WordPress Freelancer: A Comprehensive Guide to Success

Table of Content

• Who is a WordPress Freelancer?
• What does a WordPress Freelancer do?
• Roles and Responsibilities of WordPress Freelancer
• Steps to Become a WordPress Freelancer
• Keys Skills for a WordPress Freelancer
• Finding WordPress Freelance Opportunities
• Managing & Delivering WordPress Projects
• Marketing Yourself As a WordPress Freelancer
• Overcoming Challenges as a WordPress Freelancer
• Tools and Resources for WordPress Freelancers
• Advantages & Disadvantages of Hiring a WordPress Freelancer
• FAQs Related to WordPress Freelancers
• To Summarize

In today’s rapidly-advancing digital landscape, a website is the best way for anyone to create authority in the market. When we talk about creating a new website, the first thing that comes to mind is the platform for it. And what’s better than WordPress? You can employ WordPress developers to create everything from simple single-page sites to complex eCommerce stores. 

But nowadays, one concept is quickly gaining some popularity in every sort of market, i.e., freelancers. A freelancer is an individual who works independently. They offer their services to clients on a project-by-project basis. Freelancers are typically self-employed and have expertise in a particular field or skill set. Here, that skill set will be WordPress.  

In this blog, we’ll talk about WordPress freelancers, their roles, responsibilities, and skills. Also, how somebody can become a successful one. You’ll also learn how to market yourself as a WordPress freelancer and find the best opportunities.

Who is a WordPress Freelancer?

A WordPress freelancer specializes in WordPress development, WordPress theme design, WordPress speed optimization, WordPress migration, WordPress Plugin development, customization, and maintenance. But they offer their services on a freelance basis. Besides technical skills, freelancers know how to work independently. That means on a project-by-project basis. But they know the importance of collaborating with clients.

The Freelance WordPress developers are quite proficient in front-end development, back-end development, and full-stack development. That means they will be able to take care of every part of your website, from design to development and after-launch maintenance.

WordPress freelancers often have a strong understanding of HTML, CSS, and PHP. These are the underlying technologies used in web development. They may also possess additional skills in graphic design, UX/UI design, and digital marketing. That allows them to provide comprehensive solutions for clients.

By outsourcing WordPress-related development tasks, you can hire WordPress freelancers to leverage their expertise and save time and effort. Freelancers offer flexibility, personalized attention, and often cost-effective solutions compared to larger agencies or in-house teams.

What does a WordPress Freelancer do?

Freelance WordPress programmers are responsible for a variety of tasks related to the process of creating and customizing a website. From web design to development and customization and even further to maintenance, a WordPress freelancer should be able to handle everything. 

Here’s what a WordPress freelancer is supposed to do:

• Freelancer WordPress developers should be able to understand the technical and non-technical requirements related to the project presented by the client. Otherwise, they won’t be able to create the best possible website with respect to the client’s expectations.
• A WordPress freelancer needs to work on multiple projects simultaneously. So they should be able to manage time between them effectively. The key to project management is to allocate specific time for every task and set realistic deadlines. That way, they can ensure all websites are developed smoothly.
• They have to stay in constant touch with the client through every step of the process. So the website can be customized according to their personal requirements. The constant feedback ensures quality assurance and client satisfaction, which results in retention and referrals. 
• Sometimes, clients need custom functionalities on their websites. So the freelance WordPress expert should know how to design high-quality custom codes to ensure the client’s website stands out among the crowd. 

And, of course, the WordPress freelancer should be able to design and create a comprehensive website with all the necessary features and functionalities. 

When it comes to creating high-quality websites, a WordPress development company has different teams for SEO, web design, development, and QA & testing. But freelance WordPress developers have to take care of everything themselves.

So we’ll check out the WordPress freelancers’ roles and responsibilities in the next section.

Roles and Responsibilities of WordPress Freelancer

Whether you want to revamp your current site or start on a new one from scratch, a freelance WordPress developer will help you out. Their roles and responsibilities dictate comprehensive know-how about WordPress website development, from design to launch and even further to maintenance. 

