Hiring a Web Developer

Every business decision maker eventually needs to employ the services of a web developer.  Typically, it's for a one time project such as a creating a company website or editing one already in place.  Since my company offers up these services, I felt it would be useful to provide a few tips (and maybe a few DOs and DON'Ts) in the search for the perfect web guru.

Interview Them

Probably the most important and yet most overlooked aspect of the process is personality.  In running a business, one doesn't typically hire the first person to walk into the office.  In that same vein, one doesn't hire somebody based on references alone.  When a manager hires an employee, they look at all of the elements.  Is this person a good fit for the company?  Is he/she reliable?  Has this person been difficult to manage in the past?  If one approaches minimum wage entry positions thoroughly, why would one not approach a highly paid contractor as such?

It is important to remember that this is the individual with whom you will be working closely to build your company's presence on the web, collaborating on social medias, and creating the first visual most people see when looking into hiring your business.  Having a developer who you like, can work with, and who truly strives to help your business succeed through a melting pot of HTML and graphics is key to being successful on the world wide web.  Don't get stuck with somebody you'll dread calling when you need to discuss revisions and edits.

Money Talks

I would be lying if I said I never was shocked by just how little some business owners think websites cost.  I would also be lying if I said I never was surprised by ridiculous estimates some web development companies give for very quick and simple builds.  The fact is that if you do your research, you will notice some trends.

If a designer gives you a super cheap estimate for an e-commerce site with hundreds of products, dozens of pages, and elaborate graphic design, then it's probably going to look like it costs.  Cheap.  On the opposite side of the spectrum, most websites with a few pages and a simple contact form should not cost $20,000.00.  Do your research and you should start to see some balance.  If you have any questions, ask around.  Other business leaders will be able to give you an idea of a fair price for what you're needing.

Defining Needs

We're assuming at this point, you've got an idea of a few web developers with whom you feel comfortable.  You have a range of pricing that's comfortable and you see this being an affable business relationship.  Before you sign that check, it would be a good time to define all the website needs and make sure this person or firm is capable.  It's wise to spend some time learning the lingo so you can weed out pseudo-experts from real ones.

Things like SEO, XHTML Compliance, SSL, Shared Hosting, Monthly Bandwidth are incredibly important at the beginning.  If you expect 100,000 customers a month to visit that site, you want to know there is enough bandwidth to support it.  It would be disastrous if thousands of potential clients saw a "This account has exceeded its bandwidth" instead of your logo.  Read a little before you hire and address these issues in the first meetings.  If a designer doesn't think SEO matters, then you need to ask yourself, "Do I want my site to get found or not?"

You Hired Them

I believe one of the most essential practices of good business is nurturing relationships.  However, most owners struggle with this on a daily basis and in my experience, more so with contractors like web developers.  Golden Rule aside, it is important to note that you hired them.  They did not beg for the work.  If you picked them, it was because you trusted them.  You didn't go through the interview process, design stages, and hours of your time just to stand over their shoulder.  Let them do their job and be supportive in the process.

I am not suggesting that have no revisions or suggestions but a few things will quickly torch the relationship you have carefully fostered over the past weeks.  Gathering suggestions from several sources is always a good idea.  However, if those sources have no design experience, it will effectively do two things.  First, it will ostracize your designer and discourage them from making the website the best they know how.  Secondly, it will make your website ugly.  I have seen this happen many times and it kills me to know that a client had gold and traded it in for tin because they didn't seek the right counsel.  When you hire somebody based on their expertise, trust them.  Otherwise, you're throwing money away.

Continuing Together

One important thing to note is that unless you want to have an HTML/PHP/CSS/ASP/Python expert in house for subtle changes, you will likely need a web expert to update and maintain your website on occasion.  We use a Content Management System (CMS) to build our sites so many small changes can be made by our clientele without accruing hourly charges.  However, some updates are too complicated for the average person and they reach out to us to make some updates.

As I stated earlier, be careful not to alienate your web designer.  You will likely want this person to keep your website fresh and updated so treat them accordingly.  I have personally heard horror stories where an owner frustrated the designer to such an extent that the websites weren't updated for a decade.  They would refuse to answer phone calls, not give up passwords, and in a few extreme cases, would allow the domain to expire killing the website entirely.

In those most extreme cases, we have had to charge hourly to repair the damage done by a poor relationship between boss and designer.  And sometimes, it can get very expensive just to get a website back up after the web developer torches it and leaves town.

In summary, hire smart and be fair.  Understand that just because your 11 year old nephew can make a site for his Xbox Live team, doesn't mean that it's easy.  It doesn't mean it's worth $1,000 an hour either.  Shop around, find somebody you like, and treat them like you'd want to be treated.  You're an expert at running a business.  Let the other experts have their chance, too.

- Pedigo (CTO/Partner)