Key qualities to look for in a web developer/designer

Finding a web developer/designer can be a daunting task.  Take a look below at some key qualities to look for when selecting a web designer or developer.   If you are a website designer or developer this list can help you make sure you have what it takes to get that client!

Key Qualities to look for in a Web Developer/Designer:

1) Get it in writing!: Will the web developer put into writing what they will be doing for you?  Key concepts like scope of work, when it will be done, and how much it will cost are key to any project.  For smaller projects it can be two or three paragraphs but it is essential that you both know what work is to be done!  You would want a contract for any other type of business relationship so don't skimp on this one!

2) Responsiveness:  Does the web developer get back to you quickly either through email or phone?  If they can't get back to you now, what will happen if your website throws an error or your email no longer works?

3) Experience: They say it takes 8 years to do something to become an expert regardless of the industry.  Would you want to have laser surgery from someone off the turnip truck or someone who has done 20,000 surgery's?  Think of web development like any other industry: get references, view their portfolio, and ask specific questions like "How many websites like mine have you developed before."

4) Size of Company: Hire a web development company with an office and you get to pay for all the overhead of their office.  Hire a guy who works from his basement but has all the other skills and you will get a better deal.  But make sure they pass all the other tests because you want someone who is serious... and speaking of that:

5) Business First: You need a web developer that not only knows everything about web development but also is a business minded person.  They need to be organized and professional and listen to what you have to say because ultimately you make a website succeed, not the web developer.

6) Hosting: Do not get the cheap shared hosting.  If you do, you will be on a server with upwards of 400 websites on the same computer, which means your website will be slow and probably have issues with emails sent from your domain listed as spam.  Find a web development company that hosts their own dedicated server. 

7) Keep it Simple:  Website technology and process is not complicated to us developers so why should we make it complicated for you?  Avoid developers that use jargon and acroynms or beat around the bush when it comes to explaining what they do.  If they cannot spell it out for you in plain english then you are wasting your time.

8) Price: As in most fields you get what you pay for when it comes to website design and development but be wary of anyone who makes the task seem very difficult.  It may be difficult for a particular web developer or designer to do a task but probably not so for someone with more experience.  Also, make sure they give you a firm bid on the project.  If they can't even figure out how much it costs, how do you know if they can actually do it!