< WordPress Development />
Get best-in-class WordPress Development from an expert freelancer with 10+ years of WordPress experience.
From 100+ reviews
const config = require('./path/to/kegan');
const config = {
settings: {
custom: {
expertise: {
languages: ["PHP", "JavaScript", "HTML", "CSS"],
wordpress: {
themeDevelopment: true,
pluginDevelopment: true,
acfBlocks: true,
gutenberg: true
}
}
}
}
};
module.exports = config;
All of your WordPress needs
Whether you have no web presence, or a pre-existing website, get effective solutions for your WordPress problems.
Build
Get up and running so you can grow your business.
Grow
Add functionality, increase site speed, build more content.
Maintain
Update WordPress, plugins, and servers every month.
WordPress development services
WordPress services from an expert with a decade + of design, development, SEO, and analytics experience.
Theme Development
Designed from the ground up to match your brand, include only what you need, and ensure optimized performance.
Easy to use on the backend
90+ site speed
Advanced third party integrations
Gutenberg ready
Plugin Development
Seamless integration, optimized performance, and enhanced security, for features that don’t come standard.
Integrate with any theme
Utilize WordPress actions & hooks
Lean, DRY code base
Flexible backend options
Block Development
Designed with admins in mind, custom blocks enhance Gutenberg’s functionality, offering limitless possibilities.
Built using React JS
Integrate with Gutenberg
Output clean, simple markup
Utilize WordPress block best practices
Performance Optimization
Foundational and advanced techniques to get your site to a 90+ page speed score.
Server optimization
Theme optimization
Plugin optimization
Image compression
Multisite
Easily manage networks, users, and sites on subdomains or subdirectories.
Detailed analytics
WooCommerce integration
User management
Multilingual translations
Custom Workflows
Workflows to manage and deploy all your content, across all sources.
Optimized CI / CD
API integrations
Flexible pipelines
Headless management
Benefits of working together
Over the years, I’ve built and maintained over 500 WordPress websites, delivering solutions that have reached more than 200 million people worldwide. With deep WordPress expertise, I can quickly diagnose and resolve even the most complex issues—while offering proactive guidance to help prevent problems before they start.
Premium Quality, Independent Pricing
I work directly with the clients who hire me — no project managers or middle layers. When you need something, you can reach me by text, email, or phone. I also integrate seamlessly with your internal tools like Asana, Jira, or Slack to collaborate as part of your team.
Simple, Straightforward Communication
Clean, high-quality code matters — but so do communication, timelines, and collaboration. I keep you in the loop with regular updates, join team meetings, and work within your existing tools to stay aligned every step of the way.
Knowledge You Can Trust, Personality You’ll Enjoy
Over the past 12 years, I’ve built a reputation as a trusted custom WordPress developer and analytics expert. My experience brings real value to the organizations I work with—but I always approach projects with an open mind and a no-ego attitude.
Minimal Plugins, Maximum Performance
Many WordPress sites suffer from plugin overload. Often, a client’s request can be handled with a few lines of clean code, but when a well-built plugin is the smarter choice, I use it. My approach is simple: use custom code only when it’s the best solution for the job.
We hired Kegan to build our entire website from the ground up — and he absolutely knocked it out of the park. From the initial concept through to launch, he was responsive, thoughtful, and deeply invested in making sure the site reflected our brand and business goals. Not only did they deliver a clean, modern, and intuitive design, but he also made sure the site was built for performance, SEO, and scalability. Every detail — from UX to backend functionality — was handled with care and expertise. He even put up with my multiple revisions :). Kegan took the time to understand our audience and offerings, and translated that into a site we’re incredibly proud to share with clients and prospects. If you’re looking for a web developer who’s skilled, reliable, and easy to work with, I can’t recommend Kegan highly enough!
Melissa Turek
Chief Marketing Officer
Watershed Analytics
Working with a freelancer for WordPress development
Organizations are often hesitant to hire a freelancer over an agency—but with the right freelancer, the benefits can be significant.