Let’s check out the roles and responsibilities of a WordPress freelancer:

• Website Design & Development. First and foremost, the freelancer should be able to design and create captivating and functional websites. WordPress website development services include planning the site structure, selecting themes, designing layouts, and implementing client-requested customizations.
• Theme Customization. It may be possible that the clients are not satisfied with the existing themes in the library. In that case, a freelance WordPress developer should know how to customize according to the client’s branding and design preferences. WordPress theme customization also means modifying the colors, fonts, layouts, and custom features.
• Plugin Customization. Plugins can help enhance a website’s functionalities like eCommerce, SEO, security measures, performance, contact forms, and more. But for additional features, the freelancer should know about WordPress plugin development. That means creating a new plugin or customizing it according to the client’s requirements.
• Content Management. A WordPress freelancer will also need to be experienced with web design services, which include content creation, formatting, and organization. They should know how to optimize the content (written and media) for search engines. Their roles include creating and publishing blog posts, managing pages, uploading images and multimedia, and ensuring a consistent and engaging UX.
• Website Maintenance and Updates. A freelance WordPress developer is responsible for providing regular maintenance and updates to WordPress websites. That includes core updates, theme updates, plugin updates, security patches, backups, and performance optimization. They should monitor website performance and security and promptly resolve any potential issues.
• SEO Optimization. One of the responsibilities of any WordPress developer is to provide basic digital marketing services, which include implementing SEO techniques. Although a custom WordPress development company has dedicated teams for SEO, the freelancers have to take care of this technique themselves. That improves the website’s visibility and rankings in search engine results. They will also need to optimize metadata, structure URLs, improve website speed, and enhance UX to boost organic search traffic.
• Troubleshooting and Support. A WordPress freelancer should know how to diagnose and resolve technical issues, including compatibility problems and website errors. They must provide timely and effective support to clients. So the latter’s concerns can be addressed, and the smooth functioning of the website can be ensured.
• Client Communication and Project Management. They should maintain effective communication with clients throughout the project lifecycle. That means understanding the client’s requirements, providing regular updates, managing timelines and deadlines, and ensuring client satisfaction.
• Continuous Learning and Professional Development. WordPress freelancers should stay updated with the latest techniques, trends, and best practices in the web development space. So they can continuously improve WordPress development and customization skills. They must also be eager to explore new tools and technologies and seek better opportunities for high-quality services.
• Business Development and Client Acquisition. If you are a WordPress freelancer, you should also actively market your services, network with potential clients, and seek new project opportunities. Moreover, it’s important to maintain a professional online presence, showcase your portfolio, and leverage referrals to expand your client base. That ensures rapid growth in your business and reach in the industry. 

Now, obviously, some of these roles and responsibilities tend to vary (in detail) depending on the particular project, client requirements, and the agreed-upon scope of work. However, as a freelancer, you must be flexible enough to adapt to these roles and responsibilities and more, as do the dedicated WordPress developers.

Next, we’ll discuss how anyone with a drive can become a WordPress freelancer. 

Steps to Become a WordPress Freelancer

Now that you know what the roles and responsibilities of a professional WordPress freelancer are, let’s see how you can become a quality one. 

As you already know, WordPress is a highly-popular website development platform. So it’s quite obvious that there are several outstanding WordPress freelancers worldwide. That means it will be a little tricky to stand out from the crowd and gain some recognition. 

But we think you can become a high-quality WordPress freelancer by following the steps shown below. 

Step 1: Acquire WordPress Skills & Expertise

As you may imagine, the first step to becoming an expert in any field is acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge associated with WordPress. It’s a massive platform with some outstanding capabilities to customize the websites comprehensively. 

So you need to learn every aspect of this CMS, from installing WordPress to using themes and plugins for customizations. You should also know how to configure the WordPress settings, fortify the defenses, and improve the website’s performance. 

To take your WordPress development skills to the next level, one should know what’s new in PHP, the programming language behind WordPress. That will help you understand how themes and plugins are built. Familiarize yourself with WordPress Codex and developer resources. Plus, there are several tools for WordPress freelancers to create comprehensive websites. 

Freelancers must also engage with the WordPress community to expand their knowledge and network. We advise you to participate in WordPress forums, attend local meetups or WordCamps, and follow WordPress-related blogs and podcasts.

