WordPress Freelancing: Complete Guide to $10K/Month as Freelancer

WordPress Freelancing is a wild ride. Some days, it feels like you’re on top of the world, signing new clients and building sleek, fast websites. Other days? You’re chasing unpaid invoices and debugging a CSS issue at 2 AM. But over time, you learn how to navigate this world efficiently—getting clients, pricing your work right, and managing projects smoothly.

This guide is packed with real-world advice, personal insights, and hard-earned lessons on how to thrive as a WordPress freelancer.

Table of Contents

My Journey as a WordPress Freelancer

gaurav tiwari working on a project illustration

Freelancing with WordPress has been one of the most rewarding—and challenging—journeys of my life.

When I first started, I had no idea how much there was to learn about finding clients, pricing services, managing projects, and staying sane through it all. Some days felt like pure magic, where everything clicked perfectly. Other days? Well, let’s just say I’ve stared at error messages for hours, wondering if I made a huge mistake quitting my day job at the biggest office in the country, the Ministry of Agriculture. But here’s the kicker: every challenge taught me something valuable.

If you’re considering freelancing with WordPress—or already knee-deep in it—I want to share everything I’ve learned so far.

This guide will walk you through three critical areas: getting clients, pricing your services effectively, and managing projects efficiently. By the end, you’ll feel equipped to tackle this career path head-on.

But before that, let’s see how I fared with WordPress over the years:

  1. Freelance Web Developer & Content Writer (2009–2013)
    • Built WordPress websites for clients.
    • Developed and customized WordPress themes and plugins.
    • Wrote content optimized for SEO and user engagement.
  2. WordPress Developer & Designer (Since 2009)
    • Developed several WordPress plugins and themes for open-source and client use.
    • Specialized in conversion-first design and development.
    • Implemented performance optimization strategies for WordPress sites.
    • Extensive experience in Blocks, WooCommerce, SEO, WP Rocket, Perfmatters, and other WordPress tools.
  3. Founder & CEO of Gatilab (Since 2018)
    • Led a team that builds high-performance WordPress marketing sites.
    • Provided WordPress website maintenance services (speed optimization, security, UI improvements, SEO audits, and technical support).
    • Helped startups and enterprises ship conversion-optimized WordPress sites without code.
  4. SEO & Content Marketing Expert
    • Published articles and guides on WordPress SEO, plugins, themes, and development.
  5. Independent WordPress Plugin & Tool Creator
    • Published WordPress plugins such as Dynamic Month & Year Into Posts and Formatting Extender.
    • Created high-performing tools and products used by 9000+ brands.
  6. Reviewer & Industry Analyst
    • Wrote in-depth reviews of WordPress tools
    • Compared and reviewed tools for WordPress businesses.

Overall, my WordPress expertise spans development, design, optimization, SEO, content marketing, and plugin creation. I have helped brands, businesses, and bloggers maximize their WordPress presence for over a decade. 🚀

All this experience makes me your perfect guide to WordPress freelancing. So, sit tight, pick a pen and paper and start taking notes while you read through this detailed guide.

Before You Step into WordPress Freelancing

freelancing steps

When I started freelancing, I thought clients would magically appear if I posted “WordPress developer for hire!” on Facebook or Twitter (now known as X).

But it wasn’t the way.

Before you step into WordPress freelancing, be aware of the competition and challenges.

There are large brands and experienced developers in the game that won’t let you even touch a big client if you don’t have the ‘game’ in you.

So, when you start, think to start low and plan to grow smart.

I have been telling freelancers and entrepreneurs to focus on percentage growth rather than targeting a fixed number. Target for 10% revenue growth per month instead of going from $1000 a month to $3000 all of a sudden.

Your first client may come late, but it will come for sure if you follow my advice correctly and to every word.

Finding clients is hands down the hardest part when starting out as a WordPress freelancer. But once you have a client, care for them like your own family. Think of them as a valuable stepping stone to your career’s success.

Let’s see how you can get your first WordPress freelance client.

Getting Your First WordPress Freelance Client

first client

No one knows you. No one trusts you. And honestly, you might not even trust yourself yet. That’s okay. Happens to everyone. And since many have broken through the barrier to reach the main market, you can do that too.

Here’s how to break into the market as a fresh talent:

1. Build a Portfolio (Even If You Don’t Have Clients Yet)

Clients want proof. They need to see that you know what you’re doing. If you don’t have clients yet, build a few WordPress sites on your own:

  • Redesign a popular website and showcase your version.
  • Build a custom theme from scratch.
  • Create a personal blog or business website demonstrating your skills.
  • Offer free work to a local business (but only if it’s a strategic move, not out of desperation).
  • Offer your friends free websites but don’t spend anything out of your own pocket.

