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#1 Freelance Web Designer Clutch 2026

WordPress

WordPress Development

Full-lifecycle WordPress development: new builds, theme customization, plugin development, migrations to WordPress, and migrations away from WordPress to modern platforms. Scoped per project.

15+ Years Experience 300+ Businesses Helped 5 Stars (35+ Reviews)
WordPress services
Excellent
Based on 35 reviews

How WordPress development works

From planning to launch in 4-8 weeks.

Discovery and planning

I research your competitors, understand your customers, and plan the site architecture. For migrations, I audit your existing content and create a redirect map to protect search rankings.

Design

Custom design tailored to your brand. Mobile-first, conversion-focused, and built to stand out from template-based competitors. You approve the design before development starts.

WordPress development

Clean theme build with only the plugins you actually need. No bloated page builders, no unnecessary dependencies. Every line of code earns its place.

Testing

Cross-browser, cross-device, speed, security, and accessibility testing. I check everything on a staging site before going live. You get a preview link to review and request changes.

Launch and training

Go live with confidence. I handle DNS, SSL, and deployment. Then I walk you through how to manage content, add pages, and handle updates. The training session is recorded for future reference.

WordPress Process
Kristian working on marketing strategy
Who you're hiring

Why should you trust me?

Google did.

I didn't learn SEO from a blog. I worked with Google directly. They featured me on their Google Activate program all over Europe. If Google trusted me to represent them, you can trust me to rank you on them.

Kristian featured on Google Activate billboard in Bilbao

Before you hire anyone

How to tell if a web designer will waste your money

Google scores every website on speed, mobile experience, and code quality. It's public. The tool is called PageSpeed Insights, and you can run it on any website in 10 seconds. Here's a free trick: run it on your web designer's own site. That site is their best work. They've had unlimited time and zero client constraints. If their own website scores poorly, yours will be worse. Also:

No results, just "pretty"

Ask them: "How many leads did your last client's website generate?" If they can't answer, they build decorations, not businesses.

They don't ask about your customers

A designer who jumps straight to colors and fonts without asking who your customers are is building a portfolio piece, not a business tool.

They own your website, not you

If you can't take your site and leave whenever you want, you're renting, not buying. Ask who owns the code, the domain, and the hosting account.

They don't mention SEO at all

A website nobody can find is an expensive business card. If your designer never brings up page titles, heading structure, or how people will actually find you on Google, you'll end up paying someone else to fix all of it six months from now.

Their own site loads slowly

Run their site through Google PageSpeed Insights. Takes 10 seconds. If their own site scores below 80, that's the best they can do. Your site will score the same or worse.

They charge per page

Per-page pricing means every new piece of content costs you more. Good designers price by project scope. You should be able to add a page when your business needs it, not when your budget allows it.

No timeline, no milestones

"It'll be done when it's done" is not a project plan. If they can't tell you what happens week by week, with clear checkpoints, your project will drag for months. Ask for the timeline before you sign anything.

They show you a template and call it custom

Ask them straight: "Is this a theme or built from scratch?" If they hesitate, it's a theme. You won't notice the difference until you need something the template wasn't built for. Then you're stuck.

If nothing changes in 30 days If nothing changes in 30 days If nothing changes in 30 days If nothing changes in 30 days If nothing changes in 30 days If nothing changes in 30 days If nothing changes in 30 days If nothing changes in 30 days
you get your money back you get your money back you get your money back you get your money back you get your money back you get your money back you get your money back you get your money back

Problems I solve every day

Sound familiar?

“Every WordPress quote I get feels overpriced for what I am getting”

Most WordPress quotes are inflated because agencies use expensive page builders and dozens of premium plugins that add cost without adding value. Here's how I keep costs honest:

  • Build with clean code and minimal plugins so you are not paying for bloat
  • Scope every project based on what you actually need, not upsell packages
  • Give you a detailed breakdown so you see where every dollar goes
  • Use open-source tools wherever possible to keep licensing costs near zero

“My WordPress site is slow and full of plugin conflicts”

The classic WordPress trap: 30+ plugins, a heavy page builder, and a theme with features you never use. Performance dies slowly and you do not notice until customers complain:

  • Audit every plugin and remove the ones that are not earning their place
  • Replace bloated page builders with clean, lightweight code
  • Optimize your database, images, and caching for real speed improvements
  • Rebuild the parts that are beyond repair, preserving your content and rankings

“I want to move off Wix or Squarespace but I do not know where to start”

Outgrowing a drag-and-drop platform is a good problem to have. It means your business needs more than a template can offer. Here's how I make the transition painless:

  • Audit your current site to identify what to keep, improve, or remove
  • Migrate all content, images, and data to WordPress (or a better-fit platform)
  • Set up URL redirects so your Google rankings survive the move
  • Train you on managing the new site so you are self-sufficient from day one

Your site, your rules

I build on whatever platform makes sense for your business

WordPress, Shopify, custom JavaScript, headless CMS, static sites: the right choice depends on what your business actually needs, not what your developer prefers to build.