Step 2: Build a Strong Portfolio

After you have acquired all the necessary skills and knowledge regarding WordPress development, a freelancer must build a complete portfolio. In a portfolio, you can showcase your skills, experience, and creativity, allowing potential clients to assess the quality of your work.

Here’s what you can do to build a strong portfolio:

• Elaborate on your skills and experience
• Include various projects you have worked on.
• Provide detailed info about every major project.
• Highlight your best achievements over the years.
• Try to include client feedback and testimonials. 

Ensure you maintain a visually-appealing design throughout the portfolio and pay attention to every little detail possible. Also, update your portfolio with new projects as you complete them. Finally, keep refining the overall style of the portfolio to make a strong impression on potential clients.

Step 3: Establish a Professional Online Presence

Now, when it comes to establishing a professional online presence, WordPress freelancers must build and show their skills to attract potential clients and build credibility in the industry. 

Here’s what we recommend you for establishing a professional online presence:

• Create a professional website
• Choose a professional domain name
• Optimize your website for search engines
• Showcase your portfolio
• Craft a compelling bio or About page
• Maintain a professional blog
• Leverage social media platforms
• Collect and display client testimonials
• Maintain consistent branding throughout the website and socials
• Regularly engage with the WordPress community

Creating a strong online presence will help attract more potential clients, build your reputation in the industry, and propel your WordPress freelancer career even further.

Step 4: Do Networking & Build Connections

For dominance in the WordPress freelance market, you need to do networking and build connections across industries to get in touch with more clients and customers looking for WordPress development services. 

For excellent networking, you’ll need to do the following:

• Attend WordPress events
• Participate in online community forums
• Collaborate with other professionals
• Contribute to the WordPress community
• Engage on social media
• Offer assistance and support
• Follow industry & podcasts.

When talking about networking, people think it’s just about getting in touch with other people for their benefit. But it’s important to understand that networking is a two-way street. It’s not just about receiving support but also about offering assistance and building meaningful relationships. That will help build positive connections with concerned personnel in the industry, attracting more clientele.

Step 5: Set Your Rate Chart

After acquiring your skills and building a portfolio, you will need to set up a detailed rate chart for your WordPress development services. But that is a complex process with a variety of elements at work. Here are the elements that help create a detailed price chart for your services:

• Assess your skills and experience
• Market research on the rates for similar services
• Scope of project
• Overhead costs on add-ons
• Engagement models
• Value propositions

Ultimately, you have to understand that the prices of different services are subjective to several factors. That’s why every custom WordPress development company has different engagement models and has detailed consultations with the clients to settle on the final price of the project. Whether it’s with a professional company or a freelancer, the process of determining the WordPress website development cost is pretty much the same.

Similarly, a WordPress freelancer can also have meetings with the clients, understand their project requirements, and then determine the prices accordingly.

Step 6: Set Up a Contract & Invoicing System

Unlike dedicated WordPress developers from professional companies, freelancers don’t have dedicated sales and account teams to handle the finances. So the final step to becoming a professional is to set up a contract and invoicing system. 

Here are a few significant elements of an independent contractor (or freelancer) invoice:

• Your name (or company’s name) and contact info
• Client’s name and contact info
• Date of invoice
• Invoice number
• Description of services provided
• Date and duration (in case the freelancer has been hired on an hourly basis) of each service
• Breakdown of pricing (hourly or flat rates)
• Applicable taxes

As a freelancer, it’s important you track and organize these invoices with the dates, client names, payment status, and amount received/due. That will help you stay on top of these invoices to ensure smooth financial management. 

Following these steps will help you become an outstanding, well-rounded WordPress freelancer. Then you can showcase your services, demand your prices, and back them up with the skills to show. 

But what are these coveted skills every WordPress freelancer should have? We’ll find out in the next section.

Keys Skills for a WordPress Freelancer

As mentioned earlier, WordPress is a vast content management system with various facets for website customization. So although there is a huge demand for WordPress developers worldwide, only those with the skills to match their image can succeed in the industry. So you have to be prepared with all the technical as well as non-technical skills just to stand out from the competition. 

