Start with scope and goals
Begin by writing a concise brief that states the plugin’s purpose, required WordPress versions, PHP compatibility, performance and security expectations, integrations (APIs, payment gateways, CRMs), and maintenance needs. Add an expected timeline and a realistic budget range so candidates know whether they’re a fit.
Where to find and vet candidates
Choose between freelancers, specialist agencies, or in-house hires. Look for developers who can show:
- Relevant portfolio — live plugins, GitHub or plugin repository links.
- Code quality — readable, documented, and following WordPress coding standards.
- Security and testing — examples of sanitization, nonces, unit or integration tests.
- References — past clients or case studies with measurable outcomes.
If you prefer an agency, consider options like Thinkit Media for managed projects and ongoing support.
Interview and trial
- Ask about specific plugin development experience, use of hooks, shortcodes, custom post types, and REST API work.
- Request a small paid trial task or code review of an existing plugin.
- Evaluate communication, responsiveness, and documentation habits.
Finally, use a clear contract covering deliverables, IP assignment, staging and production deployment, acceptance criteria, payment milestones, and a maintenance agreement. That structure reduces risk and helps you build a reliable working relationship.
