Best WordPress Developers

Updated 2026-09-25

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WordPress runs a large share of the web because it is flexible and easy to edit once it is set up well. Set up badly, it becomes slow, hard to update and easy to hack. The difference usually comes down to the theme, the plugins and the handover, so this guide focuses on those.

We are finalizing our shortlist for this service. Until then, the guide below walks you through how to evaluate sellers yourself.

Browse all WordPress gigs on Fiverr →

What a good WordPress package includes

WordPress gigs cover everything from installing a theme to building a full custom site, plus fixes for existing sites. Whatever you order, the package should state:

Scope: a new site, a redesign, a fix, or a speed or security job.
Theme: which theme or page builder will be used, and whether it is free or needs a paid license.
Plugins: which ones will be installed, and who holds any paid licenses.
Number of pages and whether content upload is included.
Mobile layout checked on real phones, not just a narrow browser window.
Revisions and delivery time.
Handover: an admin account in your name, a list of plugins, and a short guide to editing pages.

How to brief a WordPress developer

A good brief helps the developer choose the right theme and keeps the plugin list short. Send:

What the site must do: show services, take bookings, publish a blog, sell a few products.
A page list with the content for each page, or a note on who will write it.
Sites you like, with what you like about them.
Hosting and domain details, or ask for a hosting recommendation you will sign up for yourself.
For existing sites: a recent backup, a list of current plugins, and a clear description of the problem, with screenshots.
Who will edit the site later, so the developer can choose an editor that person can use.

If you are still deciding between WordPress and other options, read our website development guide first.

What drives the price

a ready-made theme versus a custom design built with a page builder or custom code
number of pages and whether the developer uploads your content
paid themes and plugins, and who pays for their licenses
features such as online stores, memberships, bookings or multiple languages
speed and security work
for fixes: how old and complex the existing site is

Red flags

The developer offers "free" premium themes or plugins from unofficial sources. These are a common way malware gets into WordPress sites.
You would receive only an editor account, not a full administrator account.
The developer will not list the plugins they plan to install.
Changes to a live site are made without a backup or a test copy.
The portfolio has no live sites you can open and test yourself.

Quick pre-order checklist

I know whether this is a new site, a redesign or a fix.
I have agreed on the theme and who holds any paid licenses.
I will receive a full administrator account and a plugin list.
For an existing site, I have a backup I know how to restore.
I know who will handle updates and backups after delivery.

FAQ

Will I be able to edit the site myself afterwards?

You should be. Ask for a page builder or block editor you can use without code, and a short guide or screen recording showing how to change text, images and menus. Confirm this in the brief.

Are premium themes and plugins included?

Not always. Some developers use their own license, which may stop receiving updates once the order ends. Ask whether licenses are transferred to you or whether you should buy them in your own name.

Can a WordPress developer fix or update my existing site?

Yes, many gigs cover fixes, speed work and redesigns. Before they start, take a full backup and make sure it can be restored, and ask whether they will test changes on a copy of the site first.

How many plugins is too many?

There is no fixed number. What matters is that each plugin is needed, well maintained and up to date. Ask the developer to list every plugin they install and what it does.

Who handles WordPress updates and backups after launch?

Unless it is written into the order, you do. Core, theme and plugin updates are needed for security. Many developers offer maintenance as a separate service; ask what it covers.