Ten Thoughts on Creating a Website: 4. Finding a Good Developer
I believe the best way to find website help is to ask for recommendations. If you see a website you like, look for a credit at the bottom which tells you who built it or call the website owner and ask who they used. Better yet, talk to friends and family who have websites. Once you have some leads, request a meeting by phone or in person.
Creating a site can take time and certainly requires a lot of communication. You need to feel comfortable with your developer and able to communicate openly. They should listen attentively, take notes, and ask questions related specifically to your stated needs and your industry. Who is your audience? Has the developer created sites for that demographic? What is their experience level? How do the sites in their portfolio look? Are they open to hearing your design ideas? Do they have good references? Is the work being done by the developer, in-house by other staff, or is it being outsourced? Does that matter to you?
It is critical that you see an example of their work and this extends to any specialized components planned for the site. If you want a search box, ask to see a site that they have done with a working search box. Keep in mind that listing services such as BBB and Angie’s List feature paid advertisers. While these are often great providers, your decision should be based on the developer’s portfolio, references and demonstrated ability.
