The internet plays a lead role in our businesses and day to day lives. It’s not unusual for people to have their own blog or website, whether for business or personal use. Depending on your experience level, you might need the assistance of a web developer for this endeavor.
Web development is the process of building websites and applications for the internet. It goes hand in hand with Web Design, which deals with the aesthetics or the overall look and feel of a website. The two are frequently mistaken for each other, but web development is primarily about the coding and programming that powers the website’s functionality.
Most of the tools you encounter online were built by a web developer: from eCommerce websites to web applications to static organization web pages.
What should you look for when employing a web developer for your personal or business needs?
- Take a look at their programming portfolio
Accomplished web developers will have several projects under their belt. Going over their portfolio will give you an idea of their skill level and their areas of expertise. Choose someone who has had direct experience with the type of project you are undertaking. It will save you a lot of time and money.
- Check that they have some of these basic programming skills:
- HTML/CSS
- JavaScript
- Testing and debugging
- Back-end basics
- Search engine optimization
- Make sure they have excellent listening and communication skills
A good web developer will want to deliver exactly what you need within the time and cost parameters you set. In order to do this, they have to listen closely to get your exact specifications, and they have to communicate effectively so that you are always on the same page. The ideal business relationship is more like a partnership.
- Look for signs of good time management skills
Time is money, especially if you are paying someone by the hour. But even if you are quoted a per project fee, you want to make sure that everything is completed in a timely manner. A sure sign of good time management is punctuality and task organization. Your web developer should be able to keep to their tasks within a reasonable amount of time.
- They must have a good track record
Check references as you normally would, but make sure that they also have a good success rate with their previous customers. The most honest endorsement remains word of mouth, so it’s a good sign if their previous clients readily recommend them.
Our web developers at Technology Solutions of MI have all of these traits in spades. We have over 15 years of providing IT services to our Kalamazoo Community.
Learn about our development services and schedule an appointment today to discuss how can help!