Frequently Asked Questions
To help answer those nagging questions you have about hiring a freelance WordPress developer, I’ve tried to put the important answers here. If there’s anything else you want to know, or for additional explanation, please get in touch.
FAQ’s about hiring me
- What the heck is a PSD?
- How much does it cost to hire you?
- What does your price include?
- xx charges less than you. Can you match their price?
- How long will my project take to complete?
- Can you start right away?
- We’ve decided to change a number of elements. Can you include them instead?
- What’s involved in the development process?
- Will my clients be able to preview their WordPress/Thesis website?
- You’re in a different country from me? Will this affect things?
- Can we talk on Skype or the phone?
- How do you accept payment?
- Will you feature my website in your portfolio?
What the heck is a PSD?
A PSD, or .psd, is a Photoshop format file most commonly used to create web design mockups. Of course I also accept PDFs, Fireworks PNGs, and if you feel the need to torture me, Adobe Illustrator AI files.
How much does it cost to hire you?
It’s difficult to say what your project will cost without first discussing it with you. Your best bet is to send me your project information and mockups and I’ll give you a fixed price.
What does your price include?
Unless otherwise stated, prices include PSD slicing, XHTML & CSS validation and careful optimization of all images. My prices do not include performance optimization. On completion, I include launch of the site on your web server. On launch, I include technical support for 30 days.
xx charges less than you. Can you match their price?
Probably not. Just as you choose your developer, I choose clients who value the quality of my work. There are loads of PSD to WordPress shops who will work for less than me but once you’ve worked with me you’ll appreciate that I bring a lot more to the table.
How long will my project take to complete?
Standard PSD to WordPress and PSD to Thesis projects take 7 days to complete. Websites with large amounts of custom JavaScript or PHP functions will take a few days longer.
Can you start right away?
It’s possible. I keep a pretty tight schedule and give priority to my existing clients. But fill in my order form and I’ll do my best.
We’ve decided to change a number of elements. Can you include them instead?
Sure, but if they add to the scope of the project, I have to charge for them. I’ll quote you a fixed rate to make the changes you need.
What’s involved in the development process?
First up, we discuss your websites functionality, just to make sure we’re on the same page. Then I’ll build the site on a staging web server, cross-browser test and validate my code. Once I’m happy, I’ll send you a link to the staging server for you to review and make any last minute tweaks. When you’re satisfied that the scope of the project has been met you make final payment, then I’ll either send you your files or launch your site for you, depending on your requirements.
Will my clients be able to preview their WordPress/Thesis website?
Yes, all my projects are developed on a white-label domain with no branding, so you can show your clients the site without them knowing anything about me.
You’re in a different country from me? Will this affect things?
The majority of my clients come from outside the UK, mainly because of my strong search engine rankings. This hasn’t adversely affected any of my projects, and whilst I’d love to meet face-to-face, it can often save time by communicating only via IM and email
Can we talk on Skype or the phone?
Absolutely. Once you’re a client, you get my mobile phone number and Skype username. I’m available between 9am and 4pm GMT, from Monday to Friday (unless I’m on the beach in Barbados).
How do you accept payment?
I request a 50% deposit prior to scheduling the work. This is payable by bank transfer or PayPal. Details are included in my invoice, and the remaining 50% is payable upon completion of the project, prior to launch of the site on your web server.
Will you feature my website in your portfolio?
I believe that providing details and a link to your new website in my portfolio, and telling the world about it on Twitter is a good thing. But it may not be your thing. I’ll always ask your permission before publicising anything, and I’ll always credit you with the design.