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What you need to know:
Before the Developer Courtship: >> Questions to ask before you hire
With that in mind, consider exploring the following eight topics with any developer you are evaluating. Ask potential developers to spell out for you exactly what is and what is not covered in the price of the site design. Some common areas of confusion include creation of site copy, where artwork is coming from, and who will update the site. Some developers cater to sites that have a high demand for artistic flair such as museums; others are more focused on sites that need to communicate large amounts of complicated information. Knowing what type of companies the developer typically serves can help you to determine whether he or she has the experience to do your job. Ask developers under consideration to provide you with a list of completed sites that achieve the objectives you have set out. Many developers can lend expertise in the building and marketing of your site, either through their own services or through partnerships. Other service offerings may include copywriting, user interface testing, site maintenance, hosting, e-commerce features, logo creation, programming, custom images and site registration. It is wise to ask for a time commitment for your project up front. By spelling out timing and a deadline, you avoid any misunderstandings that might arise later. Keep in mind that your ability to furnish a developer with information and details about your company may impact its ability to stick to a deadline. Discuss the involvement a developer expects from you, as well as how much time you will be expected to put in. This is a key part of ensuring that you have time to manage the project with all of your other commitments. Ask if you can make changes to the site once it is posted, and if so, if there is a charge involved. Also, find out how much notice is required to make them. While it's great to use an economical resource just starting out, it is wise to work with an individual or company that will be around for the long haul. Ask potential developers about other clients, retained relationships, and their long-term plans for the business, as a means of determining whether they will be in business a year from now. One of the best ways to determine if a developer can build a site that meets your business's needs is to look at other sites he or she has created. Also, ask to speak to references that can tell you about the developer's commitment to customer service. |