective communication

A longevity in the business gives you all the expertise and knowledge when it comes to the decision to hire WordPress expert developers and WLA’s sales Jack tells me his opinion:

What sets us apart is our large and experienced team, which successfully completes approximately 3,000 websites each year, leaving behind a trail of satisfied customers. This level of expertise and knowledge is what enables us to deliver exceptional results.

Unsure about taking on inhouse WordPress expertise?

If you’re still unsure about whether taking on inhouse WordPress expertise is right for your agency, why not outsource? This will allow your agency to scale to meet the demands of projects of any size, while avoiding the risk and trouble of taking on a new team member. Outsourcing can take many forms, from purchasing development for a single contract, to hiring a dedicated developer on a monthly basis. Outsourcing can offer your agency a host of benefits, allowing you to take on projects you otherwise couldn’t handle, and maximizing your profitability. At White Label Agency, we’ve worked with over 600 agencies, helping them expand and thrive. We offer a range of different services, including website development, maintenance, and dedicated developer rental. Don’t hesitate to contact our sales team to find out what we can do for you!