If you’re looking to grow your business, your first choice might be a digital presence. However, if you choose the wrong developer, you can set your company back.
Before you hire a web developer, it’s important to know what to look for. If you’re not a tech person, choosing the right one can be a daunting task.
In order to build a business website that is attractive, professional, and functional, you do have to know how to navigate to pick the right web developers.
And to help you out, we’re going to break down everything there is to know about this topic. If you’re new to the process, here are some common mistakes with choosing web developers and how to avoid them.
1. Going With a Cheap Web Design Company
One common mistake business owners make when choosing a web developer is going with a cheap web design company. While it may seem beneficial to save money, the truth is that a cheaper website often means shoddy work and little to no customer service.
It’s important to always research web development firms when you have options for web developers. Be sure to ask for references when researching. Seek out developers with a proven track record. Doing so should ensure that you have a great experience with your cheap web design company.
2. Not Studying a Portfolio Closely Enough
One of the biggest mistakes is not studying a portfolio closely enough. Before making any decisions, it is essential to review the portfolio of the person who is applying for the web development position. This will help to determine the developer’s skills, level of expertise, web development experience, and even their ability to communicate effectively with team members.
Make sure that the developer has experience in creating and developing the type of site that is desired. Being thorough in evaluating the portfolio and references can save a lot of time and money.
3. Not Researching the Company
Not researching the company. This can be a costly mistake as the results can be disastrous. Before settling on any web developer, it is essential to research the company’s background, portfolio of completed projects, and years of experience.
Doing so can provide key insight into the quality of work and try to get a list of references from people. To avoid this, it is important to properly research potential developers prior to committing to any agreements.
4. Not Knowing Web Development vs. Web Design
Not knowing the difference between web development and web design. Web development is the process of coding and building a website, while web design is the appearance of the website. Web designers focus on the look and feel of the site, while web developers write code and develop the functions of the site.
It’s important to know that web designers and web developers are specializations within the larger field of website development, and having a firm understanding of the distinction is essential when you’re choosing a web developer.
Making sure you ask any potential candidates what their specialization is will help you determine if they can provide the specific skills you need for your project.
5. Not Thinking About Maintenance and Upkeep
To avoid these mistakes, it is important to look for a web developer who offers clearly-defined maintenance and upkeep services. A web developer should have a plan to maintain the website and provide updates to improve its functionality and security.
Furthermore, the web developer should have a strong commitment to addressing any issues that may arise. Companies should also check the web developers’ customer service policies and ensure that they have experienced professionals on staff who are readily available to answer any questions or assist in resolving any maintenance and upkeep issues.
6. Not Getting Enough Hosting Storage Space
One common mistake when selecting a web developer is not acquiring enough hosting storage space from the web host. If the site’s success requires a large amount of data, images, or videos to be stored on the server, it may lead to crashing the website and loss of revenue.
To avoid this, a thorough assessment of hosting providers should be conducted to ensure the server hosting capacity can keep up with the expected usage. All contingencies should be taken into account.
7. Not Having Total Control of Your Site
It is important to ensure that any web developer that you hire has the ability to grant you access to your site at any time and can provide you with essential information such as passwords, access information, databases, etc.
You should always request copies of the documents that they provide as proof of ownership. Take these steps to ensure that you have total control of your site. Do you want to take control of your site? Visit Inner Spark Creative web development.
8. Not Setting Deadlines and Criteria
Not setting deadlines, criteria, and instructions. These constraints on time and quality are vital for the successful completion of the project. Milestones should be set with deliverables due at certain time periods.
It is important to document what is agreed upon when items are provided and when payments take place. This helps with budgeting and project control. Lastly, do not allow “scope creep” during the development process.
This can lead to significant delays in a web project. It is best to define the requirements up-front, document changes thoroughly, and never compromise the existing deadlines. With these guidelines in place, the project can be successful.
Identifying Mistakes with Choosing Web Developers
Common mistakes with choosing web developers can drastically affect the success of website projects. Choose a web developer based on their portfolio, their references, and their consultation approach.
Ensure the services fit your specific needs, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Take the necessary time to make the right choice, and you’ll be rewarded with a website that’s perfectly tailored to your needs. Ready to take the next steps? Contact us for a free consultation now!
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