Your portfolio isn’t just about showing pretty websites—it should also tell a story. What problems did you solve? How did your choices impact the user experience? Add these details, and you’ll stand out.

Some of the great WordPress portfolios for your inspiration:

Website NameSpecialties
Websterville DesignWeb Design, Comic Strip Illustrations
Studio SignorellaGraphic Design, Branding
Brittany ChiangFront-End Development, Web Design
Brice ClainWeb Development, Animation
Adam GreenoughWeb Development, Blogging

2. Get Active in WordPress Communities

Freelancing is as much about who you know as what you know. Join Facebook groups, Reddit communities, and Twitter discussions about WordPress development. Offer helpful advice, share your work, and avoid hard-selling. People hire those they see as experts.

Some great places to start:

The more you help people, the more referrals you’ll get. It’s a long game, but it works.

🔥Pro Tip: Post a specific offer on LinkedIn or Facebook. Instead of “I do WordPress,” try:

“Helping small businesses fix slow WordPress sites—DM me if your site takes longer to load than a microwave burrito.”

3. Use Freelance Platforms (But Be Smart About It)

When I began freelancing, I wasted months on general platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. Don’t get me wrong; these sites can work for some people. However, competition is fierce, and many clients expect rock-bottom prices. It wasn’t until I shifted my focus to niche platforms and especially my own websites that things really took off.

However, sites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Toptal can help you land initial gigs. The trick? Don’t compete on price—compete on expertise. Optimize your profile by showcasing previous projects, highlighting niche skills (e.g., “WooCommerce expert” or “Page Speed Optimization”), and writing proposals that feel personal instead of generic.

Pro tip: Apply only to jobs that have reasonable budgets. Avoid anything that says “Quick WordPress Fix – $5.” Trust me, it’s never just a quick fix.

Freelance platforms can be great for consistent work, but they’re not the end game. Your goal is to get repeat clients and referrals so you don’t rely on them forever.

4. Cold Outreach: Yes, It Works (If Done Right)

Emailing businesses with outdated or slow websites still works—if you personalize it.

As I said earlier, don’t just say, “I noticed your site is slow, hire me.” Instead:

  1. Point out a specific issue (“Your homepage takes 6 seconds to load; I can bring it down to under 2.”)
  2. Show proof (“Here’s a site I optimized last week—went from 5.8s to 1.2s.”)
  3. Offer a simple next step (“Would you like a quick audit? No strings attached.”)

Most will ignore you, but a few will bite. And that’s all you need. One good client can lead to a dozen more through referrals.

Learn email marketing here →

5. Establish Yourself as a Leader with a Blog

I’ve established my authority in WordPress by blogging at gauravtiwari.org, offering real-world solutions that attract clients and industry recognition.

My WordPress-related articles address key topics related to common issues clients might face, positioning me as a go-to expert for ongoing site health and performance. Blogging has done more than just drive traffic—it has pre-qualified leads, built trust, and generated direct inquiries from business owners who already view me as an expert. Clients don’t ask if I can do the work; they ask how soon we can begin. That’s the power of content—when done correctly, it elevates your authority while attracting paying clients.

Freelancing is More About Business Than Coding

I didn’t realize this when I started, but being a WordPress freelancer is 80% business and 20% actual WordPress work. You’re not just a developer; you’re a business owner.

Here’s what that means:

  • You need to market yourself (because clients don’t just show up).
  • You need contracts (to protect yourself from scope creep).
  • You need to price your work properly (so you don’t burn out working for peanuts).
  • You need time management skills (because clients expect updates, and delays kill trust).

If you ignore the business side, you’ll end up overworked, underpaid, and constantly chasing payments.

Pricing Your Services: The Art and Science

Pricing is where many freelancers go wrong. Charge too little, and you risk burning out. Charge too much (without the credibility to justify it), and you’ll frighten clients away.

1. Hourly vs. Fixed Pricing

I’ll be honest: I hate hourly pricing. It penalizes efficiency. If I can build a landing page in two hours, should I be paid less than someone who takes ten? No. That’s why fixed pricing is often the way to go.

Good pricing models:

  • Fixed project pricing: Best for websites, theme development, and large redesigns.
  • Monthly retainers: Great for ongoing maintenance, SEO, and content updates.
  • Value-based pricing: Charge based on the impact of your work (e.g., an eCommerce site revamp that boosts sales by 30% should cost more than a simple blog setup).

