In a recent conversation with a potential client they have been trying to secure someone to create a website for them. After trying some of the freebie options out there, which by the way are typically highly limited, they said “we can’t do this, let’s find someone.” And so the the search continued. First and foremost what do you do if you’re not sure what you need to look for. My first suggestion is to always start by creating a simple outline of what you need. For example

-Home Page
a. quick description
b. picture of the store front
c. phone number
-Contact Page
-About Us Page
-Services Page
-News and Updates Page

Gather and fill in the information you think you want on each page. Collect your logo, if you already have one, collect whatever pictures or graphics you may already have that relate to your business and you think you’d like to show on your website.

Next look at competitors and other sites that have things on them that you like and make note of them. This can help speed up the development process and save money.

Do you have a domain name? Start brainstorming names as many names are already taken. Do not jump into buying a name from just anywhere as purchasing web hosting and a name at the same time can save money also. Plus your website needs may dictate the type of web hosting you need. This is usually answered by the web developer.

Lastly start your search for a developer or even speak with someone similar to myself that can guide you through the process. Request past work done so you can see what the possible developer has done, request referrals so you can ask how the experience was with the developer, and in some cases a colleague or friend may have someone they used in the past for their own sites.

Once you do make a decision on a developer be cautious about too high upfront costs. Set milestones for both productivity and payments. Stay on top of the time lines. This is a team effort. Your developer will need your approval and input along the way. Th number one complaint is always about time to complete and in many cases that falls on the owner not responding in a timely manner because they are to busy or they past the responsibility off to an employee whom is also to busy. If you find your developer is not responsive than that should be written into the original agreement. Discounts for failed milestones.

A very important part here is e-mail. Most or all of this entire process will happen via e-mail. Not Fax, not phone, not text messages, not even smoke signals. Why? E-mail allows for a method to track everything passed between you and the developer so there is no “I guess I forgot from the phone conversation what it was you exactly wanted.” Another reason is that your developer maybe in a different time zone, a different part of the world or in many cases works different hours than a 9-5 business. This is the future. If you want someone to come to your business, sit down with you, constantly answer phone calls and voice mail well than start thinking about doubling and tripling costs.

The one last piece I would add. First impressions are everything. If i go to your site and it looks bad, cheap, things don’t work. What does that say about your business? If you do not understand the language of World Wide Web, Internet, Social Media work with some one that does so you can get the most bang for your buck and put out a great product. Thanks