Craft CMS: Build a powerful and flexible website
Craft CMS is a powerful and flexible content management system (CMS) that allows you to create custom websites tailored to your specific needs. Unlike rigid, template-based platforms, Craft CMS empowers you to structure content exactly how you want, giving you complete control over your website's design and functionality. It's a popular choice for businesses and organisations seeking a robust, scalable, and user-friendly platform.
What to look for in a Craft CMS freelancer
When hiring a Craft CMS freelancer, look for a proven track record of successful projects. A strong portfolio showcasing diverse websites built with Craft CMS is essential.
Check for experience with specific Craft features relevant to your project, such as custom fields, plugin development, and multi-site management. Excellent communication skills are crucial for a smooth collaboration.
Main expertise areas
Craft CMS freelancers can specialise in various areas. Some focus on front-end development, translating designs into pixel-perfect Craft templates. Others specialise in back-end development, building custom plugins and integrations. Some freelancers offer full-stack expertise, handling both front-end and back-end development.
Identify your project's specific needs to find the right specialist.
Key areas to inquire about include:
- Experience with Craft CMS versions (Craft 2, Craft 3, Craft 4)
- Front-end development skills (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Twig)
- Back-end development skills (PHP, MySQL)
- Plugin development and integration
- SEO optimisation and performance optimisation
- Experience with specific Craft plugins (e.g., SEOmatic, Contact Form)
Interview questions
Here are some key interview questions to ask potential Craft CMS freelancers:
- Can you share examples of Craft CMS websites you've built?
- What's your approach to Craft CMS development?
- How do you handle content migration to Craft CMS?
- What are your preferred Craft CMS plugins and why?
- How do you ensure website security and performance?
- Describe your experience with Craft's templating language, Twig.
Tips for shortlisting candidates
- Review portfolios carefully, paying attention to the quality of the websites and the complexity of the projects.
- Check client testimonials and references.
- Assess communication skills during the initial interactions.
- A clear and responsive freelancer is more likely to be a reliable partner.
Potential red flags
- Be wary of freelancers with limited or no demonstrable Craft CMS experience.
- Lack of a portfolio or vague responses to technical questions should raise concerns.
- Avoid freelancers who are unwilling to discuss their process or provide references.
Typical complementary skills
Craft CMS expertise often goes hand-in-hand with other skills, such as front-end development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript), back-end development (PHP, MySQL), SEO optimisation, and UX/UI design. A freelancer with a combination of these skills can provide a more comprehensive solution.
Benefits of hiring a Craft CMS freelancer
Hiring a skilled Craft CMS freelancer offers several benefits. You gain access to specialised expertise without the overhead of hiring a full-time employee. Freelancers can provide flexible support, scaling their involvement based on your project's needs. They can also bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to your website development.
What problems can a Craft CMS freelancer solve?
A Craft CMS freelancer can address a variety of website challenges by:
- Building a bespoke website tailored to your exact requirements, avoiding the limitations of off-the-shelf solutions.
- Migrating your existing website to Craft CMS, ensuring a smooth transition and preserving valuable content.
- Developing custom plugins and integrations to extend the functionality of your Craft CMS website.
- Optimising your website for search engines (SEO) and improving its performance, leading to increased visibility and user engagement.
- Providing ongoing maintenance and support for your Craft CMS website, ensuring its security and stability.
For example, imagine a publishing house struggling with a clunky, outdated CMS. A Craft CMS freelancer could build a streamlined platform for managing authors, articles, and multimedia content, significantly improving workflow and user experience.
Or consider a small business needing a flexible e-commerce solution. A Craft CMS freelancer could integrate a powerful e-commerce plugin, creating a seamless online shop tailored to their specific product offerings.
Finally, a growing organisation might need a multilingual website to reach a wider audience. A Craft CMS freelancer could implement multi-site functionality, allowing them to manage content in different languages efficiently.
