One of the biggest complaints I hear from clients about working with web developers
Most of all for miniature businesses outsourcing and Web Design work is a necessity to develop their online merchandize. The underneath line is that unless you are that rare creature who possesses an extremely good sense of design combined with a highly evolved programming competence -- you should not be creating your own website.
Which leaves you having to locate to hire and manage an independent web designer? The questions that race through the small-business-frenzied brain can include: Where do I find a website developer? How much will it cost to develop my site? How can I make sure they'll do a good job? And so on.
First you try to managing the web development process without the time or desire to do so, In order to save money, I've seen far too many CEOs of small businesses take on the management of the web design company.
This almost never works since the small business owner is usually so busy with the day-to-day successively of the business that they can't really commit the time or attention required to make getting the website built a priority.
Alternatively, assign someone in the company to head the project or hire an outside marketing consultant to oversee it. There are literally dozens of considerations that go into making a website a functioning lead-generation, lead-nurturing and conversion machine.
Design is critical, but so is marketing competence, so make sure someone in your company incorporates Internet marketing best practices in the design process.
Verify technical aptitude
In today's most of all small and big business consultancy continually changing online environment, technical competence requires constant updating. Inquire as to how the web developer stays on top of the latest technological bells and whistles in website development. Some common technological issues to look for on websites include:
Do you find the websites that this developer has created to be visually appealing in terms of overall look and feel? Does something about their style resonate with your personal taste or desired brand? If not, chances are they won't be able to magically create a look that works and you will have incompatible design ideas. No matter how highly recommended they are, or how desperate you are to get the project moving, pick another developer.
Consider their communication skills and ongoing capabilities
One of the biggest complaints I hear from clients about working with web developers is that, after the website is up and running, getting the developer to respond promptly to changes that need to be made is difficult. Many developers spend the majority of their time honing their technical expertise, so in some cases, interpersonal communication skills may have gotten short-shift. Always call references and ask:
How easy is the developer to do business with?
Did she/he take a collaborative approach?
How was her/his follow-through on what they promised?
Did she/he get work done on time?
Lastly, for the protection of all parties, always get a contract in writing prior to the beginning of the web design work. A clear contract that defines the scope of the project, estimated timelines and delineated deliverables goes a long way to prevent weeping over web work down the road.
Which leaves you having to locate to hire and manage an independent web designer? The questions that race through the small-business-frenzied brain can include: Where do I find a website developer? How much will it cost to develop my site? How can I make sure they'll do a good job? And so on.
First you try to managing the web development process without the time or desire to do so, In order to save money, I've seen far too many CEOs of small businesses take on the management of the web design company.
This almost never works since the small business owner is usually so busy with the day-to-day successively of the business that they can't really commit the time or attention required to make getting the website built a priority.
Alternatively, assign someone in the company to head the project or hire an outside marketing consultant to oversee it. There are literally dozens of considerations that go into making a website a functioning lead-generation, lead-nurturing and conversion machine.
Design is critical, but so is marketing competence, so make sure someone in your company incorporates Internet marketing best practices in the design process.
Verify technical aptitude
In today's most of all small and big business consultancy continually changing online environment, technical competence requires constant updating. Inquire as to how the web developer stays on top of the latest technological bells and whistles in website development. Some common technological issues to look for on websites include:
- Technical competence
- Clear and clean site navigation
- Innovative visual storytelling
- Integration of social media
- Appropriate mix of audio and video media
- Expert knowledge and experience in the platform you are going to create your website in (i.e. Word Press)
- Study their creative style
Do you find the websites that this developer has created to be visually appealing in terms of overall look and feel? Does something about their style resonate with your personal taste or desired brand? If not, chances are they won't be able to magically create a look that works and you will have incompatible design ideas. No matter how highly recommended they are, or how desperate you are to get the project moving, pick another developer.
Consider their communication skills and ongoing capabilities
One of the biggest complaints I hear from clients about working with web developers is that, after the website is up and running, getting the developer to respond promptly to changes that need to be made is difficult. Many developers spend the majority of their time honing their technical expertise, so in some cases, interpersonal communication skills may have gotten short-shift. Always call references and ask:
How easy is the developer to do business with?
Did she/he take a collaborative approach?
How was her/his follow-through on what they promised?
Did she/he get work done on time?
Lastly, for the protection of all parties, always get a contract in writing prior to the beginning of the web design work. A clear contract that defines the scope of the project, estimated timelines and delineated deliverables goes a long way to prevent weeping over web work down the road.