2. How Much Should You Charge?

Your rate depends on experience, niche, and value delivered. Here’s a rough guide:

  • Beginners (0-1 year): $20–$40/hr or $500+ per small website.
  • Intermediate (1-3 years): $50–$100/hr or $2,000+ per site.
  • Experts (3+ years): $100–$200/hr or $5,000+ per site.

💡A good rule of thumb: If you’re booked out, raise your rates.

Pricing Low Will Kill Your Career

I get it. You’re starting out, and you feel like you need to charge less to get clients. But let me tell you—clients who want cheap work will squeeze you dry and never be satisfied.

Instead of underpricing:

  • Offer smaller projects (landing pages, site audits) at fair rates.
  • Charge based on value, not hours (if your work makes them money, charge accordingly).
  • Raise your prices regularly – If you’re fully booked, you’re too cheap.

Charging too little keeps you stuck. And the moment you try to raise your rates? Those bargain-hunting clients will leave.

3. Get Paid Upfront (At Least Partially) 💰

Never start a project without a deposit. My rule: 50% upfront, 50% on completion. If a client balks at this, they’re likely to be a nightmare.

❓Red flag: If a client says, “We’ll pay you when we see results,” run.

Managing Projects Like a Pro

Now, the real work begins. Managing projects efficiently is the difference between being profitable and stressed.

1. Use a Contract

No contract? No project. Always outline:

  • Scope of work
  • Timeline & milestones
  • Payment terms
  • Revisions policy

2. Keep Clients Updated (Even When Nothing Is Happening)

Clients panic when they don’t hear from you. Even if you’re just waiting on their feedback, send a quick update:

“Hey [Client], just checking in. We’re on track for the deadline. Let me know when you’ve reviewed the design mockups. No rush—just keeping things moving.”

3. Have a Revision Limit

Unlimited revisions? Big mistake. Clients will drag projects forever. I offer two rounds of revisions. Anything beyond that? Extra fee.

4. Automate the Boring Stuff

Use tools to streamline work:

  • Trello / Asana – Organize tasks.
  • Slack / Email Templates – Standardize communication.
  • Invoicing Software (like FreshBooks) – Get paid easily.

5. Create a Workflow

I generally go through this 7-step workflow in any WordPress project:

  1. Onboarding Call: Use Calendly or TidyCal to book a 30-minute call. Ask, “What’s your #1 nightmare about this project?”
  2. Contract Signing: Include a “Kill Fee” (e.g., 25% if they cancel midway).
  3. Content Inventory: Share a Notion template for images/text that you need for the website — stop the “Where’s the logo?” chaos.
  4. Staging Site Setup: Use LocalWP for offline builds. Clients can’t peek until you’re ready.
  5. Feedback Rounds: Limit to 2 revisions. For endless tweakers, say, “Additional edits are $95/hour.”
  6. Launch Checklist: 301 redirects, SSL check, backup. Forgot once—the site crashed in 12 hours. Never again.
  7. Post-Launch Training: Loom video walkthroughs > 1-hour Zoom calls. Offer them recordings of how the site works, instead of teaching them on calls.

Use the best tools

WordPress Tools

Non-WordPress Tools

  • Trello or Notion for task management (I use the “Kanban” style: To-Do, Doing, Done).
  • Google Docs or Notion for content collabs (no more 20-email threads about homepage copy).
  • Mailerlite or Sendfox for email marketing.

Mastering Client Communication

Client communication is the difference between smooth projects and endless headaches. Keep it structured, clear, and proactive.

  • Weekly Updates: Every Friday, send a 3-bullet email: “Done this week,” “Next week,” “Need from you.”
  • Emergency Protocol: Use Statuspage.io or any similar uptime monitoring tool to check when their site goes down. Transparency builds trust.
  • Response Time: Set expectations early—“Replies within 24 hours on weekdays” avoids late-night panic texts.
  • Meetings & Calls: Limit to one structured call per week unless urgent. Too many meetings kill productivity.
  • Client Portal: Use Notion, Trello, or Basecamp to keep progress visible. Clients love clarity.
  • Scope Lock: Reinforce agreements with clear documentation. Are there any new requests? That’s a change order, not a freebie.
  • Friendly, Not Familiar: Stay warm and approachable but professional. Over-familiarity leads to blurred boundaries.

Done right, communication prevents scope creep, builds trust, and keeps clients happy without draining you.

Identify Bad Clients

Every client is not a good client.

You don’t have to say yes to everyone. Some clients will make your life miserable. Learn to spot the red flags:

🚩 “We don’t need a contract—we’re friends!”

🚩 3 AM emails with 27 bullet points.

🚩 “Can you do this real quick?” – That’s free work in disguise.