That’s why we have listed a few of the most significant skills necessary for every WordPress freelancer to gain traction in the field:

Proficiency in WordPress CMS

First and foremost, you need to be skilled with WordPress as a content management system. That includes having a deeper understanding of everything, starting with installing and configuring WordPress. It also includes managing its themes and plugins to create completely-customized websites. The freelancer must also be aware of how to optimize the site’s performance and fortify its security.

It also involves theme and plugin selection, customization, and management, custom post types, and taxonomy creation. So you can develop a completely personalized website according to the client’s requirements. 

Proficiency in WordPress CMS also means understanding database management. This knowledge helps troubleshoot issues, optimize performance, and implement advanced features on the website.

HTML, CSS, and JavaScript knowledge

A strong foundation in web development languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript is crucial for WordPress development. It helps customize WordPress themes, implement design changes, and add interactive elements to websites. 

Proficiency in these languages gives you greater control and flexibility in creating unique and visually appealing websites.

• HTML (Hypertext Markup Language). HTML is the backbone of WordPress website development. This markup language defines the structure and layout of the web pages. So with HTML, a freelancer can create and organize the elements on a webpage, such as headings, paragraphs, lists, images, and links.
• CSS (Cascading Style Sheets). CSS helps with the visual presentation and styling of web pages. With CSS, a WordPress freelancer can have better control over the appearance of HTML elements, including layout, colors, fonts, and animations. So they can customize the design of WordPress themes, apply consistent styling across a website, and create responsive layouts for different devices. 
• JS (JavaScript). This scripting language adds dynamic functionality to websites. It lets WordPress freelancers create interactive elements and perform client-side form validations. They can also implement sliders, create image galleries, handle user interactions, and even fetch data from external sources.

Combining HTML, CSS, and JavaScript gives a WordPress freelancer better control over the appearance and behavior of websites.

Understanding of responsive web design

A majority of the web traffic comes from mobile devices. So a responsive web design for WordPress freelancers is quite necessary. That includes creating websites that adapt and display properly on various screen sizes, devices, and browsers. 

A responsive web design includes:

• Fluid layouts
• Media queries
• Flexible images and media
• Responsive typography

By embracing responsive web design principles, a WordPress freelancer can deliver websites with optimal UX across devices. Responsive design also enhances accessibility, improves search engine rankings, and caters to the growing number of mobile and tablet users.

Familiarity with SEO best practices

SEO is vital for improving the visibility of WordPress websites in the search engine result pages. Here are some of the significant best practices related to WordPress SEO that should be followed by every freelancer:

• Keyword research
• On-page optimization
• Site speed optimization
• Mobile Optimization
• Content creation and optimization
• User experience
• Backlinking and link building
• SEO analysis

Taking care of these practices will help optimize websites to rank higher in SERPs, drive targeted organic traffic, and improve overall online visibility. So to ensure the best results for the client websites, the WordPress freelancer should be proficient in these SEO practices.

Basic graphic design skills

While graphic design is a completely different, highly-dedicated domain, having basic skills can enhance your capabilities as a WordPress freelancer. Although you can consult with a professional graphic designer for more extensive jobs, basic know-how of graphic design tools like Adobe Photoshop or Canva would be beneficial. That allows you to create and customize images, design logos, customize graphics, and maintain a cohesive visual identity for websites.

Here are a few basic graphic design skills every WordPress freelancer should be aware of:

• Color theory
• Typography
• Layout and composition
• Image editing and optimization
• Iconography and visual elements
• UI/UX design

Along with these skills, a WordPress freelancer should also be familiar with graphic design tools and software. That includes Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator), Canva, Sketch, and more. So they can create visually appealing websites that align with client preferences and effectively communicate their brand identity.

Effective communication and client management

Along with these above-mentioned technical skills, the WordPress freelancer should be proficient in soft skills like communication and client management. They are crucial for interacting with clients, understanding their requirements, and delivering projects effectively. 

Here is an overview of soft skills to become a good WordPress freelancer:

• Active listening
• Clear, concise communication
• Responsiveness (with professionalism)
• Managing client expectations
• Conflict resolution
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Managing feedback
• Documentation and project tracking

WordPress skills and knowledge may help you create the best websites, but the soft skills mentioned above will help establish trust, foster positive relationships, and ensure client satisfaction.

Combining all the different skills shown above, from basic WordPress know-how and graphic design to soft skills, will help you become the best WordPress freelancer.

