It is not easy to choose the right web developer, especially if you’re not acquainted with the profession. Nevertheless, we provide you with 5 valuable criteria that will help you organise the info you’ve got and choose the proper developer for your website.
#1. Cost
We are aware that every company or individual has a different financial situation and this is why we start with cost, although it is not the only criteria you should take under consideration when choosing a web developer. What this means, is that the cheapest is not necessarily the best option, as it may include some traps that we will analyze in the following articles. Moreover, the cheapest option might sometimes lead to you paying more in the end, as you try to fix the mistakes of a sloppy developers, by hiring other people to clean up their mess.
What you need to do, is make sure you have a clear communication about what exactly is included in the price, what covers one-time costs (such as the service of the graphics designer) and what covers ongoing costs (such as web hosting). Moreover, check if the web developer includes maintenance in this price, as well as human support.
The truth is that, while doing your research, you will see that the prices are ranging, depending on the country of origin of the web developer or the services provided, but there are many other factors that affect them. Try to be aware of what exactly it is that you need and get specific quotes on that only. In the end, you will need to take under consideration all the criteria necessary in order to do make the right choice.
#2. Trust
Trust is usually built in time, but in professional transactions this has to be accomplished a lot faster and much more dynamically. Chemistry between a web developer and a client can either be creative and pleasant or catastrophic and annoying. Thus, what you really have to keep in mind, is that your web developer is a person you will be working very closely with, and you have to feel trust for.
Meet with this person if you can, or have a skype call if meeting is not possible. Have a talk, ask questions, notice reactions and observe how you feel. Sometimes instinct knows more than anyone and you should not be afraid to trust it. After all, it is your time and money you’re negotiating here and it is your right to choose whoever you feel comfortable with.
If you plan to give the maintenance or support to the same developer, trust becomes even more important, because when a difficult moment comes, you will have to know that you can depend on this person to help you out, solve the problem and be a professional.
#3. Expertise
Sure, you need an expert, but, on what exactly? First you have to know what kind of website you want and then you have to make sure you find a web developer that is an expert on this specific field that you want (for example, WordPress or eCommerce).
Also, do you really need an expert for a one-page website (landing page) or is it wiser to find someone cheaper who can do this simple task for a lower cost? What if your needs change in the future? What if technology changes in the near future? Will your expert be updated? Will he know what he’s doing? These questions should be taken into consideration while choosing a web developer, although it is not easy to decide about them at such an early stage.
Whatever you do, always ask your potential web developers’ background, so that you know about their studies, their professional experience, their field of expertise and what they are capable of offering.
#4. Testimonials
Before deciding, look your web developer up. Don’t stalk them, just see the testimonials and feedback other people or companies have posted online about your potential web developers and form a general opinion about their reputation. Of course there will be negative testimonials, as everybody (even you) has had disappointing cooperations in their lives, but at least you will be able to have an idea about whether their clients were satisfied or not. Worst case scenario, you will be able to reject someone within a few minutes and not waste your time negotiating the price or the terms of the cooperation.
#5. Previous Work
Last but not least, make sure you check out their previous work. If it doesn’t inspire you, it’s not worth negotiating for it. Look up the websites they have created, see how fast or responsive they are, their aesthetics, the variety of clients and of course their number. The more, the better -obviously- as this indicates extensive experience and professionalism, however this is not necessarily the most vital part of their previous work.
All the criteria mentioned in this series of articles are equally important for someone who is looking for the right web developer. One is not more valuable than the other and they all play an equally significant role to the formation of a choice. Just remember to trust your instinct and make sure you have a solid, trustworthy communication with the person you choose to develop your website.
Have Fun and enjoy your time with Solomon Designs!