CONCERN
SOLUTION
Reliability & Availability
Companies sometimes worry that freelancers won’t be as reliable as an in-house developer or agency, with concerns about slow replies or inconsistent availability.
I offer reliable, well-organized support for every client. My process ensures fast communication and dependable service—you can always reach me when needed. In all my years of freelancing, I’ve never abandoned a project or left a client hanging—something I’ve seen happen even with larger agencies when the right expertise wasn’t available.
Quality & Expertise
Larger organizations sometimes question if a freelancer can match the expertise of a specialized agency.
I have 10+ years of experience building business websites and leading complex projects for enterprise clients, with a strong focus on custom WordPress development. Quality and expertise are central to everything I do, so you can feel confident you’re working with a skilled professional.
Scalability & Project Size
Mid-size and large companies may worry that a freelancer doesn’t have the resources to take on big or complex projects.
I’ve led large projects while working closely with in-house teams and outside partners. I specialize in scaling WordPress builds—from complex integrations to large databases—making sure everything runs smoothly and meets your goals.
Security & Compliance
For organizations handling sensitive data, security is a top priority. Some may question whether a freelancer can meet strict security and compliance standards.
Security is built into every project I take on. I follow industry best practices for data protection and compliance, including GDPR, to keep your systems safe. I’ve worked with clients in regulated industries and ensure all requirements are met.
Long-Term Support
Companies often worry that freelancers might not be available for long-term support, which could affect future updates and maintenance.
I offer reliable, ongoing support and maintenance and provide service-level agreements (SLAs) for long-term projects. My focus is on building sites that are easy to maintain and built for lasting success.
Process Integration
Companies may worry that a freelancer won’t easily fit into their in-house teams or existing workflows.
I’m experienced in working closely with in-house teams, adapting to your tools, workflows, and communication style. My goal is to collaborate smoothly and act as a true extension of your team.
Reliability
Organizations often prefer the structured accountability agencies offer and may worry a freelancer won’t bring the same level of professionalism.
I bring the professionalism and reliability you’d expect from an agency, paired with the personal attention of a freelancer. Clear timelines, detailed contracts, and regular updates ensure accountability every step of the way.
Risk of Becoming Dependent
Relying on a single person can feel risky if they suddenly become unavailable.
I reduce that risk by keeping thorough documentation, clear project plans, and writing clean, maintainable code that others can easily take over if needed. Transparency and communication are always a priority.
Limited Access to Tools & Resources
Larger organizations may be concerned that freelancers don’t have access to the same premium tools or enterprise-level resources as agencies.
Through agency and direct-hire work, I’ve used a wide range of advanced enterprise systems. I also rely on premium tools for development, SEO, analytics, and security—making sure your project has everything it needs to succeed.
Lack of Strategic Insight
Companies might think a freelancer doesn’t bring the same level of strategic focus or business insight as an agency.
With years of experience working with mid-size and enterprise clients, I understand how to align development with your strategic goals. I offer insights on SEO, conversion optimization, and key business metrics to ensure every decision supports your objectives.
WordPress development resources
Before hiring someone for WordPress development, make sure you understand the fundamentals. Here’s a look at some resources to get you started.
Beginner Resources
Get an elementary understanding of what it takes to bring a WordPress website to life.
Advanced Resources
Learn the ins and outs of WordPress & server optimization to make your site the best it can be.
Featured WordPress development projects
These are some of my past client projects that feature WordPress development.
TALLAHASSEE, FL
Web Design, WordPress Development
Level Up Digital Media
Redesigned and rebuilt an old Squarespace website, to be fast, modern, maintainable, and easy to navigate.
5.0
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
WordPress Development
Center for Human Insight
Built custom WordPress theme from in-house design team to allow for easy content creation and increased SEO.
