Web developer: 16 important questions to ask before hiring

A web developer is important for creating a website. Your website should accurately represent your brand and leave a positive first impression on visitors. To make sure you deal with a developer that shares your vision and can provide the desired website and user experience, it's crucial to ask the correct questions. Here are 16 questions you might want to ask your next prospective web developer.

1. Can you provide examples of similar projects you have completed in the past?

It's critical that your developer comprehend your precise objectives and design vision for your website. It may be certain that they have the expertise and abilities required to carry out your project effectively and efficiently if they have experience working on similar projects. Make sure the developer has expertise working on e-commerce websites if you want to prevent delays and extra planning and research.

2. Can you walk me through your research process?

Your website should accurately represent your brand's image, mission, and goals. To ensure that your developer is able to do this, it's important to know if they research your target audience, understand your brand's identity, and take the necessary steps to build a website that aligns with these factors.

3. How long does the typical web development project take from start to finish?

If you have a specific deadline for your website's completion, it's important to work with a developer whose schedule and availability align with yours. This will ensure that you get the most out of your budget and that the project is completed on time.

4. What services do you offer?

Different developers offer different packages and services. It's important to understand which package is best suited for your business and what services are included. Ask about their SEO tactics, design approach, and whether they offer social media services for promotion. Make a list of the services you need and go through them with the potential developer to ensure that they meet your requirements.

5. Can you describe your approach to SEO for our website?

How will the developer use strategies like keyword research to raise our search engine exposure and ranking? The developer must have a strategy for utilizing SEO to increase lead generation and engagement for our company. Without it, your website might have trouble bringing in and keeping users.

6. Can I make updates to the website on my own?

It's important to understand the process for making updates and changes to the website. Will the developer provide me with the necessary tools or software to do so? It's important to consider if this level of editing access is important to me before investing time and money into the project.

7. Are there any content marketing services offered?

A website alone may not guarantee lead generation or an increased ROI. Inquire if the developer offers a content marketing package as part of their services. This can include the optimization of all content, improved visitor engagement, and the creation of high-quality content that ranks well in search engines. If you already have a content marketing strategy in place, this may not be a concern.

8. Can I speak with your previous clients or references?

To gain an unbiased understanding of what it's like to work with the developer, it's a good idea to speak with their previous clients or references.

9. How involved do you expect me to be in the development process?

Consider how much you want to be involved in the web development process and discuss this with the developer. It's important to understand their expectations of your involvement as well, to ensure you are both on the same page.

10. What is the cost for a project of this scope?

Every developer's rates vary, so it's important to research and determine a budget that you're comfortable with. Keep in mind that choosing the cheapest option may not result in the best quality work; it's better to invest in a well-done job than to have to spend more later to compensate for poor work.

11. Do you handle projects in-house or outsource them?

Sometimes, a web developer or agency may offer multiple services but not have the in-house staff to complete them. Instead, they may outsource the work to a third party, which can lead to delays, poor communication, and additional costs. Before working with a web developer, ask if they handle specific projects in-house or if they work with outside developers. If the developer does outsource, ask about their partners and what aspects of the project they will handle.

12. What materials do I need to provide?

Before starting a project with a web developer, gather all your company's branding assets to make it easier to share them. These may include your company logo files, fonts, colors, and brand guide documents. During your meeting with the web developer or agency, determine who will be responsible for providing content, photos, and graphics for the website. Some developers or agencies may create or provide these elements, but that will be reflected in the cost.

13. What is the project timeline?

Determining the timeline for a web development project can be difficult. Particularly if the scope of the work changes or major revisions are required during the process. Keep in mind that the longer the project takes, the more it will cost and the longer you will be without a functional website to generate leads and customers. Before committing to a web developer, ask for a project timeline with key milestones leading up to a launch date. Also, establish a clear communication plan with the developer to stay updated on the progress of the project.

14. Do you offer both custom and template website options?

Many web developers and agencies offer both custom and template websites, depending on your needs and budget. Template websites are often a cost-effective option, but they may have extra, unnecessary code that can affect their performance. Additionally, if the template requires multiple plugins, there is a risk of the website breaking if one malfunctions. Template websites can also have a generic feel that visitors may pick up on.

Custom websites, on the other hand, are specifically built to meet your needs and include only the necessary code. A skilled web developer can create a clean, efficient website that performs well. However, custom websites come at a higher cost and may take longer to build. No matter what kind of website you select, make sure the web developer is adept at building both template-based and custom websites.

15. How many design revisions are included?

When working with a third party, it's likely that the initial design will not be exactly as desired. Many web developers and design agencies include a set number of revisions in the approval process to prevent scope creep. Before signing an agreement, understand how many changes are allowed and if there are any additional costs for further revisions.

16. How are the fees structured?

Understanding how you will be charged for the developer's work is crucial, as additional costs can quickly turn a reasonably priced project into an expensive one. If the developer charges by the hour, you will have more flexibility in the end result, but this may result in going over budget. A fixed-fee structure can help keep the project within budget and ensure a fast turnaround. A milestone-based structure is a middle ground between hourly and fixed fees, allowing for some flexibility in the scope of the project while still keeping an eye on the budget.

In conclusion, finding the right web developer for your business takes time and research, but by keeping the needs of your business and consumers in mind, you increase the chances of hiring someone who is a good fit. It's important to find a developer who understands your brand and goals, and asking the right questions can help you make the best decision. Post a task on Insolvo to find a professional developer.