Almost every business needs a website these days. Some smaller businesses can handle all of the web development themselves. But others will need to hire a web development company. This article provides nine tips for choosing the right web development company.
Determine what type of website you need
You may need a simple, one-page website, like a business card. Or, you can hire a web developer to build a full e-commerce site capable of taking orders online. Determine how much you’re willing to spend on your web development project.
Find out if you’re compatible
It may be a good idea to meet with your potential web developer in person. Or, you could speak via Skype or Google Hangouts. Ask other businesses that have used their services for references. Determine if you are compatible with the web application development team before settling on the service provider.
Decide the level of support you need
Some businesses may want 24/7 support, while others can handle most IT issues themselves. You can produce an extensive FAQ page with the most common support questions and answers. Also, ask if there are different tiers for customer service availability.
Look at their past work carefully
Take a look at their portfolio to determine if they are using the latest software and industry trends. If you’re an online store, is their portfolio filled with e-commerce sites? Find out how long each of their projects took to complete. You may need a quicker turnaround time for marketing purposes.
Ask for reviews
Businesses that were happy with their web development company should be willing to provide you with positive feedback. You can also check out review websites like Yelp for individual reviews of different companies. Read the reviews carefully to get a feel for their level of service and work quality.
Look at the terms and conditions
Every business needs solid terms and conditions before starting any web development project. Make sure everything is included in writing. You don’t want any surprises after your website is completed. Ask if there are other costs involved, like hosting or an annual maintenance fee.
Are they the right fit for your budget?
You may need to hire a web development company that doesn’t charge by the hour (which can be very expensive). Also, don’t forget to factor in ongoing costs like hosting and maintenance. Find out if your web developer charges a percent of your monthly revenue. The percentage should go down as your online business becomes more profitable.
Do they use open-source software?
Open-source web development software is free to use and modify. It also ensures the latest versions of popular programs like WordPress are being used. You don’t want to choose a web development company that uses outdated software.
Can they deliver quickly and efficiently?
Time is money, especially when it comes to web development. Your business should be able to produce content (like blog posts) quickly and easily for ongoing SEO marketing purposes. You don’t want a time-consuming website that will drive customers away from your website.
