Web Specialist

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.