Zac McDonald, a top-rated WordPress developer on Upwork, has completed hundreds of jobs and maintains a perfect 100% job success rate on the platform.
He started with passion projects and quick-turnaround tasks, but has since become a highly skilled expert in WordPress security, maintenance, and development.
Zac McDonald works diligently to build an impressive Upwork portfolio and now enjoys the lifestyle of a digital nomad, providing WordPress services as a freelancer.
In this interview, Zac McDonald shares insights about his journey in WordPress.He offers valuable advice for aspiring WordPress developers and freelancers.These tips can help you build a strong portfolio on Upwork.
The key to success is clear communication and honesty with your clients. If you can identify and solve their problems, that’s all they really want.
Zac McDonald – Freelance WordPress Developer
Continue reading to discover expert tips and insights from one of the most successful freelance WordPress developers in the industry!
This article is part of our series, #MyWordPressStory, which features insights from leaders who leverage WordPress to create positive change in the world.
If you’re interested in being featured in our interview series—whether you’re a plugin developer, founder, or SEO specialist—please reach out to us via our contact form.
You can also click on the quick links below to explore the topics we discuss in the interview:
- Introducing Zac McDonald, Top-Rated WordPress Freelancer on Upwork
- A WordPress Journey: From Passion Projects to Earning $150 Per Hour
- Advice for Aspiring Freelance Developers: Zac Shares Insights on Transparency, Communication, and Skill Development
- Technical Tips for WordPress Developers: The Importance of Continuous Learning
- Final Thoughts and Where to Discover Zac’s Work
- Bonus: Essential Guides for Aspiring WordPress Developers
Introducing Zac McDonald, Top-Rated WordPress Freelancer on Upwork
Zac McDonald has been involved with WordPress for nearly 19 years, nearly since the platform’s inception, giving him extensive knowledge about adapting to software changes.
He is a skilled WordPress developer with expertise in Elementor Pro, LearnDash, and other tools.
In addition to creating custom WordPress websites, Zac offers services in website security, maintenance, and troubleshooting. He also maintains long-term relationships with several clients.
Zac is recognized as one of the leading and highest-rated WordPress freelancers on Upwork. He boasts an impressive 100% job success rate and has successfully completed over 150 projects.
You might be curious about how Zac achieved such success. To uncover his story, James Agar from the CanadaCreate team reached out to him, and Zac generously shared insights about his journey in the WordPress world.
A WordPress Journey: From Passion Projects to Earning $150 Per Hour
Like many self-taught WordPress enthusiasts, Zac began exploring the WordPress CMS while experimenting with various tools and projects.
After developing a few personal WordPress sites for enjoyment, he discovered an opportunity nearby. His wife worked at a salon that had a poorly designed website, so he offered to redesign it. He created a one-page site using Elementor, and they were thrilled with the outcome.
“I didn’t even ask for payment. I did it just for the enjoyment of building the website and to see if I could create something that people would appreciate,” he explained.
Zac leveraged these volunteer projects to establish his credentials as a professional WordPress developer.
I used that as a foundation to create a portfolio, allowing me to reach out to other clients and say, ‘I can deliver this service for you at this price.’ From there, my business grew.
Zac McDonald
As noted, Zac primarily discovers projects on Upwork, which is one of the leading platforms for WordPress developers.
He began his journey by accepting small tasks that he could finish quickly and efficiently. This approach enabled him to accumulate client reviews rapidly, enhancing his credibility and reputation.
This strategy suited Zac well, as he genuinely enjoys solving a diverse range of problems.
“I enjoy tackling challenges, so I find it rewarding when someone presents me with an issue that requires me to learn and understand the root of their problem,” he shared.
Zac initially set his rates very low to establish himself in the market.
“I believe my first job paid $15 an hour. For one project, I created a quick 4-page website for an electronics business for just $50 or $100. It was very affordable, but I completed it in under a day and received a great review. The client was thrilled with the result.”
Zac continued this approach, gradually increasing his rates as he gained experience and received more positive feedback from clients.
Currently, Zac charges $150 per hour for new clients, reflecting a remarkable tenfold increase in his earnings since his first job. This impressive growth highlights the effectiveness of a steady and patient approach to freelancing.
Guidance for Aspiring Freelance Developers: Zac Shares Insights on Transparency, Communication, and Skill Development
If you’ve used Upwork, you know that securing jobs can be quite competitive. We asked Zac for his top advice for aspiring freelance WordPress developers who want to differentiate themselves in the marketplace.
He stressed the significance of being transparent, maintaining clear communication, and continuously learning new skills. Additionally, he pointed out the necessity of completing a few high-quality projects to establish your reputation.
For newcomers, the focus should be on landing those initial projects that allow you to build a portfolio and demonstrate your success: ‘I have completed this work and achieved positive results,’ and then progress from there.
Zac McDonald
Zac believes that transparency involves never promising a client that you can deliver on a task unless you are confident in your ability to do so. It’s essential to communicate your current skill set and your willingness to learn new things when necessary.
