Creating an awesome website on LearnDash LMS is always a collaborative process. It is the result of the efforts and talent of everyone on your team.
And a key player of this team is your LearnDash developer.
They are responsible for everything from setting up your LMS to creating your courses. Their skills and expertise play a big role in bringing to life your e-learning vision.
Which is why it is crucial that you hire the right person for the job.
To understand if she has the required technical skills. And if she can take on the responsibilities and deliver the expected results.
The only way to do that is by asking all the right questions!
So, we’ve compiled a list of questions you can ask your LearnDash Developer before you hire them. And there’s also a convenient checklist included at the end.
Let’s begin!
1. How much experience do you have with LearnDash?
Most e-learning developers have a varied skill set. They work with different technologies as dictated by the project.
But when hiring someone to set up a LearnDash LMS, it is good to gauge how much experience they have working with LearnDash specifically.
Inquire about the number of projects they’ve created with LearnDash. Ask for details about those projects. And the features they’ve developed.
This will help you get an idea of what they could potentially do for your LearnDash LMS.
A reliable option here would be to find a developer who works extensively with LearnDash. And has been attached to many successful LearnDash projects. Check out their website, do they blog a lot about LearnDash, do they participate on LearnDash support forums, all of this is an added bonus.
Basically, someone who has LearnDash expertise.
But that being said, any developer that knows her way around LearnDash LMSs should be able to help you with your needs. And the best way to understand that is by closely looking at their previous projects.
Which brings us to our next question.
2. Do you have a portfolio of your LearnDash projects?
You would never hire an interior designer without seeing their work, right? The same goes for LearnDash developers.
Ask potential agencies or freelancers about the kind of work they’ve done. They should show you projects similar to the portfolio we maintain – details about the project, problems, solutions, and testimonials are all listed. A portfolio helps build trust with prospective clients. But more importantly, show experience.
Any experienced LearnDash developer will have a portfolio of projects they have worked on. You should always take a thorough look at it, and especially pay attention to testimonials and recommendations, before hiring someone.
A portfolio not only validates the fact that they are experienced developers, but it also gives you a chance to look over their work.
Perhaps they have solved the same issues that you are currently facing. Maybe you’ll like a feature they’ve previously developed and want to add it to your own project.
A portfolio can clue you on whether a developer is a potential fit for your LearnDash project.
Plugins made a good part of the portfolio too. If a company has built LearnDash extensions – which are popular – you know they can help build a solution for you.
3. Have you worked on similar projects?
When we talk about finding the right fit, this question can really help you make a definitive decision.
Because it can validate their abilities to handle your project.
So, once you are confident about their LearnDash capabilities, it is a good idea to lay down all your requirements. Help them understand your vision and ask them if they have experience building something similar.
However, this is not to say that it’s a required qualification.
Just because they haven’t done it before does not mean they aren’t skilled enough to do it now. Every project is different and comes with its own unique set of challenges. Your decision should be based on an evaluation of all aspects. The thing that matters? The scale of the project. If they’ve haven’t worked on large-scale projects, and yours happens to be one, then they might not have the right processes in place to handle a project of your measure.
Having experience developing something similar does give them an edge over other candidates.
4. What will be required of me? How involved do I need to be?
Once you’re convinced that a developer is capable enough. You can now move on to asking questions about their process of developing a project.
The correct answer to this question can differ from person to person. A freelance developer will probably need you to be hands-on and be involved in the development process. While an agency will probably only require you to take final calls and specify requirements.
What you favor is up to you and your circumstances.
For example, if you are short on time and don’t want to not worry about the minor specifics of the job, you would hire an agency that requires minimum involvement.
It is crucial that before you hire someone for your project you understand clearly what your role will be, what will be required of you and how much time you would need to devote.
5. How will you ensure I’m kept in the loop?
Most LearnDash developers work remotely. This might pose a challenge when it comes to communication. Once you’ve ironed out your role the next thing to focus on is how will they ensure that you are involved.
Your questions could revolve around different points:
- What will be the mode of communication? Will, it be emails, CRM tools, etc.?
- How often will you be updated about the ongoings of the project?
- Will you get an end of the day report or be informed when a module is finished?
Just get an understanding of their process. This can help you establish a clear sense of how the two of you can effectively collaborate.
6. Do you provide support once the project is complete?
The collaboration doesn’t just stop when your LearnDash LMS is set up or customization is made.
Even when an LMS is up and running, there are things that might crop up – functionalities might break or you might have trouble using a feature.
It is a good idea to ask if your developer provides support.
Post-purchase support is good to have for any and all doubts and issues that may come up in the future.
You should also inquire about how long they provide customer support after the LMS has been fully set up and the things included.
7. How much do you usually charge for a project of this size?
This is an essential question. After all, your budget is a big factor in deciding who you should hire. While there could be some wiggle room, it is important to stick to your budget.
So be sure to ask how much they usually charge for projects this size. Your final price can obviously differ owing to customizations and additional requirements. But it gives you a fair idea.
Also, be sure to ask about and factor in any hidden costs like sign up fee, separate customer support cost, maintenance charges, licensing fees, etc.
It will help you understand if the developer is also a good choice from an economical standpoint.
8. Do you provide LMS maintenance services?
Over time your LMS can get outdated and will need upkeep. LMS maintenance is not something to be overlooked and is very important.
Ask your developer if they will be in charge of updating and maintaining the LearnDash LMS. Understand what services come under maintenance. Also, be sure to ask for a schedule of how often they will update the LMS. And if they charge extra for it
Some developers might not offer those services. While some others may offer it as a separate service. Having this information helps you understand the tasks you’ll need to take up post-development.
9. Are you recommended by LearnDash?
This is kind of a bonus question.
Not all LearnDash developers are recommended by LearnDash. But the fact that some are, makes them stand out from the crowd.
If you need heavy custom work or a complete overhaul of you LearnDash LMS, this recommendation is the added trust that proves favorable to your project.
The Final Checklist
Here’s a handy checklist of all the questions + talking points:
- How much experience do you have with LearnDash?
– Number of LearnDash projects worked on
– Details of nature of projects
– Functionalities and features developed for those projects - Do you have a portfolio of LearnDash projects you have worked on?
- Have you worked on similar projects?
- What will be required of me? How involved do I need to be?
– Your role in the project
– The extent of your involvement in terms of time and effort
– What they will require from you - How will you ensure I’m kept in the loop?
– Mode of communication
– Frequency of communication - Do you provide support once the project is completed?
– Period of time after purchase that support is provided - How much do you charge for a project of this size?
– Hidden costs like sign up fee, licensing fee, etc
– Extra customization costs if any - Do you provide LMS maintenance services?
– What maintenance services are provided
– How often are they provided - Are you recommended by LearnDash?
Last Words
Hiring someone to be part of your team is a major decision. Be sure to consider and evaluate all aspects before making a decision. We hope these questions will make your job just a little easier.
If you have any more questions you’d like to add to this list please do leave us a comment!
Good Luck!
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