Next, you’ll see how to find the best opportunities.

Finding WordPress Freelance Opportunities

Let’s see if you have acquired the technical and soft skills and have followed all the necessary skills to become the best WordPress freelancer. 

But what next? How do you find the right freelancing opportunities for WordPress website development? Well, let’s find out. 

Freelance job platforms and marketplaces

First off, you need to register on popular freelance job platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. They help businesses and individuals post projects and hire freelancers for various services, including WordPress development and design. So they can be excellent for WordPress freelancers to find the perfect opportunities. 

• Upwork. Upwork is one of the popular freelance platforms that offer a wide range of job categories, including WordPress development and customization. It allows freelancers to submit proposals, communicate with clients, and manage payments securely through the platform.
• Freelancer. Freelancer is another popular platform that connects WordPress freelancers with clients from around the world. It offers various project types, including WordPress theme customization, plugin development, and website maintenance.
• Fiverr. Fiverr is a platform known for its “gig” model, where freelancers offer specific services at fixed prices starting from $5. Clients can browse through the available gigs, review freelancer profiles, and choose the services that meet their requirements.

But make sure you create a compelling profile, showcase your skills and expertise, and actively search and bid on relevant projects. Building a strong portfolio and gathering positive reviews will help increase your chances of securing projects.

Networking within the WordPress community

Networking within the WordPress community is quite valuable. It helps WordPress freelancers to connect with like-minded professionals, share knowledge, and potentially find new freelance opportunities. Here are a few ways you can network within the WordPress community:

• Attend local meetups and conferences
• Join online forums and communities
• Contribute to the WordPress ecosystem
• Engage in social media
• Collaborate on open-source projects or side projects
• Offer assistance and mentorship

Remember that networking within the WordPress community is not solely about promoting oneself. WordPress freelancers also need to build meaningful relationships, contribute to the community, and support others. 

Cold pitching and reaching out to potential clients

Identify potential clients who may benefit from WordPress services. One of the best ways to do that is cold pitching. Craft personalized pitches highlighting the value of your services to their projects. Here’s how you can perform the perfect cold pitching:

• Identify your target audience
• Research and personalize your pitch
• Utilize multiple communication channels
• Showcase your expertise and portfolio
• Offer value and solutions
• Follow up strategically

Throughout this process, make sure you maintain professionalism and respect the potential client’s privacy. Also, remember that cold pitching requires perseverance, as not every potential client will respond positively. But by personalizing your pitches, offering value, and showcasing your expertise, you can increase the likelihood of more positive responses.

Collaborating with web design and digital agencies

Collaborating with web design and digital agencies can be quite fruitful for WordPress freelancers. It can help expand their client base and secure consistent work. Web design and digital agencies often require WordPress expertise to handle their clients’ website development, customization, or maintenance needs. Here’s how you can try and collaborate with web design and digital agencies:

• Research and identify potential agencies
• Showcase your WordPress skills and experience
• Reach out and establish a connection
• Demonstrate your reliability and professionalism
• Offer a value proposition
• Collaborate on trial projects
• Maintain clear communication and meet deadlines

Make sure you build strong relationships with these agencies with the utmost professionalism, reliability, and commitment to work.

Building long-term relationships with clients

Providing exceptional service and maintaining positive client relationships can lead to repeat business and referrals.

Here’s what it takes to build long-term relationships with clients:

• Understand client needs and goals
• Deliver exceptional quality work
• Communicate effectively and regularly
• Offer proactive suggestions and insights
• Provide excellent customer service
• Seek feedback and continuously improve

Satisfied clients are more likely to hire you again for future projects and recommend your services to others. So make sure to follow these recommendations and nurture your client relationships. 

Building a strong online presence through a professional website, blog, or social media profile can also attract potential clients and showcase your expertise in the WordPress ecosystem.

Next, we’ll see what it takes to ensure efficient WordPress project management.

Managing & Delivering WordPress Projects

Let’s say you have become the best WordPress freelancer and landed a project. Now, you’ll need to learn how to manage and deliver WordPress projects. 

