Big thing with contracts is itemize everything and have contingencies. The client often will say they want to do the copy and images to save money but when they realize how much work that is they will either drag their feet and possibly never finish which makes an uncomfortable moment where you say "hey I'm done, time to pay" and they don't want to because the parts of the site they were responsible for is not done. So make sure you have as a standard part of the contract the price for you to do things. (Cost for 500 word article, cost per image). Don't get caught doing unpaid work. Another thing is make sure you have the terms of cancellation, who can cancel when and also what happens when someone doesn't pay on time -- fees and interest. Some clients will intentionally abuse vague payment terms and turn your project into a credit line.
Great tips. Working with non-profits is also a great way to get experience with working with clients in general, which can sometimes be harder than building the actual website.
Thanks a lot. Very informative. I'm thinking of working with WordPress but I'm wondering how the maintenance portion work as it relates to plugins. Would the site plugins have to be maintained constantly even after the site is done in order to keep it running? I'm asking because some clients don't even want to think about maintenance, or it's a one time contract. If the site breaks due to a plugin, wouldn't that question the developer's credibility? I'm just wondering if it's possible to build a WordPress site and not have to worry about maintaining plugins, assuming no new plugin was installed after development. Thanks.
Nice breakdown, when you deliver by milestone, are you handing over any work at each milestone or just communicating to the client that "I have reached milestone 1, so this payment is due based on our agreement" type deal?
I personally have a staging server that I will show the client as progress is made. So they are usually demonstrable milestones. If it’s behind-the-scenes changes, I’ll just say “hey milestone 3 is done, please send the next payment”
The quality of your videos on channel is top-notch. I've subscribed like Traversey, Maximillian, Freecodecamp, etc. but this channel and you, I found exceptional. I subscribed just into few mins of video. cheers.
Great video as usual dude. I'm really interested in what an average wordpress freelance project consists of. It's a broad topic but what do you come across most of the time WP wise. To make my question more clear, which plugins do customers usually ask for. I'm a freelance UI/UX guys, my HTML/CSS are legit, my Javascript is so so, and my Wordpress dev is on a beginner level. I have a decent understanding of SEO, beginner understanding of performance, so my Brochure type websites are pretty much on point. I don't have problems with using Elementor design wise, it's a piece of cake for me, and I do use it in projects. And I see lots of people are asking for Woocommerce cause duh:) But what else? What else do I need to know in order to feel stable in offering WP services on a pro level? I hope my question makes sense.
Depends on the project. Every site needs Yoast (or another SEO plugin). Most sites need some sort of contact form that will block spam. Some sites want a newsletter signup form (like Mailchimp integration). From there its based on the client's wants/needs, competency and price range. Personally I keep my Wordpress plugins as slim as possible. You can make most websites with a combination of a page builder, SEO plugin, contact form plugin, newsletter plugin, an anti-malware plugin, and a speed optimization/caching plugin. Add specialization plugins from there based on what they need: ecommerce, membership/subscription, etc. Most Wordpress plugins are low quality so I would be wary of overrelying on them and when possible use your own code to avoid bloat, performance problems and security risks.
I'm on the precipice of possibly stepping in something I don't know about. I want to build a business around a gravity forms-based list. I'm a home-schooled senior lady working alone and security is a high priority if my reputation is on the line for my startup. When I harden my root files, I can't turn off json and keep gravity forms working. I've researched ways rest api is used to gain information. I realize I can restrict access to users or myself as admin to limit urls 'searched'. Before I step off, is there more to the hackery I should know? If I can head off everything known, I can keep the conditional logic of gravity forms for $60. I also want to use your affiliate link for WPRocket. I need that.
Thanks for the tips - I'm sure you've been asked this before -- what software are you using for screen recording while also recording with your camera? It looks like something cooler than Camtasia.
I apologize for how long it is taking to complete my free WordPress course. I severely underestimated how much work it takes to make a full course. However, I am actively working on it and hope to bring it to you soon.
