Questions to Ask a Web Developer
A processional website design is important. Let’s face it, first impressions really count. But a good design by itself isn’t enough. Your website is the heart and soul of your business.
Choosing a web-developer can be overwhelming. Do you need a front end web-developer, a back end web-developer, a web-designer? Terms can be confusing. What’s important to you is the experience the person who builds your website has in developing web sites like yours and how well the developer understands your vision and web-site goals. A short cut to answers is to begin with with questions you ask yourself.
Questions for You
Write a short paragraph about what you want the website to do for you. Are you a hobbyist and just want to share your work? Are you a massage therapist, nurse advocate, acupuncturist, restaurant? Do you want to sell products or services from your website?
In order for the developer to get a sense of the scope of your project you will need to have some idea of your goals for your web-site, your budget and timeline. Having a statement ready and these answers ready will help a developer understand your vision and website needs.
First ask if the developer has experience with projects similar to yours? If for example you are setting up a website for a hairdressing saloon it would be a real advantage if the developer either had inside knowledge of the business or had developed similar websites. The closer you can get between the developer and someone who knows your industry, the better off you are because that developer understands your business and will be able to match the features and back end technology with the front end website design as well as your clients’ user habits for your service. That’s a match made in heaven!
What about the cost? The more specific you can be about your needs the better equipped the developer will be to answer cost questions.. If you plan on adding features later, have a sense of what kind of schedule you have in mind. Is it related to the goals you have for your website? Having answers to these questions will sort through confusion and speed up the process of selection.
Questions for the Developer
- How long will the project take?
- How much will it cost?
- Are payment plans available?
- What kinds of assurance can I expect that the project is progressing as planned?
- What does the developer expect of you in terms of content, graphics, design? This helps the developer identify needed resources, such as content, graphics and images.
- Will you be able to make your own edits? If so how will you learn? What kind of support is included in the cost of development?
- Will the web-site be mobile friendly on all devices and browsers?
- What services does the developer offer and how much does each cost?
Technical Support
Web HostingWeb Maintenance.
SEO (search Engine Optimization)?
Email Campaigns?
Logo and Stationary Design
Being prepared with what you'd like to know, gives you a better chance of working with someone who understands your vision and is willing to give you the website and user experience you want.
If you need help Ask Dan. You may also be interested in my article ‘Marketing on a Shoestring Budget.’ It’s packed with tips and ideas on getting the most from your website.