Efficient WordPress project management involves effectively managing and delivering projects by following a systematic approach. Here’s a step-by-step guide to managing and delivering WordPress projects:

Understanding client requirements and expectations

First, you’ll need to schedule a consultation with the client to understand their technical and other objectives, and vision for the project. Gather detailed info about their target audience, desired features, design preferences, and any other specific functionalities. Make sure to document the client’s requirements to ensure clarity throughout the project.

Creating project timelines and milestones

A complete project may seem a little daunting. So it would be better to break it down into smaller tasks. Then create a timeline with specific milestones. You may consider factors like development, design, content creation, review cycles, and client approvals. You may even opt for project management tools like Trello, Asana, or Basecamp. They help track progress and communicate with team members (like web designers, SEO executives, content writers, etc.).

Selecting and customizing WordPress themes and plugins 

The next step is evaluating the client’s requirements and choosing a suitable WordPress theme and plugins. Then, you can work on customizing the theme to match the client’s branding, design preferences, and functionality needs. Afterward, you can follow the suit of a professional and go for WordPress plugin customization. That will help enhance the website’s features and performance.

Developing responsive and optimized websites

The next step is to follow the best practices involved in the WordPress development checklist. Some of the most significant ones are using clean code, optimizing images, and implementing SEO techniques. You should also ensure the website is responsive, which means adaptation to different screen sizes and devices. Moreover, performing cross-browser testing for compatibility across major web browsers would be beneficial.

Testing & Quality Assurance

WordPress involves excellent opportunities for website customizations, which include theme and plugin integration. That also means more chances of bugs and errors. So you must conduct thorough testing to identify and rectify any bugs or issues. A WordPress freelancer needs to test the website’s functionality, forms, navigation, and performance. Make sure to validate the website’s compliance with web standards and accessibility guidelines.

Training Clients on WordPress Usage & Maintenance

Last but not least, after developing and launching the website, you will need to provide training sessions or documentation to educate clients. That way, they will be able to use the dashboard and manage their website’s content. Explain to them the basic tasks like adding new pages, updating content, and managing plugins. Plus, offer them ongoing support options and provide resources to troubleshoot common issues.

By following these steps, you can ensure efficient WordPress project management. That, in turn, will provide you with better client satisfaction and successful project outcomes.

Marketing Yourself As a WordPress Freelancer

Since there are hundreds of millions of WordPress websites, you can imagine there are thousands of WordPress developers around the world with similar services. So it’s crucial to market yourself as an outstanding WordPress freelancer. That will help attract clients and establish your reputation in the industry. 

Here are some effective marketing strategies for WordPress freelancers:

Building a Professional Website & Portfolio

First off, as a WordPress freelancer, you need to create a well-designed website that showcases your skills, expertise, and previous projects. Make sure to highlight your experience in WordPress development, customization, and problem-solving. It’s also important to display a portfolio of your best work to demonstrate your capabilities and range of projects.

Optimizing Your Website for Search Engines

Conduct keyword research to identify and incorporate relevant keywords into your website’s content. Be sure to optimize the meta tags, headings, and descriptions to improve your website’s visibility in search engine results. It’s important your website is fast, mobile-friendly, and has a good user experience.

Utilizing Social Media Platforms

There are billions of people on social media platforms. So it’s important to establish a presence on social media platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, Telegram, and Facebook. Share updates about your work, projects, and industry-related news. Engage with potential clients and industry professionals by joining relevant groups and participating in discussions.

Showcasing Client Testimonials & Case Studies

Request feedback from satisfied clients and showcase their testimonials on your website. Develop case studies that highlight your problem-solving skills and the positive impact you’ve had on clients’ projects. Provide examples of measurable results achieved through your WordPress expertise.

Writing WordPress-related Blog Posts & Guest Articles

Start a blog on your website where you can share WordPress tips, tutorials, and insights. Write guest articles for reputable industry blogs or websites to reach a wider audience. Valuable and trustworthy content will help you establish yourself as an authority in the WordPress community.

Other than following the above-mentioned recommendations, remember to consistently update and maintain your online presence. Also, respond promptly to inquiries, and provide excellent customer service. Networking with other professionals in the WordPress community and attending relevant industry events can also help expand your network and attract new clients.