Need an online store? Shopify or WooCommerce. Content-heavy site that needs to rank? WordPress or Astro. Complex web app? React or Next.js. I'll recommend the platform that fits your budget, your team's comfort level, and your growth plans.

You should never feel locked into a platform because your developer only knows one.

Google
Google Ads
Google Analytics
HubSpot
Figma
React
Node.js
Tailwind CSS
Shopify
Webflow
Vercel
Stripe
ChatGPT
Claude
Notion
Hotjar
Microsoft Clarity
Ahrefs
Semrush
Google
Google Ads
Google Analytics
HubSpot
Figma
React
Node.js
Tailwind CSS
Shopify
Webflow
Vercel
Stripe
ChatGPT
Claude
Notion
Hotjar
Microsoft Clarity
Ahrefs
Semrush
Google
Google Ads
Google Analytics
HubSpot
Figma
React
Node.js
Tailwind CSS
Shopify
Webflow
Vercel
Stripe
ChatGPT
Claude
Notion
Hotjar
Microsoft Clarity
Ahrefs
Semrush
Google
Google Ads
Google Analytics
HubSpot
Figma
React
Node.js
Tailwind CSS
Shopify
Webflow
Vercel
Stripe
ChatGPT
Claude
Notion
Hotjar
Microsoft Clarity
Ahrefs
Semrush
Google
Google Ads
Google Analytics
HubSpot
Figma
React
Node.js
Tailwind CSS
Shopify
Webflow
Vercel
Stripe
ChatGPT
Claude
Notion
Hotjar
Microsoft Clarity
Ahrefs
Semrush
Google
Google Ads
Google Analytics
HubSpot
Figma
React
Node.js
Tailwind CSS
Shopify
Webflow
Vercel
Stripe
ChatGPT
Claude
Notion
Hotjar
Microsoft Clarity
Ahrefs
Semrush

WordPress Case Studies

Built clean, built to last

WordPress Development Without the Bloat

I build WordPress sites with clean code, minimal plugins, and full ownership. No page builder lock-in.

Research your competitors first

A site built on real market intelligence

I study what works for the top businesses in your space and build yours to outperform them. No guessing, no generic templates.

Design custom, not from templates

A site that looks nothing like your competitors

No off-the-shelf themes with your logo slapped on. Every page is designed specifically for your brand and your customers.

Build a clean theme

Fast, secure WordPress without the plugin bloat

Most WordPress sites are slow because they rely on 30+ plugins and bloated page builders. I write clean code and only add plugins that earn their place.

Harden security from day one

A WordPress site that is actually secure

Two-factor auth, login limiting, file permission lockdown, security headers, and automatic critical patches. Security is built in, not bolted on.

Train you to manage it

You can update content without calling anyone

A recorded training session covers editing pages, adding posts, managing images, and handling updates. Self-sufficiency, not dependency.

Hand over everything

Full ownership of code, design, content, and accounts

You own it all. If you want to work with someone else later, you take everything with you. No licensing fees, no holdbacks.

Always Included in Every Website

Designed to convert visitors into leads Professional copywriting included Under 3-second load times SEO-ready from day one GA4 + Search Console setup Mobile-optimized on every device Full admin access, nothing locked away Training so you're never stuck 90 days post-launch support Designed to convert visitors into leads Professional copywriting included Under 3-second load times SEO-ready from day one GA4 + Search Console setup Mobile-optimized on every device Full admin access, nothing locked away Training so you're never stuck 90 days post-launch support Designed to convert visitors into leads Professional copywriting included Under 3-second load times SEO-ready from day one GA4 + Search Console setup Mobile-optimized on every device Full admin access, nothing locked away Training so you're never stuck 90 days post-launch support Designed to convert visitors into leads Professional copywriting included Under 3-second load times SEO-ready from day one GA4 + Search Console setup Mobile-optimized on every device Full admin access, nothing locked away Training so you're never stuck 90 days post-launch support Designed to convert visitors into leads Professional copywriting included Under 3-second load times SEO-ready from day one GA4 + Search Console setup Mobile-optimized on every device Full admin access, nothing locked away Training so you're never stuck 90 days post-launch support Designed to convert visitors into leads Professional copywriting included Under 3-second load times SEO-ready from day one GA4 + Search Console setup Mobile-optimized on every device Full admin access, nothing locked away Training so you're never stuck 90 days post-launch support

Why DMS?

DMS vs Agency vs DIY

An honest comparison so you can decide what's right for your business.

Recommended
DMS

Performance-built. SEO-ready.

From $4,700

  • 96-100 PageSpeed scores, every project
  • SEO foundation built in from day one
  • 30-Day Proof Period with full refund guarantee
30-Day Guarantee No Contracts
Typical Web Agency

Pretty but slow.

$10,000-$50,000

  • Design-focused, performance as an afterthought
  • Months-long timelines with scope creep
  • Ongoing maintenance contracts required
DIY (Wix/Squarespace)

Quick start. Low ceiling.

Wix $16/mo + 40-80 hrs

  • Drag-and-drop simplicity
  • Limited performance and SEO control
  • Locked into platform ecosystem

Business Terms

6 comparisons
DMS

Project investment

From $4,700 (one-time)

Contract length

Month-to-month

Who does the work

Kristian, directly

Communication

Direct access, same-day response

Hidden costs

None. Transparent pricing.

