Choosing the Right Website Developer: A Comprehensive Guide (Updated for 2023)
When searching for a “Web Design Firm” on Google, it returns over 3.3 billion results! Clearly, not every web design agency, website developer, internet marketer, or custom developer will suit every business owner’s unique needs. So, how do you narrow down the options and find the right developer for your specific requirements?
When seeking out website design companies, individual and company requirements vary. They could be startup small businesses seeking their first professional website, sole proprietors looking for an online calling card, startups, with or without funding, eager to establish an online presence, established business owners in need of a website overhaul, or individuals seeking a mere refresh to their existing sites.
Fear not, with some essential planning and strategic questioning, you can efficiently identify the web design firm or developer that best aligns with your needs and budget. Speaking of the budget, we’ll touch on that in a moment. Approach the selection process as more of a courtship than a straightforward interview. Although it won’t involve flowers, chocolates, or romantic music, you will be collaborating closely for an extended period, making compatibility essential.
How To Begin
To begin the process on the right track, there are some basic preparatory steps you should take before reaching out to potential developers. While I won’t delve into excessive detail here (that could be a separate post on its own), here are some fundamental questions to ponder. These will help you get adequately prepared for the task at hand.
Selecting the right website developer for your business is a critical decision that can significantly impact your online presence and success. With countless options available, it’s essential to navigate through the choices to find the perfect fit. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of choosing a website developer that aligns with your goals, budget, and requirements.
1. Clarify Your Goals:
Before you start your search, define your website’s objectives clearly. Consider the following questions:
- What are the primary goals of your website? (e.g., brand awareness, lead generation, e-commerce sales)
- Do you need specific features or functionalities on the site (ie: Blog, Catalog, Career Portal)?
- Are there any special requirements on the frontend or backend of the website that are required? These might include a blog, catalog, or employment portal.
- What is your expected timeframe for the website development?
2. Establish Your Budget:
Determine your budget for the website project early on. Remember that website development costs can vary significantly based on the complexity and scale of the project. Be realistic about what you can afford and communicate this budget to potential developers. $5k-20k
3. Research and Gather Referrals:
Start your search by collecting referrals from friends, colleagues, vendors, or clients. Ask for recommendations on FB, LI or send email to contacts for recommendations.
4. Ask the Right Questions:
When contacting potential website developers, be sure to ask these essential questions:
-
Can You Work Within My Budget?
A reputable developer will not alter their pricing based on your budget. Instead, they will work with you to adjust the scope of the project to fit within your financial constraints. If your goal is to build the cheapest website possible, then most of this information will not pertain to you. For a nicer, higher functioning website, you can expect to pay anywhere from $5000, upwards of $20000 for a higher end website for a website specifically designed with your business goals, objectives and target audiences in mind. -
What is your Development Process and Timeline?
A reliable agency will have a well-defined development process and should be able to provide you with a clear timeline for project completion. Our website design projects range from 3-6 months based on website size, complexity and technical requirements. -
Can I Meet the Team Handling My Project?
Knowing the team behind your website ensures transparency and helps you gauge their expertise and experience. You can find some information on our team here, and feel free to reach out to set up an introductory call to talk to our team. -
How Do You Approach User Experience (UX)?
User experience is crucial for the success of your website. An experienced developer will be enthusiastic about discussing their approach to UX design and usability testing. We base our UX approach on the project goals, objectives and target audiences. Our goal is to create the best user experience for the unique needs of the project. Who is using the site, when they are using it, how they are using it and what their objectives are identified within our strategy. -
Will You Provide Post-Completion Support?
Maybe the question here is who is maintaining your website after it is built? A website requires ongoing maintenance and updates. Ensure that the developer offers support after the project is completed. If not, then the website will need to be designed with the new manager's experience level in mind. We offer ongoing hosting with multiple options covering website software updates and content change requests. We also offer a 90 day warranty to fix any website defects free of charge. -
Do You Provide Content Creation Services?
Content is a vital aspect of your website. Ask whether the developer offers content creation services or if you'll need to provide the content yourself. Content is at the heart of everything we provide, so naturally we are in a position to provide simple page content, sales copywriting and everything in between. -
What Kind of Reporting and Success Metrics Do You Provide?
If you have ongoing marketing goals, are you ready to build a website or do you need a marketing plan? If you don't have clarity on what your KPI’s need to be, you need to plan your marketing campaign first, which your website design will be a part of. Inquire about the reporting and analytics they offer to measure the success of your website. We offer a realtime dashboard aligned with the specific goals of the ongoing marketing campaign, and offer a customized & simple scorecard each month connecting the dots between our efforts and target outcomes.
5. Consider Ongoing Support:
A successful website requires more than just development. Think about long-term support and the potential need for marketing, SEO, and ongoing updates. It may be advantageous to work with a developer that offers comprehensive services beyond the initial build.
In Conclusion
Bottom line is selecting the right website developer requires trust! This is your business and you want to partner with a company or individual you can trust. There should be transparency throughout the entire design process. Be clear what your needs and expectations are and if at any point those change, reach out to your contact immediately to resolve. If not, you will end up with a website that you won’t be happy with and time and money wasted.
Remember, building a website is just the beginning of your online journey. Don’t overlook the significance of social media, blogging, and other aspects that contribute to a comprehensive online presence.
At WT Digital Agency, we focus on developing seo optimized websites for small to medium-sized businesses. We act as an extension of your company, serving as your own web development department that’s just as invested in your website design strategies and the success of your business as you are.
We fuse the latest web development tools, and technology with creativity and imaginative problem solving to tackle any development challenge and help grow your business over time.
If you’re looking to improve your website and online presence – let’s get to work. Contact us today.
About the Author
Kevin Bossons
General Manager
With over 15 years of experience in digital marketing and search engine optimization, Kevin has grown from an SEO contractor to General Manager at WT Digital Agency.