Overcoming Challenges as a WordPress Freelancer

Every company and individual in the web design and development industry has to deal with some challenges with respect to different aspects of the process. When it comes to a WordPress development company, they have dedicated teams to handle different issues. But WordPress freelancers have to deal with the challenges by themselves. 

So the first step in overcoming challenges as a WordPress freelancer is to be aware of them:

Dealing With Difficult Clients

One of the significant challenges for WordPress freelancers is dealing with difficult clients. The first thing you should do is maintain clear and open communication with clients from the start and try to manage their expectations. Another thing you can do is practice active listening and have a little more empathy to understand their concerns and address them effectively.

If, after that, there are conflicts, you need to remain calm and professional, find some common ground, and then settle on a mutually beneficial solution. 

Managing Time & Work-life Balance

It’s understandable to want to complete the projects as fast as possible, especially in the case of fixed-rate projects. That ensures better client satisfaction. But you must set clear working hours and define boundaries to balance work and personal life. 

It’s also important to prioritize tasks and use project management tools like Trello and Asana to keep better track of your work. You can also set realistic deadlines breaking projects into smaller tasks to avoid getting overwhelmed.

Keeping Up With the Latest WordPress Updates & Trends

Try to regularly follow reputable WordPress-related blogs, forums, and social accounts to stay updated on the latest news and developments on this vast CMS. You may also participate in webinars, workshops, and conferences to expand your knowledge and understanding of WordPress. It will also help you network with industry professionals to establish a better authority in the market as a freelancer.

Joining WordPress-related communities or forums is also recommended. It can help you engage in discussions and share knowledge with peers. Who knows, it may even bring a few clients your way. 

Staying Motivated & Avoiding Burnout

Try to set clear goals and remind yourself of the reasons why you chose to be a WordPress freelancer. Make sure to take regular breaks, practice self-care, and maintain a healthy work-life balance, as discussed previously. 

It would also help if you found a support network of fellow freelancers or professionals. They can share their experiences and provide you with some advice on better handling the projects. But at the same time, explore new projects and challenges to keep yourself engaged and excited.

Continuous Learning & Professional Development

You may have heard, “Learning never stops.” So dedicate some time to keep up the learning and skill development. Explore online tutorials, courses, and certifications to expand your WordPress knowledge. Try to stay curious and experiment with new WordPress plugins, themes, and design and development techniques. Again, network with other professionals in the WordPress community to learn from their experiences and share insights.

Last but not least, you must remember that challenges are part and parcel of being a WordPress freelancer. But with proactive strategies and a positive mindset, you can overcome these challenges and thrive in your WordPress freelancing career.

Tools and Resources for WordPress Freelancers

Although WordPress is quite a comprehensive web development platform, you need some tools and resources to create the best websites more efficiently. So without further ado, let’s discuss some of these essential tools for WordPress freelancers:

WordPress Plugins & Themes

Themes and plugins are among the highlights of WordPress. They make it easier for WordPress developers to build highly-creative, intuitive websites packed with features. So let’s discuss some of the most popular themes and plugins in WordPress:

• WooCommerce: It is one of the best WordPress plugins and helps turn any old website into a fully-functioning eCommerce store. 
• Jetpack: This plugin provides several features to enhance security, performance, and site management.
• Rank Math: It helps optimize the websites for search engines with features like XML sitemaps, meta tags, and content analysis.
• Divi: This theme is highly customizable and feature-rich with a drag-and-drop builder.
• Astra: It is a lightweight and flexible theme known and selected for its compatibility with page builders and performance.

There are tens of thousands of free themes and plugins in the WordPress library. But not all of them will be suitable for your freelance project. So choose the best WordPress plugin and theme carefully. 

Project Management & Collaboration Tools

As mentioned earlier, these tools can help better manage the project and collaborate with other professionals as well as the clients. A few of the best project management and collaboration tools are:

• Trello: A visual project management tool that helps you organize tasks and collaborate with clients or team members.
• Asana: This tool enables you to manage projects, assign tasks, set deadlines, and communicate with the stakeholders.
• Slack: Slack is a communication platform that facilitates real-time messaging, file sharing, and collaboration.

With these tools, you and your client will have better control over the project. That ensures better quality and client satisfaction.

