The Complete Guide to Hiring a Freelance WordPress Developer (UK Edition)

Introduction

For many clients, choosing the right Freelance WordPress Developer can make the difference between a website that simply exists online, to one that actually drives growth. With so many options — from budget-conscious freelancers to large digital agencies — it can be hard to know what to look for.

This guide will help you break through the noise. You’ll learn what Freelance WordPress Developers actually do, how much you should expect to invest, and what to look out for — along with some bonus thoughts.

What Does A Freelance WordPress Developer Do?

Nowadays, anyone can “build” a website themselves, but I’m of the (biased) opinion that not everyone should. That isn’t to say that you can’t or shouldn’t learn about websites, especially if that interests you, but it’s hard to beat the value an experienced expert can provide.

Freelance WordPress Developers — being the experts in this conversation — are modern-day translators. They take pain points and goals and turn them into code that removes the problems and delivers results. Typically offering a range of services, including but not limited to:

Custom WordPress websites — building themes tailored to your brand and goals.
Performance optimisation — making websites faster, smoother and search-friendly.
WooCommerce builds — creating eCommerce sites that can handle high-volume traffic.
Technical SEO improvements — from clean code to structured data.
Maintenance and ongoing support — updates, security, and ongoing care.

A good Freelance WordPress Developer sees their role as an investment driver, not just a website builder — their job is to deliver solutions that pay for themselves.

So Why Not Use An Agency?

They have more personnel and can offer a wider range of services, right?

True, but they’re not always the right for every client.

Here’s areas in which I see freelancers beating out agencies:

Value — When hiring a freelancer, you’re paying for the expertise only, not the additional overheads.
Direct communication — Less chefs in the kitchen, and someone who knows your project and goals inside out.
Focused skills — Specialised skills, tailored specifically to the project.
Adaptability — Easier to scale the project up or down.

Being transparent, if you need a large team or a long-term retainer across marketing, design and development, an agency can make sense. But if your needs are project-based or specialist, a skilled freelancer is almost always unbeatable.

Okay, So How Do I Find The Right Freelancer?

A great question! Freelancers come in a range of skills, experience and expertise. To find the one right for you, I’d suggest the following approach:

1. Look For A Portfolio

A Freelance WordPress Developer saying they’re good vs a Freelance WordPress Developer showing you they’re good is key. A proven track history of well-built and performant websites is crucial. It shows you that:

A) This person does indeed know how to build a website efficiently

B) Clients have trusted them in the past to do so. Even better if that client has left this person a glowing review, backed up by stats! On that point…

2. Look For Reviews

Previous client testimonials are a window into how a Freelance WordPress Developer has operated, and performed. Seeing reviews from previous clients develops trust, which is key when working with someone, especially in a remote capacity.

3. Ask About Their Processes

Having a good track record typically involves also having an established process. A good Freelance WordPress Developer should know that clients like to know when to expect things, and what’s required of them at specific milestones. Asking a Freelance WordPress Developer about their processes will highlight to you their soft skills — skills outside of just writing code (which believe me, are as important when freelancing).

If the freelancer can indeed produce a step-by-step process to you, that satisfies you into knowing when things will happen and what’s required of you, that says to me they’re a freelancer who will do the small things, well.

4. Watch How They Communicate

A vital, yet sometimes under-valued point. Communication is the cornerstone of any successful project — even more-so in a digital environment. It’s the job of the Freelance WordPress Developer (or agency, if we’ve established they’re a better fit for you) to ensure that the client understands the project entirely. Complex technical explanations containing words you’ve never even heard of before shouldn’t be something you receive from the freelancer. Instead, it is the job of the freelancer to break-down this explanation into jargon-free, straightforward words which can be understood by all.

5. Consider Their Price Point

If something looks too good to be true — well, you know the saying.

A skilled and experienced Freelance WordPress Developer knows they will provide value, and that’s reflected in the cost. The sweet spot isn’t the cheapest option, but the one where the price aligns with proven experience and results.

So that begs the question, how do you know the sweet spot?

I’m glad you asked. Let’s explore that some more in the section below.

How Much Should A Freelance WordPress Developer Cost?

An extremely common question, with many vague answers — I’ll try my best to not be categorised as such.

For a competent Freelance WordPress Developer* in the UK, I’d expect the price points to look like so, broadly speaking:

Simple brochure WordPress website — £1,500 – £3,000
Complex brochure WordPress website — £3,000 – £5,000
eCommerce WooCommerce website — £5,000 – £10,000+
Ongoing maintenance — £80 – £320/month

Hourly rates usually sit between £40 – £80 for the majority of Freelance WordPress Developers.

Cheaper “all-in-one” offers under £1,000 might look tempting, but they’re often being produced by developers who are cutting corners — creating expensive problems for the future when another developer is hired to fix these problems.

*It should be noted that experience, demand, and niche skill-sets can (and often should) increase the cost of a project or service.

Where Can I Find A Competent Freelance WordPress Developer?

Great, so we’ve established what a Freelance WordPress Developer does, whether they’re right for you, what to look for when hiring a freelancer, and a ball-park ‘medium’ price point. Now let’s talk about where you can find these people.

1. Direct Search

First and foremost, Google (or another search engine, if that’s your bag)! Searching for terms such as, ‘ Developer‘, and ‘UK WordPress Developers’ will provide you a list of relevant freelancers who have their own website (like this one). For significant projects, hiring directly through a freelancer’s website often gives you the clearest picture as to their professionalism and value.

2. Referrals

What’s more appealing that having a freelancer having a proven track record with clients? Working with a freelancer who’s already provided value to someone you know and trust.

Referrals are a great way to be put in contact with a Freelance WordPress Developer who is reliable, trustworthy and has delivered before.

3. LinkedIn (And Other Social Networks)

Or any social media for that matter — although I’d argue LinkedIn will yield the best results. Look for people you’re already connected with. Perhaps you’re already directly connected with a Freelance WordPress Developer, or have a 2nd or 3rd connection.

Conclusion

Hiring a Freelance WordPress Developer is an investment. The outcome, not just a website, but a tool for growth. By focusing on proven experience, clear communication and realistic pricing, you can avoid costly mistakes and find a partner who helps your WordPress website deliver real results.

If you’re looking for a Freelance WordPress Developer in the UK who combines technical know-how with practical business focus, get in touch. Let’s talk about how your website can work harder for you.