🚩 “We’ll pay you after we see results.” – Nope. You’re not working for exposure.

🚩 “This should be really easy.” – If it’s so easy, why aren’t they doing it?

🚩 “We don’t have a budget, but we’ll pay later.” – No budget, no project. Period.

Saying “no” to bad clients makes room for good ones.

When you find a bad client, remember to

  1. Document Everything: Screenshots, emails, texts.
  2. Offer a Prorated Refund: “Here’s $X for work completed. Let’s part ways.”
  3. Ghosting Last Resort: Only if they’re abusive. I did this twice — the best decision ever.

Avoid Scope Creep

You agree to build a simple 5-page website. Halfway through, the client says, “Oh, can we also add a membership section?” You say yes, and suddenly, the project triples in workload—but you’re still getting paid the same.

That’s scope creep, and it’s one of the biggest freelancing traps.

How to avoid it?

  • Have a contract that clearly defines what’s included.
  • Set revision limits (e.g., 2 rounds of revisions, then extra work costs more).
  • Charge for additional features instead of just saying yes.

If you don’t protect your time, clients will take as much as they can.

Limit Revisions

Revisions Can Kill Your Profits

A single project shouldn’t take months, but if a client keeps asking for “just one more small change,” it will. That’s why you need revision limits.

  • 🔹 Offer two rounds of revisions in your pricing. Anything extra? Charge for it.
  • 🔹 Set clear feedback deadlines (so they don’t ghost you for weeks).
  • 🔹 Be upfront: “Major design changes after approval will incur additional fees.”

Revisions are normal, but endless revisions kill profitability.

Avoiding Burnout

If you are freelancing and you have work, you may get burned out if you don’t take care of your health and time.

Here’s what worked for me: I blocked Fridays for myself—no client calls, no emails, no projects. Instead, I spent that time on family, learning, hiking, or simply unwinding. I trained my clients to expect responses Monday to Thursday, and guess what? Revenue stayed the same, but my sanity tripled.

Setting boundaries isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity for long-term success. If you don’t protect your time, clients will consume it. Create a schedule that works for you, communicate it clearly, and stick to it. Your business—and your health—will thank you. 🚀

Scaling Beyond WordPress Freelancing: The $10K/Month Target

Freelancing is great—until you hit a ceiling. There are only so many hours in a day, and if you’re trading time for money, growth stalls fast. Want to break past that? You need to scale. And that means two things: hiring help and productizing your services.

Hiring Your First Subcontractor

Let’s be real—doing everything yourself is a bottleneck. If you’re fixing CSS bugs in the morning, optimizing speed in the afternoon, and answering client emails at night, you’re stretched too thin. The key? Start delegating.

  • Begin with niche tasks—things that take too much of your time but don’t need your personal touch. Think SEO audits, security monitoring, or migrations.
  • Pay flat fees, not hourly. Hourly pricing gets messy fast. Instead, say, “I’ll pay $300 for a full-site migration”—clean, predictable, no scope creep.
  • Use Slack or Google Chat for daily check-ins. Keep communication structured. Quick updates, no long emails.

At first, handing off work feels weird. But once you stop micromanaging and trust the process, you free yourself to focus on high-value work.

Productizing Services

One-off projects are great, but packages scale better. Instead of doing custom proposals for every lead, turn common requests into productized services.

Here’s how:

  • Take something you do repeatedly (e.g., fixing slow WordPress sites).
  • Turn it into a package with a fixed price and clear scope (so clients know exactly what they’re getting).
  • Sell it like a product—no custom quotes, no back-and-forth.

Examples:

  • ✔ “The 3-Day WordPress Speed Fix” – $1,499 (Guaranteed <2s load time, full caching setup, CDN, and image optimization).
  • ✔ “SEO for E-commerce” – $2,999 (Redirect mapping, schema updates, post-migration audits).

Now, instead of selling hours, you’re selling results. Clients get clarity, you get predictable revenue, and suddenly? Scaling to, say, $10K/month doesn’t feel so impossible. 🚀

If You Play It Right

Freelancing with WordPress is one of the best ways to make a living online. But it’s not just about building websites—it’s about positioning yourself as a business owner, not just a coder.

Get your first clients, set the right prices, and manage projects efficiently. Do that, and you won’t just survive—you’ll thrive.

Disclaimer: My content is reader-supported, meaning that if you click on some of the links in my posts and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. These affiliate links help me keep the content on gauravtiwari.org free and full of valuable insights. I only recommend products and services that I trust and believe will genuinely benefit you. Your support through these links is greatly appreciated—it helps me continue to create helpful content and resources for you. Thank you! ~ Gaurav Tiwari

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