Type: Independent Contractor (1099) or W2 Contract
About the Role
ESP is seeking a hands‑on WordPress specialist to modernize website into a secure, scalable, and easy‑to‑update platform. You’ll lead the rebuild using modern WordPress architecture (block editor), improve SEO and performance, refresh the look/feel, and ensure the site is optimized for social sharing and future enhancements (including optional AI chatbot integration).
This is a practical, build‑focused role for someone who can work independently, communicate clearly, and deliver production‑grade outcomes.
What You’ll Do (Core Responsibilities)
- Audit + plan: Review current site, content structure, performance, and SEO. Recommend a streamlined sitemap and page/template plan.
- Modern WordPress rebuild: Implement a clean, maintainable WordPress build using Gutenberg/block editor (no heavy legacy builders unless justified).
- Theme & components: Configure or build a modern theme approach, ensuring reusable sections and editor‑friendly page building.
- UI/UX refresh: Improve layouts, navigation, page hierarchy, typography, and overall polish (mobile‑first).
- Technical SEO: Implement best‑practice metadata, schema markup, redirects, indexation controls, image optimization, and internal linking.
- Performance: Optimize Core Web Vitals (caching strategy, asset loading, image formats, script management).
- Analytics: Set up GA4 + key conversion/event tracking (form submits, CTA clicks, call‑to‑actions).
- Forms & workflows: Build/optimize contact and intake forms with routing/notifications (and CRM integration if applicable).
- Security & stability: Ensure plugin hygiene, hardening, backups, and a clean update strategy.
- Documentation + training: Provide a short admin guide and handoff so ESP can manage content without dev support.
Nice‑to‑Have (Bonus Skills)
- Managed WP hosting experience (WP Engine, Kinsta, Flywheel, etc.)
- Accessibility (WCAG 2.1 AA) implementation/testing
- Experience optimizing sites for AI discoverability (structured content, schema, FAQ patterns)
- Optional: AI chatbot integration (website widget, knowledge base ingestion, safe logging/PII controls)
Required Experience
- 3+ years building and maintaining WordPress sites (modern best practices)
- Strong grasp of:
- SEO fundamentals + technical SEO execution
- Performance optimization (Core Web Vitals)
- Security and plugin governance
- Portfolio of 3+ relevant sites (please include links and what you owned)
Deliverables (What “Done” Looks Like)
- Modernized WordPress site (block‑editor friendly)
- Improved navigation + page templates (service lines, about, insights/news, contact, careers)
- Technical SEO foundation + redirect plan implemented
- Performance improvements validated (CWV‑friendly)
- Analytics + event tracking working
- Documentation + training handoff completed
Engagement Structure
- Fixed‑fee base build preferred (with milestone payments)
- Add‑ons priced separately (SEO rewrite, extra landing pages, AI chatbot, etc.)
- Optional monthly retainer for ongoing updates and optimization
Option B — W2 Contract
- Hourly contract (rate DOE) for a defined project window
- Clear weekly capacity expectations
To Apply
Please send:
- Portfolio links (3–7) and what you specifically did
- Your recommended approach (theme strategy, plugin stack, build process)
- Estimate for timeline + cost (fixed fee or hourly)
- Availability to start
- Optional: examples of SEO wins (before/after metrics) or AI chatbot.