How to hire VBA developers
VBA developers can help you create custom Excel macros and automate your Microsoft apps.
So how do you hire VBA developers? What follows are some tips for finding top VBA developers on Upwork.
How to shortlist VBA development professionals
As you’re browsing available VBA consultants, it can be helpful to develop a shortlist of the professionals you may want to interview. You can screen profiles on criteria such as:
- Technology fit. Most VBA developers will know how to create Excel macros, but you’ll want to screen for experience using VBA with other Microsoft apps.
- Project experience. Screen candidate profiles for specific skills and experience (e.g., automatic Word template generation with VBA).
- Feedback. Check reviews from past clients for glowing testimonials or red flags that can tell you what it’s like to work with a particular VBA developer.
How to write an effective VBA development job post
With a clear picture of your ideal VBA developer in mind, it’s time to write that job post. Although you don’t need a full job description as you would when hiring an employee, aim to provide enough detail for a freelancer to know if they’re the right fit for the project.
An effective VBA development job post should include:
- Scope of work: From Excel macros to PowerPoint automation, list all the deliverables you’ll need.
- Project length: Your job post should indicate whether this is a smaller or larger project.
- Background: If you prefer experience with certain Microsoft apps, mention this here.
- Budget: Set a budget and note your preference for hourly rates vs. fixed-price contracts.
Ready to extend the functionality of your Microsoft apps? Log in and post your VBA development job on Upwork today.
VBA DEVELOPERS FAQ
What is VBA?
VBA is short for Visual Basic for Applications. It’s an implementation of Microsoft’s event-driven language, Visual Basic (VB), which was designed to be used to extend the functionality of Microsoft Office and other Microsoft apps.
Here’s a quick overview of the skills you should look for in VBA development professionals:
- VBA
- Excel macros
- Microsoft apps (e.g., Power Apps, Office, SharePoint, MS Access)
Why hire VBA developers?
The trick to finding top VBA developers is to identify your needs. Is your goal to create custom macros to automate data entry, plotting, and other functions in Excel? Or will they be using VBA to move contacts from Outlook into Word? The cost of your project will depend largely on your scope of work and the specific skills needed to bring your project to life.
How much does it cost to hire a VBA developer?
Rates can vary due to many factors, including expertise and experience, location, and market conditions.
- An experienced VBA developer may command higher fees but also work faster, have more specialized areas of expertise, and deliver a higher-quality product.
- A freelancer who is still in the process of building a client base may price their VBA development more competitively.
Which one is right for you will depend on the specifics of your project.