Just started with WordPress as a freelance dev. Plugins are disabled until I upgrade to a Business Plan. Does this mean I cannot build say an ecommerce site until I upgrade my plan? Also, does this mean I'll have to pay afresh for every site I build? Why can't I just create my dashboard, upgrade my plan, build lots of sites, then deploy them wherever.
Im just starting out and i want to freelance so bad. I cant work for a company. I finally found out at age 24. I need to start my own business. In my core i feel its something i need to do. I went to school for full stack web development and they didnt teach us a damn thing about wordpress which is sad because it seems so seemless to use. There is so much i dont know about wordpress :/ like "headless setup" xD!! and making contracts. Ugh i have so much to learn. Cant wait to be able to quit my job and just do this full time.
Great vid. Hourly completely sucks the value out of your expertise because clients are essentially incentivizing you to take LONGER. Pro clients will realize that you're saving them time and money by being an expert at what you do and doing it quickly and correctly the first time, and THAT should be the value proposition. It takes absolutely no skill or expertise for someone else to come along and say "I'll do that cheaper!" I get that not everyone can start at that level and struggling freelancers have to take what they can get, but it should be where competent developers aspire to reach.
Big thing with contracts is itemize everything and have contingencies. The client often will say they want to do the copy and images to save money but when they realize how much work that is they will either drag their feet and possibly never finish which makes an uncomfortable moment where you say "hey I'm done, time to pay" and they don't want to because the parts of the site they were responsible for is not done. So make sure you have as a standard part of the contract the price for you to do things. (Cost for 500 word article, cost per image). Don't get caught doing unpaid work. Another thing is make sure you have the terms of cancellation, who can cancel when and also what happens when someone doesn't pay on time -- fees and interest. Some clients will intentionally abuse vague payment terms and turn your project into a credit line.
Great points. Everyone should read this comment.
Thanks! This sums it up pretty well! And maybe you should consider making a vid about cleaning up wordpress backend as well?
great recommendation I would love to see that
Thanks man super helpful. Could you do a video on what specifically you need from your client before the project and how you plan for the website.
Agencies are a do and don't at the same time. They can be demanding and unorganised since you are an outsider
Great tips. Working with non-profits is also a great way to get experience with working with clients in general, which can sometimes be harder than building the actual website.
Very true!
Possible gig coming up, this information is super helpful. Liked/subbed!
Your channel is going to blow up. Loving your stuff!
Thank you! Very helpful and smooth to follow!
Good Job! Thanks for the tips.
Extremely helpful, thank you!
Yet another awesome video!
Thanks a lot. Very informative. I'm thinking of working with WordPress but I'm wondering how the maintenance portion work as it relates to plugins. Would the site plugins have to be maintained constantly even after the site is done in order to keep it running? I'm asking because some clients don't even want to think about maintenance, or it's a one time contract. If the site breaks due to a plugin, wouldn't that question the developer's credibility? I'm just wondering if it's possible to build a WordPress site and not have to worry about maintaining plugins, assuming no new plugin was installed after development.
Thanks.
The contract!! I learnt the hard way
Nice breakdown, when you deliver by milestone, are you handing over any work at each milestone or just communicating to the client that "I have reached milestone 1, so this payment is due based on our agreement" type deal?
I personally have a staging server that I will show the client as progress is made. So they are usually demonstrable milestones. If it’s behind-the-scenes changes, I’ll just say “hey milestone 3 is done, please send the next payment”
@@WPCasts ...makes sense, I've always had a 50/50 setup up in place, but I like your thinking on doing it by milestone. I'll try it out. Thanks again!
The quality of your videos on channel is top-notch. I've subscribed like Traversey, Maximillian, Freecodecamp, etc. but this channel and you, I found exceptional. I subscribed just into few mins of video. cheers.
Thank you for the great tips!
Great video as usual dude.
I'm really interested in what an average wordpress freelance project consists of. It's a broad topic but what do you come across most of the time WP wise.
