Once you’ve decided that yes, a website is a marketing and communication asset that your business needs to remain viable, the next step is to engage a Web Developer. Where to start? The choices are overwhelming. Local vs. overseas providers. A one-man band vs. a multinational. All are promising the world and then some – so how do you decide?
Here are some tips that should prove useful in your search for a Web Developer that fits you, your business and what you are trying to achieve by implementing a website:
- Only ever use a developer that you can talk to and that will listen to you. Email is a fantastic means of communication particularly for small businesses where business isn’t always conducted during normal business hours but, you need to find a developer willing to pick up the phone and talk to you one on one to determine your needs and address any concerns you may have. If a Web Developer doesn’t give out their phone number – forget it;
- In this day and age just about every developer will provide a website with some form of Content Management System (CMS) so you can to make simple change and updates to your website without having to continuously run back to the original developer. However if you are serious about managing your website than you need to be aware of the many differences between Content Management Systems and ensure your CMS will support you to grow your website in the future, manage security updates and backup/restore when needed. With a common basic level CMS you can make simple text and image updates to your website and perhaps add a new page. A more advanced CMS system will allow you to create new pages with flexible column layouts, rotating text or images, slider animations, advanced forms, mobile versions of your website, manage you social media integration, integrate analytics to measure marketing effectiveness and so much more. A good developer will ensure he understands your long term needs and that the CMS system provided will support you to grow your website in the future, if that’s what you need;
- Know what you need. Sit down before approaching a Web Developer and think (and make notes) about what you need your website to do. If you don’t sell online then there is absolutely no point in paying to have them create a shopping cart for your website. While you need your website to be an asset and contribute to your business, keep in mind that the more complex your website is to design and develop the more expensive it will be;
- Consider the different payment options and packages. Some developers will charge a one off, upfront payment while others have ongoing fees. Look closely at the payment terms and decided what’s best for your business’ cash flow;
- Look at the structure a developer is suggesting. This website needs to work for you and your customers, not the Web Developer. If a Web Developer is proposing something that doesn’t make sense to you, ask for examples so you can see exactly how your website will eventually work. If this isn’t for you just say so;
- Consider employing a team. While employing the services of just a Web Developer is a great start, consider the option of employing an entire team. Sounds expensive but that’s not necessarily the case and you get so much more. A website team may include any or all of the following services – website design and development, keyword and meta-data research, SEO optimisation, content writing, ongoing support, training and management as well as social media and marketing functions;
- Choose someone you can trust. In most instances, small business owners will be a little out of depth for a while in the new world of internet and websites so it’s important that you find someone to deal with that you trust. Ask potential developers for references and samples of their work. Talk to them and see if you are able to communicate appropriately.
Hopefully these hints will help you choose the best Web Developer for your small business.