When a client asks me for a specific widget for their website, I respond honestly, saying, ‘I haven’t worked with that type of widget before, but I will research it and get back to you by tomorrow.’
Zac believes that his commitment to honesty and willingness to learn new skills has been crucial to his success. This mindset not only helps him grow his abilities but also gives him a competitive advantage in the long run.
The next time a client requests a recipe widget, I will be fully prepared to handle it, regardless of whether I accepted the initial project.
Zac emphasized the significance of effective communication and timely project delivery. He advises setting realistic deadlines for clients.
For instance, if you estimate that a project will take two weeks, it’s wise to inform the client that it will take a month. This approach provides a buffer for any unexpected challenges and will delight the client if you complete the project ahead of schedule.
Zac also highlighted the value of nurturing strong relationships with clients and fostering loyalty by keeping his rates stable. He mentioned, ‘I usually do not increase prices for my long-term clients.’
Finally, Zac emphasized the importance of continuously learning new skills and technologies for success as a WordPress developer. We’ll explore his technical recommendations in the upcoming section.
Essential Technical Tips for WordPress Developers: Embrace Lifelong Learning
To thrive as a freelance WordPress developer on platforms like Upwork, you need to master the soft skills Zac highlighted earlier. But what about your technical skills?
Zac offered valuable insights in this area as well, stating, “The more programming languages you know, the better your chances of success.”
However, he clarified that you don’t need to be an expert in every single WordPress programming language.
“I wouldn’t consider myself a master coder. I have some knowledge of Java and PHP, and I’m quite proficient in CSS and HTML.”
“Ultimately, there’s usually someone smarter than you who has already created a plugin that accomplishes what you need, nine times out of ten. It may cost you $10, $20, or $50, but investing in that saves you valuable time.”
Zac McDonald
That said, Zac identified CSS as the most crucial language to learn.
CSS is essential for my work with WordPress. Many themes and page builders have limited options, but CSS allows for extensive customization on the front end of a website.
If you’re new to WordPress, consider exploring our free video courses or the following beginner’s guides:
- Free Step-by-Step Guide to Learning WordPress Basics
- Top Free WordPress Tutorials
- Understanding CSS
- Introduction to PHP
- Getting Started with JavaScript
Zac has mentioned CanadaCreate as a valuable resource, stating, ‘I’ve definitely used it as a resource.’
‘I appreciate how each page provides multiple methods. If I prefer not to use a plugin, it often offers code snippets to help me achieve my goals,’ he explained.
Beyond traditional coding skills, Zac emphasized the importance of continually expanding your complementary skills and knowledge.
In addition to CSS, he highlighted the significance of AI and how leveraging it for unique images and text can be beneficial.
🌟 Related Post: A Guide to Using AI for Image Generation in WordPress
Many clients prefer developers who can offer comprehensive services, so providing website copy and images can help you differentiate yourself as a freelancer.
If you decide to take this approach, Zac advises informing clients in advance that you utilize AI to generate this additional content.
Additionally, he recommends that being proficient with photo-editing software can enhance your attractiveness to potential clients.
Now, let’s gather some concluding insights from Zac.
Concluding Insights & Where to Explore Zac’s Work
At the beginning of our discussion, when we asked Zac about his choice to work with WordPress, he expressed, ‘I truly enjoy it. I find satisfaction in the technical problem-solving involved with WordPress.’
Later in our conversation, he emphasized this sentiment again, along with the significance of maintaining a strong curiosity and a desire to learn.
The key takeaway is to continually learn, engage in hands-on experiences, and pursue activities that you are passionate about.
Zac McDonald
During our conversation with Zac, it became evident that he has a genuine passion for his work, which is encouraging news for anyone aspiring to become a WordPress developer!
He also shared the professional freedom he enjoys as a freelancer during our discussion.
I have never excelled in traditional jobs or under a boss. Freelancing suits me perfectly; I can work comfortably in my sweatpants from my basement.
As a fully remote team, we also enjoy similar advantages. We completely agree with Zac on this matter.
If you’re interested in working with Zac or want to explore a successful WordPress portfolio, you can view his projects and contact details on his professional website or Upwork profile.
If you enjoyed this article, you might also like our interview with Ben Rojas, the President of All in One SEO.
Bonus: Comprehensive Guides for Aspiring WordPress Developers
Do you aspire to be a successful and well-compensated freelance WordPress developer like Zac? Here are some valuable resources to help you begin your journey:
- Top WordPress Starter Themes for Developers
- Essential Tools for WordPress Freelancers, Designers, and Developers
- Best WordPress Development Tools (Both Free and Paid Options)
- Best Job Sites for WordPress Developers (Including Sample Job Template)
- Top Freelance Websites to Find Work (Our Recommended Picks)
- How to Manage Multiple WordPress Sites from a Single Dashboard
- How to Create Invoices for Clients Using WordPress
- Will WordPress Replace Web Developers? Insights from Experts
- The Future of WordPress: Predictions and Expectations
- From Blogger to WordPress VIP Partner: Rahul Bansal’s Inspiring Journey
- Career Opportunities in WordPress: How to Build a Profitable Career
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