Out of the vast landscape of over 1.7 billion websites on the internet today, an impressive 43% are powered by WordPress.
Even in the face of newer, more sophisticated, and user-centric content management systems entering the arena, it’s noteworthy that WordPress stands tall as the preferred choice of CMS among businesses for their online presence.
This phenomenon can be attributed to the seamless experience of building and overseeing a WordPress website. The process demands a dependable web hosting service provider, a fitting WordPress theme, a handful of plugins, and valuable content.
1. Get the design your business needs
Even the most robust WordPress theme available for purchase has its limitations when it comes to design customisation. Pushing the boundaries too far could compromise the entire theme’s integrity.
Proficient WordPress developers possesses expertise in the array of standard coding languages employed in crafting most WordPress themes and plugins. Their skill set enables them to make precise adjustments to the theme you’ve already acquired, aligning it perfectly with your vision.
This principle also holds true for the plugins integrated into the backend of your WordPress site.
Imagine you haven’t yet acquired a WordPress theme – even better!
In this scenario, your adept WordPress developer can construct a website from the ground up, meticulously tailored to your envisioned aesthetics and functionality.
2. Optimize your website for search engines (SEO).
To enhance website visibility on search engines, most business leaders tend to concentrate on implementing on-page SEO strategies, such as strategically incorporating targeted keywords within their web content and tags.
Some also incorporate off-site SEO tactics, like engaging in guest posting initiatives.
However, an often overlooked facet is the realm of a third type of SEO – Technical SEO.
Technical SEO is meticulously optimising your website’s foundational architecture and structured data. This intricate alignment empowers search engine bots to interpret and navigate your website effortlessly.
Having a skilled WordPress developer as part of your team ensures the accurate optimisation of your website’s backend. They are adept at promptly implementing necessary adjustments whenever new content is introduced to the site.
3. Improve your website’s user experience.
Leveraging the expertise of your WordPress developer enables the creation of a website from its foundational stages, affording you a design optimised for streamlined visitor navigation.
Furthermore, their proficiency extends to resolving potential bottlenecks that might impede the flow of your marketing funnel. Failing to address these bottlenecks could potentially undermine your website’s efficacy in transforming visitors into valuable leads and customers.
4. Secure your website and its data
The online landscape is rife with malicious actors seeking to exploit vulnerable websites for hacking and pilfering customer data.
A Varonis study shows that a distressing cyberattack unfolds approximately every 39 seconds.
What’s even more concerning is that a significant 67% of these cyber assaults are directed at websites belonging to small and medium-sized enterprises.
The aftermath of a cyberattack can be catastrophic, particularly for businesses in their early stages or startup phases.
Beyond the immediate revenue loss from the attack, you’re exposed to rigorous penalties mandated by regulatory authorities, encompassing substantial fines and potential legal repercussions.
Engaging a seasoned WordPress developer serves as a shield for your website, thwarting potential victimisation. Their expertise lies in meticulously scrutinising your website’s code and bolstering server security, ensuring no exploitable vulnerabilities for cybercriminals to breach.
5. Help you understand your website analytics.
Your WordPress developer possesses the acumen to identify pivotal website data analytics. Furthermore, they excel at elucidating the insights these data convey.
These insights become invaluable when shaping the marketing strategies at your helm. Consequently, you gain the leverage to amplify conversion rates and bolster revenue generation.
6. Make sure to view their portfolio
Accomplished WordPress developers often maintain an online portfolio to showcase their completed projects. In addition, some developers incorporate case studies detailing the tangible outcomes their clients have achieved through their efforts.
In the event that the developer you’re considering lacks either of these, it could indicate a relatively nascent professional, potentially lacking the experience aligned with your requirements.
As you peruse through each case study or portfolio example, pay particular attention to those that closely align with your envisioned website’s nature and aesthetics.
Subsequently, visit these websites and assess the following:
– Does the website’s overall design correlate with what’s presented in the developer’s portfolio?
– How intuitive is the site’s navigation?
– What elements of the site resonate positively with you?
– What modifications or improvements would you envision?
Furthermore, I recommend reaching out to the website owner and initiating a conversation to glean insights into their collaborative experience with the WordPress developer.
Conclusion
WordPress continues to reign as the preferred choice for businesses seeking to establish their online presence. Consequently, sourcing and enlisting a proficient WordPress developer keen on crafting your business website is straightforward.
However, should you aim to secure the services of an exemplary WordPress developer, a willingness to devote time and energy to the selection process becomes imperative. The guidelines outlined in this blog post offer valuable insights to navigate your pursuit.
Shortcuts have no place in this comprehensive undertaking. A substantial commitment of time and effort remains essential to secure