Learn more about Center for Human Insight
5.0
BERKELEY, CA
WordPress Development
A3 Ventures by AAA
Built custom WordPress theme from in-house designers to showcase investment portfolio and projects.
5.0
PALO ALTO, CA
WordPress Development
Writable
Built custom WordPress theme from in-house design team to allow for easy content creation and increased SEO.
5.0
BOSTON, MA
WordPress Development
Sqrrl by Amazon
Extended WordPress environment to drive content marketing initiatives, increase web traffic, and setup knowledgebase.
5.0
NEW YORK, NY
Web Design, WooCommerce Development
Renmac Access
Designed and built a subscription based web application for investors to receive daily updates based on membership level.
Learn more about Renmac Access
5.0
Frequently asked questions for hiring a freelance WordPress developer
People looking for a solid WordPress developer tend to ask the same key questions—and for good reason.
What hourly rate do freelancers charge for WordPress development?
Rates for WordPress freelancers vary widely based on location, experience, reliability, and demand. If you’re working with someone who delivers top-tier results, expect their rate to be higher than what you’ll find in a quick Google or ChatGPT search.
Here’s a general breakdown of common pricing tiers:
HIGH: $100–$200/hr
This tier includes highly experienced developers—often with backgrounds in computer science or full-stack web application development. They deliver work that exceeds agency quality, and they’re the people you hire when your website is mission-critical and can’t afford downtime.
MID: $50–$100/hr
These developers are solid and reliable, and a great fit for most businesses. They may not specialize in advanced, application-like functionality but are more than capable for standard sites and light customization work.
LOW: $10–$50/hr
Budget-friendly freelancers who often rely on plugins to meet functional needs. This can work short-term, but in the long run, it may lead to performance issues or limitations—especially if the site needs to scale or be maintained over time.
How much does custom WordPress design cost?
$500–$2,500 — Theme Setup & Light Customization
This is usually a freelancer installing and lightly tweaking a pre-made theme (like something from ThemeForest). If you’re a small business with basic, informational needs, this may be just fine.
But expect minimal revisions—these projects are quick, and most of the flexibility comes from you doing DIY updates post-launch.
$2,500–$7,500 — Semi-Custom via Small Agency or Studio
You’ll likely work with a small team using the same process and tools they use for every site. It’ll look solid, but you might notice patterns across their portfolio.
Be careful—these setups can lock you into rigid tool stacks that limit flexibility later.
$7,500–$15,000 — Custom Design & Theme Development
You’ll work with a freelancer or boutique agency who builds from scratch or near-scratch. Expect better quality and a more thoughtful approach.
That said, not all “custom themes” are built well. Look for someone who values clean, minimal code—that’ll save you headaches (and money) down the road.
$15,000–$50,000 — High-End Custom Solutions
At this level, you’re investing in tailored strategy, UX, and design. Projects often span several months and may include complex features or integrations.
This is also where well-organized freelancers or seasoned agencies shine. Just make sure you aren’t getting buried under layers of unnecessary tools.
$50,000–$250,000 — Big-Brand Agencies
This range covers enterprise-level work by top-tier design firms—the kind behind websites for recognizable brands and mid-to-large businesses.
If you need precision, polish, and full-service execution, this is where you go.
$250K+ — Elite Agencies for Global Brands
These are the firms that build sites for companies like Google or Fortune 100 brands. If that’s your world, you already know the level of quality (and budget) required.
Is WordPress still a modern, relevant platform?
Absolutely—WordPress remains a powerful and modern platform. It’s just as capable as any other system, but its true potential depends on the developer behind it.
One of WordPress’s biggest strengths is its flexibility—but that can also be a downside. It gives developers a lot of freedom, which is great if you know how to use the right tools for the job.
The challenge is, not everyone does. It’s easy to patch things together with plugins, but that approach can create long-term issues if you’re not careful. Working with someone who understands the full landscape of modern web development makes all the difference.
