WordPress has become one of the most popular platforms for website development, powering over 40% of all websites on the internet. Hiring a talented and experienced WordPress developer is crucial to build a high-quality and functional WordPress website. But with the rise of WordPress development, the job market is overflowing with WordPress developers, making it challenging to find the right one.
This blog will discuss the essential skills you should look for in a WordPress developer, ensuring that you find the perfect fit for your project. From technical expertise to communication and problem-solving skills, we will guide you through the essential skills that every WordPress developer should possess.
Critical programming skills for WordPress web development and design
The necessary background for a WordPress web designer is to have a strong understanding of the primary web design programming and markup languages, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, SQL, and more. This technical expertise will be the basis for any WordPress developer’s task.
- HTML
The core of any WordPress web design project is understanding key web design programming and markup languages, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, SQL, and others. HTML, specifically, plays a crucial role in defining the structure of a WordPress website. It is a fundamental language of web development, and having mastery over it demonstrates an understanding of how web pages are put together.
- CSS
CSS is another critical aspect of web development, as it dictates the visual appearance of a WordPress website. Though backend developers may not prioritize it, a firm grasp of CSS is essential for front-end developers.
- JavaScript
JavaScript is a crucial aspect of web development as it handles the interactive elements of a website. By working in tandem with HTML and CSS, this programming language enables front-end development and drives web applications’ dynamic, interactive behavior. Furthermore, with the rapid rise in popularity in recent years, many JavaScript frameworks and libraries can now be utilized for backend development, making it an indispensable tool in a web developer’s kit.
- SQL
SQL is a language used for interacting with databases in web applications. Therefore, it is a critical skill for any backend developer to have a good understanding of, as it plays a crucial role in the functioning of web applications.
- PHP
PHP, or Hypertext Preprocessor, is a server-side scripting language ideal for web development. WordPress is built using PHP, and other popular platforms also use it. The language enables developers to connect the user interface to the database aspect of the application, making it a fundamental component in the functioning of a web application.
- Business expertise
In addition to technical skills, it can also be advantageous for a WordPress developer to have a background in business and commerce, specifically in areas such as eCommerce marketing and digital security. This understanding can be valuable when working with WordPress’s widely-used commercial tool. Therefore, when seeking a WordPress developer, it’s essential to consider these skills.
- Sales and marketing
In addition to technical skills, having a solid understanding of business and customer needs can also be valuable for a WordPress developer. For example, knowing about target audience preferences and how to cater to their requirements can help provide solutions that benefit both clients and business owners.
- Search engine optimization
Search engine optimization (SEO) is a crucial aspect to consider when developing a website. A WordPress developer needs to understand the components that make up a webpage, such as web crawlers, indexing, meta tags, and sitemaps, and how they impact a site’s visibility in search engines. This way, they can create solutions that benefit clients and business owners by maximizing the site’s exposure.
- Mobile development
A WordPress developer must know about responsive design to ensure the website is accessible on various mobile devices and screen sizes. With more and more people browsing the web through their mobile devices, having a website that adapts to different resolutions and sizes will increase its reach and accessibility to a broader audience.
- Online Security
A WordPress developer must have a solid understanding of cybersecurity risks and threats. Familiarity with the OWASP top ten security risks and the ability to test applications for vulnerabilities are critical skills in ensuring the protection of business websites from hackers and cybercriminals.
- Teamwork
Collaboration and effective teamwork are crucial for the success of web development projects. Developers need to communicate regularly and work closely with one another to complete projects within the established timeline and budget.
The Final Verdict: A Perfect Blend of All Elements
When searching for the ideal WordPress developer, companies aim to find an individual with a blend of technical skills, business acumen, and an understanding of user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) best practices. The web development and design landscape are constantly changing, and a proficient WordPress developer can adapt and create user experiences that stay relevant with the times. Before making a final hiring decision, it is advisable to consider the current salary trends for WordPress developers.
If you want to find a highly skilled WordPress developer for your next project, MyTalents is the solution. Our IT staffing agency comprises of experienced professionals with the necessary expertise to produce outstanding outcomes. Get in touch with us now to discover how we can match you with the ideal WordPress developer to meet your requirements.