Selecting a Website Developer

 

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When you've got the budget to implement your planned web project, there is no shortage of website developers who want to be your friend. But how do you determine the best choice for building the website?

Selecting the right web developer, web designer or interactive media company to work on your website can be a challenge. You want to be sure that the vendor can fulfill the objectives and strategies for the site, take care of your technology and marketing needs in the process, and maintain an adequate level of attention to your project.

Good web developers are good communicators. They contact potential clients before providing a proposal to ensure they have a clear understanding of the project, its goals, and project-related technologies. Based on discussions with the client, they can fine-tune the timeline, budget, and their proposed approach. Based on their experience, they offer processes for managing changes to the project scope and offer tools that make it easy for clients to provide feedback and monitor project status.

No vendor is an island. Like a building contractor, most web developers have general web development skills, but need to call in experts when special needs arise. A good developer is connected.

Many developers have in-house staff or additional vendors that can contribute to implementation of the website. So, it's a good idea to evaluate a vendor's flexibility. Inflexible vendors increase project cost and frustration. If a vendor only does development for .NET and you're not sure you want to implement a Microsoft-oriented site, consider vendors that are agnostic when it comes to technology.

Given the opportunity, you'll also want to work with a vendor who takes responsibility when problems arise or delays occur. Many companies using offshore developers from India and Pakistan are pleased with the initial budget for projects, but find it difficult to deal with foreign vendors when things go wrong.

A vendor who is experienced handling potential problems is more desirable than one who will convince you that nothing can go wrong and that all projects are completed on time.

Warning You'll want to select an experienced developer or web designer. When it comes to the web, there's always someone who will recommend hiring the proverbial "teenaged nephew who seems to know a lot about the Internet." Many small businesses have picked this option. For a number of reasons it's the worst choice you could make. Familiarity with HTML programming and/or graphic design won't make up for the lack of experience most teens have with running a business, developing effective marketing communication, and implementing sophisticated web-based technology. And it's not just teens--during the late 1990s people who learned a bit of HTML could set up themselves as web developers, even if that was their only experience. Some still do today. Consider this: Would you ask the hopeful vendor, however good at writing code, to develop your advertising campaign or write a customer brochure? If the answer is no, then seek a professional for your web project too.

Tips for Selection:

• Get three estimates -- This ensures you get a well-rounded view of project-related issues and costs. The likelihood of bad communication is less when your project is reviewed by three potential vendors.
• Make your selection based on overall value not just cost -- Spending a little less on a website that generates a lower return on investment isn't a good investment.
• Understand that your project will probably cost a little more than projected -- And, it will likely take a little longer than you think. Going in prepared will help you keep your peace of mind. If the vendor has a good change management process, changes to the budget and timeline will be justified and well documented.
• Create a request for proposal (RFP) – Be sure to use valid selection criteria.
• Use a consistent process to evaluate potential web vendors -- Consider using a checklist/scorecard that ranks vendors on important criteria.

Once you have made your final decision to award your project to a vendor, it is important that you both agree, in writing, to all aspects that make up the project.

Your web developer or designer should draw up a project agreement that details of all the services to be provided. The agreement should also include project-related expenses, such as hosting, training and ongoing site maintenance. If the vendor is creating unique functionality or content, the agreement should also specify copyright and software licensing restrictions.

Vendors who balk at the rigors of your selection process or requirements to provide a detailed project agreement are candidates to be avoided. Experienced web developers and designers, on the other hand, are more likely to value your level of preparedness and organization. It will make their job easier and your project more successful.

An informed client is a good client—whether selecting a website developer or choosing a website hosting company.