Web development plays a large part in crafting your online presence. A strong online presence is essential for your growing businesses, so finding and working with a web developer you trust is of the utmost importance.
Whether you’re launching a new business, revamping your existing website, or starting a new site from scratch, hiring a skilled web developer is crucial. To ensure your web development project is in capable hands, it’s important to know what to look for and what to avoid when hiring a web developer. So how can you identify a great candidate for web development services—and the ones you should avoid?
In this blog, we’ll break down what to look for and what to avoid in hiring a web developer. Already interested in jumping into the process with us? Check out our web development services.
What to Look for When Hiring a Web Developer
We’ve had some experience in serving clients in need of a new or refreshed site, so we’re well acquainted with what to look for before you say yes to a developer. Here are some clear signs that indicate a web developer is worth pursuing.
Effective communication.
Clear communication is of the utmost importance when it comes to executing a web development project successfully. Your developer should be able to explain technical concepts in layman’s terms and understand your requirements thoroughly. Regular updates and feedback sessions are vital for project transparency.
Technical proficiency.
A great web developer should have a strong grasp of various programming languages and be familiar with popular frameworks and CMS platforms like WordPress, Drupal, or Joomla. You can assess their technical skills through coding tests or by reviewing their past projects—but it’s also totally fair to ask probing questions specific to their confidence in working across various tools and platforms.
Experience and proven skills.
Before you invest your hard-earned money in a site developer, make sure they have a proven track record of successfully executed projects. Experienced developers have a wealth of knowledge and are better equipped to handle complex projects, which means they can find a way to meet your unique needs.
Able to problem-solve and solutions-oriented.
Web development involves a lot of troubleshooting and problem-solving. A skilled developer can identify issues, provide you with options for solutions when necessary, and execute those solutions promptly. A good way to get a feel for this with your web developer is to ask about challenges they’ve faced during past projects and how they resolved them.
Collaborative attitude.
A great web developer feels like another part of your team that you can lean on—even if their services are outsourced. They should be open to feedback and willing to collaborate with designers, content creators, and other team members. This type of collaborative attitude fosters a creative and productive working environment, leading to successful project completion overall.
Up-to-date with trends.
The digital landscape is constantly evolving. Your developer should be aware of the latest trends, responsive design principles, and SEO best practices. An up-to-date developer can create a website that not only looks modern but also functions seamlessly across devices.
What to Avoid When Seeking Web Development Services
Wondering what red flags to look for when looking for a developer? These are potential the site developer you’re interested in isn’t a good fit.
Lack of experience, portfolio, or references.
If a developer can’t produce a portfolio, references, or a track record of experience, it’s a red flag. Hiring them without a clear picture of their skills and expertise is not something we would recommend. On the other hand, references or even reviews and testimonials can provide insights into their work ethics and professionalism. Without these, you’re taking a significant risk.
Inadequate communication skills.
Effective communication is vital for a smooth development process. If a developer is unresponsive, vague, or unable to explain their ideas clearly, it can lead to misunderstandings and delays—and take away from the experience and excitement you should have around your web development experience!
Ignoring the user experience (UX).
A visually appealing website is essential in today’s competitive online space, but the user experience is equally important. A user-friendly website leads to higher engagement and conversions, so avoid developers who focus solely on aesthetics without considering the usability and functionality of the site.
Overlooking SEO.
SEO is integral to online visibility. While SEO doesn’t always have to be front-and-center to your overall strategy, your developer should still have a basic understanding of SEO principles and ensure your website is optimized for search engines. If they ignore optimization altogether, it can hurt your search rankings and hinder your online presence, which is really the opposite of what you want from your newly developed or revamped website.
Limited flexibility.
Web development projects have a tendency to evolve. As the project unfolds, your needs and desires may change. Avoid developers who are rigid and unwilling to accommodate any changes at all. A flexible developer will work in your best interest to adapt to new ideas and requirements, ensuring the end product aligns with your vision.
Ask Us About Our Web Development Services
Hiring a web developer for your business is a significant decision that can profoundly impact your online presence. It’s important to take your time, research thoroughly, and choose wisely if you want to embark on a successful web development journey.
By looking for technical proficiency, experience, effective communication, problem-solving skills, awareness of trends, and a collaborative attitude, and by avoiding candidates with limited portfolios, poor communication skills, disregard for UX and SEO, and inflexibility, you can make an informed choice.
If you’re looking for support in creating a functional, visually appealing, and user-friendly website that stands out, reach out to us today. We’d love to tell you more about our web development services and answer any questions you might have about working with our team.
