Introduction
what companies look for in a WordPress developer WordPress powers over 40% of the internet, making it one of the most in-demand platforms for businesses of all sizes. Whether you’re applying for a full-time job, freelancing, or offering agency services, understanding what companies look for in a WordPress developer is the key to landing more opportunities what companies look for in a WordPress developer.
what companies look for in a WordPress developer This blog will guide you through the essential skills, qualifications, tools, and soft traits that companies prioritize when hiring a WordPress expert in 2025.
1. Strong Understanding of Core WordPress Concepts
Companies want developers who are more than just theme installers. They expect a deep understanding of:
- The WordPress core and how it functions
- Themes vs. child themes
- Plugin architecture
- Template hierarchy
- Hooks (actions & filters)
These skills show that you can customize WordPress beyond the surface level and truly build scalable, maintainable websites.
2. Proficiency in Web Development Languages
Most WordPress roles (especially custom projects) demand knowledge of:
- HTML / HTML5 – For structuring pages
- CSS / SCSS – For styling and responsiveness
- JavaScript / jQuery – For interactivity
- PHP – WordPress is built on PHP, so custom functionality needs it
- MySQL – For database management
A developer who can write clean, secure, and efficient code will always stand out.
3. Experience with Page Builders and Gutenberg what companies look for in a WordPress developer
In 2025, many clients rely on page builders for ease of content updates.
Companies typically look for experience with:
- Elementor
- Bricks Builder
- Gutenberg Block Editor
- Beaver Builder
- Divi
what companies look for in a WordPress developer Even if you prefer custom coding, knowing how to integrate with these tools is a major advantage.
4. Eye for Design and UX
You don’t need to be a designer, but companies value developers who:
- Understand design principles like layout, color theory, and typography
- Can build pixel-perfect websites based on Figma/Adobe XD designs
- Ensure mobile responsiveness
- Focus on accessibility and user experience (UX)
It’s a bonus if you can optimize designs for both speed and usability.
5. Security and Performance Optimization Skills what companies look for in a WordPress developer
A company’s website is its storefront — and its security and speed matter.
Skills that are often required:
- Hardening WordPress security
- Using security plugins like Wordfence or iThemes Security
- Implementing SSL, firewalls, and login protection
- Caching and performance optimization using WP Rocket, LiteSpeed, etc.
- Image compression, lazy loading, and CDN integration
If you can deliver fast, secure websites, you become instantly more valuable.
6. Experience with Testing and Debugging
what companies look for in a WordPress developer Bugs cost money. That’s why employers want developers who test before launching.
You should know how to:
- Use WP_DEBUG and error logs
- Inspect elements with browser dev tools
- Perform cross-browser testing
- Validate HTML/CSS
- Use staging environments
Being able to identify and fix bugs efficiently is a top trait companies seek.
7. Familiarity with Version Control (Especially Git)
In collaborative or agency environments, using Git and platforms like GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket is essential.
Companies want developers who can:
- Commit code properly
- Create and merge branches
- Revert and track changes
- Use Git in CI/CD workflows
This shows you’re team-ready and can work in structured dev environments.
8. Knowledge of Popular Tools and Plugins
Employers often expect familiarity with tools they already use. These may include:
- WooCommerce (for eCommerce projects)
- Advanced Custom Fields (ACF)
- Yoast SEO / Rank Math
- Contact Form 7 / Gravity Forms
- WPML / Polylang (for multilingual sites)
- BackupBuddy / UpdraftPlus
- Elementor Pro / Bricks Builder
Knowing how to integrate and troubleshoot these tools makes you more hire able.
9. Problem Solving & Logical Thinking
Companies don’t just hire coders — they hire problem solvers. You should be able to:
- Translate client needs into technical solutions
- Debug issues independently
- Think logically and adapt quickly
Showcasing your problem-solving approach in interviews or portfolios can set you apart.
10. Communication and Team Collaboration
Even in tech roles, communication is crucial. Companies look for WordPress developers who can:
- Communicate ideas clearly to non-technical clients
- Collaborate with designers, marketers, and managers
- Work in Agile / Scrum teams
- Respond professionally via email, Slack, or project management tools
Soft skills often outweigh raw technical talent in client-facing roles.
11. Portfolio and Real-World Experience
Companies prefer seeing what you’ve built. A strong portfolio should include:
- Live website links
- GitHub code samples
- Case studies (challenges, solutions, results)
- A personal portfolio site (preferably built on WordPress)
Having even a few high-quality projects boosts your credibility massively.
12. Certifications or Courses (Optional but Beneficial)
While not mandatory, certifications can impress clients and recruiters. Examples include:
- WordPress Academy certifications
- Google Analytics or Google Search Console certifications
- HubSpot CMS Developer
- Elementor Expert Program
- LinkedIn Learning or Udemy WordPress certificates
They show you’re committed to learning and growing.
13. SEO Awareness
WordPress and SEO go hand in hand. Companies love developers who understand what companies look for in a WordPress developer:
- Basic on-page SEO (meta tags, headings, image alt text)
- Schema markup
- Page speed optimization for SEO
- Using SEO plugins effectively
SEO awareness helps build websites that perform better in search rankings.
14. Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Companies prefer developers who can:
- Maintain and update websites
- Fix plugin conflicts or theme issues
- Monitor uptime and performance
- Set up regular backups and monitoring
Being the go-to person for ongoing maintenance often leads to long-term contracts.
15. Understanding of the Client’s Business
what companies look for in a WordPress developer The best developers understand the business goals behind the website.
what companies look for in a WordPress developer If you can align your development with client objectives — like increasing conversions, improving usability, or simplifying workflows — you’ll stand out as a strategic partner, not just a coder.
Final Checklist: What Companies Look For in a WordPress Developer
| Skill/Quality | Importance |
|---|---|
| Core WP Knowledge | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| PHP & JS Skills | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Page Builder Experience | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Responsive Design | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security & Speed | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Communication | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Portfolio | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| SEO Awareness | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |