A website developer is often chosen much like any other service. Prices are reviewed, a few projects, maybe one more review, and that is it. But a website is not just a pretty picture online. It will need to explain what you do, convince the person to trust you and help them take the next step. That is why the choice matters here. Sometimes more than it seems at first.
When choosing a developer, more than just the job title is important. It is necessary to understand whether a person will be able to hear the purpose of the business and turn it into a clear website. This is normal. However, when choosing a specialist, it is worth looking not only at what beautifully describes professional website development, but also at how they talk about the process, goals and responsibilities after launch.
First, look at the questions, not the design
A good website developmenter doesn't start with color. He first asks why the website is needed, who will be the visitor, what action the person will have to perform and what information must be immediately clear. If the conversation is only about fonts and animations, it's worth stopping. Pretty is not useful.
Before choosing a person, it is good to define yourself at least briefly website goals. Then it's easier to distinguish between those who are just selling designs and those who are actually helping to put together a working website.
For example, for a small service company, it is often more important not to have impressive animations, but to have a clear service structure, a convenient request path and a normal view on the phone. This is where the website development process begins, not just layout.
Evaluate previous works
The portfolio should not be viewed as a beauty contest. Open multiple websites on your phone. See if it is clear what the company offers. Is it quick to find the price, services, contact action. Doesn't the page look like a nice but confusing poster.
If all jobs look very similar, that's not necessarily a bad thing. Maybe a person has a clear style. But if every project, whether it's a restaurant or a lawyer, looks like it's from the same template, then the question is whether the solutions really apply to the business.
- does the website clearly explain the service
- is it easy to find the main action
- do the pages work on the phone
- are the texts written for the person and not just to fill the space
- whether you see a neat SEO and technical background
Price should not be the only criterion
The cost of a website can vary greatly because the scope of work varies. One project includes only design and technical assembly, while another also helps with structure, copy, SEO basics and launch. The price logic is explained in more detail in the article How much does a website cost?.
A cheap website can be a good solution if you need a very simple start. But a cheap deal becomes expensive when you have to rethink everything after a few months. It happens that way. First you save, then you pay for the repair.
Check what the process looks like after launch
A website does not end the day it is uploaded to the server. Needs updates, backups, minor fixes, sometimes new pages or text. Therefore, it is worth asking what happens after the start. Is there post launch maintenance. Is it clear what you can change yourself? Will explain how to use content management.
An article about this is also useful here, How to prepare for the website development process. The clearer the preparation, the fewer misunderstandings later.
When is the choice most likely correct?
It's a good sign when the conversation becomes clearer, not more complicated. When a person not only promises a beautiful site, but also explains why he offers one or another structure. When it comes to visitor, content, speed, SEO and follow-up.
If you are just preparing for the request, it is also worth reading the article What you need to know before commissioning a website. It will help you prepare for the interview so that the offer you receive is more accurate.
If you are considering who to create a website with, it is worth preparing a few questions and comparing not only the price. Compare the approach. It very often depends on whether the website will be just made or really useful.
If the choice is more about the type of design, it is worth reading the article in addition template website or custom design. It helps to assess when a faster solution is enough and when it is better to create individually.
Check before choosing a developer
Before making a decision, it is worth considering more than just the price. It is important if the developer understands the business goal, if he asks about the content, if he explains the process, if he can show the works with a similar logic. The cheapest offer is not necessarily bad, but it should be clear. What's in, what's not, what's coming after launch.
- whether the scope of work is clearly indicated
- whether it is about content and structure
- will the mobile image be fixed
- is it explained how the corrections will take place
- will you know how to maintain the website after launch
If this topic is relevant, it is worth moving on to A Guide to Website Development for Small Businesses. Another practical addition is What to know before ordering a website?.
If you're choosing who should build your website, it's a good idea to start with a quick needs check. Get in touch to discuss what kind of solution your business needs and what to look for before making a decision.