To make my question more clear, which plugins do customers usually ask for.
I'm a freelance UI/UX guys, my HTML/CSS are legit, my Javascript is so so, and my Wordpress dev is on a beginner level.
I have a decent understanding of SEO, beginner understanding of performance, so my Brochure type websites are pretty much on point.
I don't have problems with using Elementor design wise, it's a piece of cake for me, and I do use it in projects. And I see lots of people are asking for Woocommerce cause duh:)
But what else? What else do I need to know in order to feel stable in offering WP services on a pro level?
I hope my question makes sense.
Depends on the project. Every site needs Yoast (or another SEO plugin). Most sites need some sort of contact form that will block spam. Some sites want a newsletter signup form (like Mailchimp integration). From there its based on the client's wants/needs, competency and price range. Personally I keep my Wordpress plugins as slim as possible. You can make most websites with a combination of a page builder, SEO plugin, contact form plugin, newsletter plugin, an anti-malware plugin, and a speed optimization/caching plugin. Add specialization plugins from there based on what they need: ecommerce, membership/subscription, etc. Most Wordpress plugins are low quality so I would be wary of overrelying on them and when possible use your own code to avoid bloat, performance problems and security risks.
Quality content, thanks sir
How do you charge if the client wants you as a retainer after the site is launched to maintain the site and do edits?
do you ever give the client admin permission roles?
Great Tips!
I see some guy that uses hosting as a sort of passive income. Would you not recommend this? It looks like such a great idea..
I'm on the precipice of possibly stepping in something I don't know about. I want to build a business around a gravity forms-based list. I'm a home-schooled senior lady working alone and security is a high priority if my reputation is on the line for my startup. When I harden my root files, I can't turn off json and keep gravity forms working. I've researched ways rest api is used to gain information. I realize I can restrict access to users or myself as admin to limit urls 'searched'. Before I step off, is there more to the hackery I should know? If I can head off everything known, I can keep the conditional logic of gravity forms for $60. I also want to use your affiliate link for WPRocket. I need that.
Thanks for the tips - I'm sure you've been asked this before -- what software are you using for screen recording while also recording with your camera? It looks like something cooler than Camtasia.
He's using OBS
How do you keep up to date with plugin vulnerabilities and security?
When you will launch your course ??
I apologize for how long it is taking to complete my free WordPress course. I severely underestimated how much work it takes to make a full course. However, I am actively working on it and hope to bring it to you soon.
thanks for the legal advice, I needed this
Just started with WordPress as a freelance dev. Plugins are disabled until I upgrade to a Business Plan. Does this mean I cannot build say an ecommerce site until I upgrade my plan?
Also, does this mean I'll have to pay afresh for every site I build? Why can't I just create my dashboard, upgrade my plan, build lots of sites, then deploy them wherever.
Im just starting out and i want to freelance so bad. I cant work for a company. I finally found out at age 24. I need to start my own business. In my core i feel its something i need to do.
I went to school for full stack web development and they didnt teach us a damn thing about wordpress which is sad because it seems so seemless to use. There is so much i dont know about wordpress :/ like "headless setup" xD!! and making contracts. Ugh i have so much to learn. Cant wait to be able to quit my job and just do this full time.
Thank you
I have a question: Do you use page builder plugin for your work or hardcore with coding a new theme wordpress
I always start from scratch with a new theme. Usually _s.
@@WPCasts Do you use page builder for your project?
Depends on the design and If the pages are template or component driven.
Great vid. Hourly completely sucks the value out of your expertise because clients are essentially incentivizing you to take LONGER. Pro clients will realize that you're saving them time and money by being an expert at what you do and doing it quickly and correctly the first time, and THAT should be the value proposition. It takes absolutely no skill or expertise for someone else to come along and say "I'll do that cheaper!" I get that not everyone can start at that level and struggling freelancers have to take what they can get, but it should be where competent developers aspire to reach.
Exactly! That's why I love using the milestone method.
Very helpful, thank you!