Code Editors & Local Development Environments

The code editors help edit and customize the core functions of a WordPress website. Moreover, you can set up a local WordPress development environment to better experiment on the website. So let’s check out the best functions for that:

• Visual Studio Code: This popular code editor comes with a wide range of extensions and features for WordPress development.
• Sublime Text: Sublime Text is a lightweight code editor with powerful customization options and syntax highlighting for multiple languages.
• Docker: Any professional and freelancer can set up a self-contained, local WordPress development using Docker quite easily.

These tools make it easier for the WordPress freelancer to customize the website without the risk of issues down the line.

Design and prototyping software

WordPress freelancers use these tools and software to create design prototypes for the website. A few of the best design tools are:

• Adobe Photoshop
• Adobe XD
• CorelDraw
• Canva

These tools provide a range of features and capabilities for your design and prototyping needs. But make sure you consider your specific requirements, budget, and preferred workflow.

Online Learning Platforms & Communities

As we mentioned earlier, a WordPress freelancer has to keep up with the learning. The platforms and communities will help with your learning on the WordPress CMS:

• WordPress.org: The official website of WordPress offers extensive documentation, forums, and support resources related to this CMS.
• Udemy: This online learning platform provides WordPress courses and tutorials from industry experts.
• WordPress Meetups and WordCamps: Join local WordPress meetups and attend WordCamps to network and learn from other WordPress professionals.

These tools and resources can enhance your productivity, streamline your workflow, and support your professional growth as a WordPress freelancer. Explore and experiment with different tools to find the ones that align best with your workflow and project requirements.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Hiring a WordPress Freelancer

Like any other project, there are several advantages and, of course, disadvantages to hiring a WordPress freelancer. So make sure you consider both types of factors when deciding whether to hire a freelancer for your WordPress project. 

Advantages of hiring a WordPress freelancer.

• Cost-effectiveness: Freelancers often have lower hourly rates or project-based fees compared to agencies, making them a more cost-effective option for smaller budgets.
• Flexibility & Availability: Freelancers typically have more flexible schedules and can accommodate specific project timelines. They can be available for shorter-term or one-time projects.
• Specialized Expertise: WordPress freelancers often specialize in WordPress development and have extensive experience in working with the platform. They can provide specialized skills and knowledge to meet your project requirements.
• Direct Communication & Collaboration: Working with a freelancer allows for direct communication and collaboration. You can have more personalized interactions and provide direct feedback on the project.
• Faster Turnaround Time: With fewer layers of bureaucracy, freelancers can often work more efficiently and deliver projects within tight timelines.

Disadvantages of hiring a WordPress freelancer:

• Limited Resources & Capacity: Freelancers typically work independently and may have limited resources or bandwidth to handle larger or more complex projects.
• Lack of a Team Structure: Unlike WordPress development agencies, freelancers may not have dedicated teams to handle various aspects of a project. That can limit their ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Reliability & Accountability: Some freelancers may lack the same level of accountability as agencies, and there can be a risk of delays or inconsistencies in communication and project management.
• Limited Support & Scalability: If you require ongoing support or scalability, a freelancer may not have the capacity or resources to provide long-term assistance or handle a growing project.
• Single Point of Failure: If a freelancer becomes unavailable or experiences an issue, it can disrupt the project’s progress and potentially lead to delays.

When considering hiring a WordPress freelancer, it’s crucial to carefully evaluate their skills, experience, and portfolio. Additionally, ensure clear communication, establish expectations, and have a contractual agreement in place to mitigate potential risks.

To Summarize

When it comes to creating a website, you have a few options: consult a WordPress web development company, go for IT staff augmentation services, or hire a WordPress freelancer. Focusing on the latter option, a WordPress freelancer is an individual who provides WordPress development services on a project basis. But this job model can be a little confusing.

So in this blog, we tried to explain what it takes to become the best WordPress freelancer. That includes the steps to success and the skills to learn. Then, after gaining the knowledge, you’ll need to market yourself and find the right opportunities for work. After getting the project, you’ll need to learn to manage and deliver the project on time. That also means, there will be some challenges, like difficult clients and work-life balance. So you’ll have to get over that. Finally, we have stuff like pros and cons, and some FAQs to ensure you and the client make the best decisions. But if you have any further doubts or need more info on WordPress freelancers, contact our experts today!