What you own when done

Everything: code, content, accounts

Agency

Project investment

$10,000-$50,000

Contract length

6-12 month lock-in

Who does the work

Junior staff / account manager

Communication

Through account manager

Hidden costs

Onboarding, setup fees, exit penalties

What you own when done

Often held hostage or locked in

DIY

Project investment

$16/mo + 40-80 hrs of your time

Contract length

N/A

Who does the work

You

Communication

Forums and documentation

Hidden costs

Your time (at your hourly rate)

What you own when done

Everything

"Our old agency site scored 52 on PageSpeed. Kristian's rebuild hit 98 on launch day."

52 to 98 PageSpeed score

E-commerce client

Trust & Risk

7 comparisons
DMS

Guarantee

30-Day Proof Period, full refund

Risk if it fails

Full refund, no hard feelings

Pricing transparency

Published on website

Data and asset ownership

100% yours, always

Reporting

Revenue-focused metrics

Accountability

Cancel anytime

Third-party ranking

#1 on Clutch (verified reviews)

Agency

Guarantee

None

Risk if it fails

Locked in 6-12 months, still paying

Pricing transparency

"Call for a quote"

Data and asset ownership

Often retained by agency

Reporting

Vanity metrics (impressions, clicks)

Accountability

Early termination fees

Third-party ranking

Varies

DIY

Guarantee

None

Risk if it fails

Lost months of your time

Pricing transparency

Clear tool pricing

Data and asset ownership

100% yours

Reporting

Self-interpreted analytics

Accountability

Only yourself

Third-party ranking

N/A

Results & Quality

5 comparisons
DMS

Delivery timeline

4-6 weeks

PageSpeed score

96-100 guaranteed

SEO foundation

Built in: schema, meta, sitemap, speed

Revision rounds

Unlimited until you're happy

Code ownership

Clean code, fully yours

Agency

Delivery timeline

3-6 months

PageSpeed score

60-85 typical

SEO foundation

Often an add-on package

Revision rounds

2-3 rounds, then extra charges

Code ownership

Proprietary CMS or WordPress

DIY

Delivery timeline

Depends on your availability

PageSpeed score

40-70 on template builders

SEO foundation

Basic at best

Revision rounds

Unlimited (you're doing it)

Code ownership

Locked in platform

Choose DMS if...

You want a fast, SEO-optimized site that you actually own. No bloated page builders, no ongoing platform fees, no "call us to make a text change."

Choose DIY if...

You need a simple site fast and have time to learn a builder. Works for basic brochure sites, but you'll hit walls on performance and SEO.

Consider an agency if...

You need a large, complex web application with multiple developers. Expect higher costs and longer timelines.

Based on published web design pricing from Colorado agencies (March 2026). 15 agencies researched Including Infront Webworks, Red Egg Marketing, Intero Digital, Thrive Agency, SpearPoint Marketing, and 2 others.

Start Your 30-Day Proof Period

Month-to-month. 30-day proof period with full refund.

Common questions

WordPress FAQs

Quick answers to help you decide.

No. I build on whatever platform fits your situation. WordPress is right for some businesses, but others are better served by Astro, Next.js, Shopify, or a custom solution. If WordPress is not the best fit, I will tell you why and recommend what is.

Yes. I migrate sites from Wix, Squarespace, Weebly, and custom platforms to WordPress. Migration includes content, images, URL redirects to protect your search rankings, and a fresh theme built to your specs. You get a staging preview before anything goes live.

Yes. If WordPress has become more trouble than it is worth (constant updates, plugin conflicts, slow performance, security scares), I can move you to a faster, simpler platform. I handle the full migration including content, redirects, and design.

Each project is scoped based on pages, features, and complexity. A straightforward business site costs less than a custom membership portal or WooCommerce store with hundreds of products. Book a call and I will give you an honest number based on what you actually need.

Yes. Every WordPress site I build includes a training session where I walk you through editing content, adding pages, and managing media. The session is recorded so you can reference it later. The goal is self-sufficiency, not dependency.

Security hardening is built into every build: strong passwords, two-factor authentication, limited login attempts, file permission lockdown, security headers, and automatic updates for critical patches. I also recommend a maintenance plan for ongoing monitoring.

FAQ illustration

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WordPress Insights & Guides

Latest articles on wordpress strategy and best practices.

More ways I can help

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Kristian Kreaktive at Google Activate event

Your strategist

Kristian Kreaktive

Founder & Lead Strategist at Digital Marketing Services

Ranked #1 freelance web designer by Clutch. 17+ years building websites and SEO strategies that bring real results for small businesses.

#1 Freelance Web Designer Ranked #1 Top Freelance Web Designer by Clutch, 2026 #1 WordPress Designer Ranked #1 Top Freelancer WordPress Designer by Clutch, 2026 Featured by Google Google Activate Case Study (Google, 2016) 5 Google Rating 5 stars across 35 Google reviews
Learn more about my approach

Try it risk-free. If you don't see real progress in 30 days, I'll refund every cent.