How does WordPress stack up against newer CMS platforms?
Newer CMS platforms can be tempting, but WordPress continues to lead with its flexibility, stability, and massive community. Its wide adoption means better support, constant improvements, and a huge ecosystem of tools—making it one of the most reliable and adaptable options available today.
Will WordPress keep up with future trends?
WordPress continues to evolve thanks to its massive community of skilled developers. Its flexibility—and the ability to build custom plugins and themes—makes it well-equipped to adapt to future web trends.
The key is working with the right people who know how to make smart, forward-thinking decisions in a platform that offers so many possibilities. With the right guidance, WordPress remains a powerful and future-ready choice.
Isn’t WordPress known for security issues and frequent hacks?
It’s true that you’ll hear about WordPress security issues more often than with other platforms—but that’s largely because it powers over 40% of the web. Its popularity makes it a bigger target, not a less secure system.
WordPress itself is secure when used properly. Most vulnerabilities come from poorly built or outdated plugins. Since every plugin adds thousands of lines of third-party code, it’s important to choose carefully and keep your site maintained. With the right development practices and security measures in place, WordPress can be just as secure as any other CMS.
How flexible is WordPress?
WordPress is easily the most flexible CMS available, thanks to its open-source foundation and massive library of plugins and themes. What really sets it apart is how freely it allows for custom development. Unlike many other platforms, WordPress doesn’t box you in—you can build completely custom solutions without hitting limitations. It’s the only CMS I know that gives you the freedom to add any code you need to solve virtually any problem.
Why choose WordPress over another CMS?
WordPress’s massive user base and developer community offer long-term stability and support. No matter how specific your needs are, you’ll always be able to find a skilled WordPress expert to help—something that’s not guaranteed with smaller or newer platforms.
It’s also widely trusted by major organizations, so you don’t have to worry about it going away anytime soon. And even in the unlikely event it were discontinued, its open-source nature means it could easily be forked and continued by the community, ensuring your site remains future-proof.
Is WordPress a cost-effective solution?
Yes, WordPress is a highly cost-effective option thanks to its open-source nature and vast plugin ecosystem. You get access to powerful features without ongoing license fees, which keeps costs lower than many other platforms.
And you’re not limited in functionality—WordPress offers endless customization backed by the largest open-source community in the world.
Is WordPress good for SEO?
WordPress offers strong SEO capabilities right out of the box, and with the right plugins—like Yoast SEO or Rank Math—it can be optimized to a very high level. Its flexibility also makes it great for publishing a wide variety of content, which is key for growing organic traffic.
While tools help, great SEO ultimately depends on the quality of your content. WordPress makes it easier to manage and optimize that content, but success comes from what you publish, not just how it’s configured.
Can WordPress easily scale?
WordPress is highly scalable and can support everything from small websites to large, enterprise-level platforms—if built with the right planning and infrastructure. It can integrate with external systems and scale as your business grows, making it a flexible choice for evolving needs.
Trusted by hundreds of brands for their WordPress development
Businesses of all types — law firms, marketing agencies, startups, consulting firms, SaaS & enterprise software, and others — trust me to create, build, and maintain their WordPress websites.
AAA
Amazon
Adobe
UserTesting
Pantera
SJSU
ManyChat
Randy Hetrick
Don’t take my word for it
Businesses of all sizes say I help them streamline internal operations, rank better on Google, save time with automations, and save money with expert-level WordPress development.
Kegan drove the setup, construction, hosting, and maintenance of our website, built around WordPress and third party plugins and templates that he modified and integrated. He also implemented design work done by our in-house design team.
Michael Mace
VP Marketing, User Testing
Kegan helped me visualize a site that works well for my business and showcases our video production work to clients. He is very talented, but also a genuine person who will listen to what you want and create it. We are proud to have people visit our website.
Josh McLawhorn
Founder, Level Up Digital Media