Jekyll: Build a fast, secure, and easily maintainable website
Jekyll is a powerful static site generator that transforms plain text into static websites and blogs. It's favoured for its speed, security, and ease of maintenance, making it a popular choice for individuals and businesses alike. By hiring a Jekyll freelancer, you can leverage this technology to create a high-performing, cost-effective online presence.
What to look for in a Jekyll freelancer
When searching for a skilled Jekyll freelancer, consider the following key aspects:
- Proficiency in Liquid templating language: Liquid is the backbone of Jekyll themes and allows for dynamic content generation. Ensure the freelancer has a strong grasp of this language.
- Experience with Jekyll themes and plugins: Familiarity with popular themes and plugins can significantly speed up development and enhance functionality.
- Understanding of front-end technologies: A good Jekyll freelancer should be proficient in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to customise and optimise the website's front-end.
- Version control with Git: Experience with Git is crucial for collaborative projects and managing code changes effectively.
- Knowledge of SEO best practices: A freelancer who understands SEO can help ensure your website is optimised for search engines, driving organic traffic.
Main expertise areas within Jekyll
Clients should inquire about a freelancer's expertise in these areas:
- Custom theme development: Creating bespoke themes tailored to specific design requirements.
- Existing theme modification: Adapting pre-existing themes to match branding and functionality needs.
- Plugin integration and development: Implementing and creating plugins to extend Jekyll's functionality.
- Migration to Jekyll: Moving existing websites to the Jekyll platform.
- Performance optimisation: Ensuring fast loading speeds and optimal website performance.
- Deployment and hosting: Setting up and managing the website on platforms like GitHub Pages or Netlify.
Relevant interview questions
Here are some questions to ask potential Jekyll freelancers:
- Can you share examples of Jekyll websites you've built?
- What is your experience with Liquid templating?
- How do you approach SEO optimisation in Jekyll projects?
- Describe your workflow for managing Jekyll projects with Git.
- What are your preferred methods for deploying and hosting Jekyll websites?
- How do you handle troubleshooting and debugging in Jekyll?
Tips for shortlisting candidates
- Review portfolios and code samples.
- Look for clean, well-structured code and a consistent design aesthetic.
- Check client testimonials and reviews for evidence of reliability and communication skills.
- Prioritise freelancers who demonstrate a clear understanding of your project requirements and offer proactive solutions.
Potential red flags to watch out for
Be wary of freelancers who:
- Lack a demonstrable portfolio of Jekyll projects.
- Struggle to articulate their understanding of core Jekyll concepts.
- Are unresponsive or demonstrate poor communication skills.
- Offer unrealistically low bids or promise unrealistic timelines.
Typical complementary skills
Jekyll expertise often goes hand-in-hand with:
- HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
- Responsive design
- SEO/SEM
- Content management systems (CMS)
- Graphic design
What problems a Jekyll freelancer can solve for clients
Hiring a Jekyll freelancer can address several key challenges:
- Creating a fast-loading website: Jekyll's static nature ensures quick loading times, improving user experience and SEO.
- Enhancing website security: Static sites are less vulnerable to security breaches compared to dynamic websites.
- Simplifying website maintenance: Jekyll's straightforward structure makes updates and maintenance easier.
- Reducing hosting costs: Static sites can be hosted on affordable platforms like GitHub Pages, reducing overhead expenses.
- Building a blog or portfolio: Jekyll is ideal for creating blogs and portfolios due to its ease of use and content management capabilities.
By understanding the nuances of Jekyll and hiring a skilled freelancer, you can build a robust, high-performing, and cost-effective online presence that meets your specific business needs.
Whether you're launching a new website, migrating an existing one, or simply seeking ongoing maintenance and support, a Jekyll freelancer can provide the expertise and support you need.
