Web programmers, or developers, are in charge of creating a website and, in some work arrangements, maintaining the site as it is used. With your company or personal website being a key component of your Web marketing presence, hiring a competent Web designer is essential. To do that, you'll have to evaluate your website's goals and needs beforehand, while soliciting referrals from your contacts and research each programmer's work samples.
Instructions
1. Write down your website's goals and needs. Knowing exactly what functionality your website requires is essential to finding the Web professional who can best serve your needs. Consider how big you think the website will be, what types of information it needs to include and what its purpose is. If the website is selling product, it may have different needs than a website meant to showcase your professional portfolio.
2. Take referrals from friends and professional contacts seriously. As in many industries, referrals are a great way to find quality Web programming professionals. While those with some Web programming experience may have a short list of qualified workers, referrals are essential for those who don't know the first thing about Web programming. Find people you trust or find contacts that have great websites. Ask who did their Web page and secure their contact information.
3. Investigate the Web programmer's body of work. Once you have a shortlist of candidates, surf the Web to find examples of their work. Finding a programmer's concrete portfolio of work is essential: Resumes are not enough. If you can't find a programmer's work, contact them and request some samples. Surf the websites they have created. Analyze how easy it is to find information, how quickly the site can be navigated and how well the site incorporates visual elements. These are all keys to understanding how skilled a programmer really is.
4. Contact your shortlist of candidates. Before you hire, it is essential to describe your project to a variety of programmers and solicit a price estimate. Compare price quotes from a variety of programmers to secure the best deal. Keep your website's goals in mind. If you're commissioning a small personal website, you might be able to get away with a cheap programmer just beginning in the business. For a commercial website, though, you get what you pay for and the cheapest rate isn't necessarily the best deal.
5. Consider alternative working arrangements to secure the best expertise. You'll want to start checking out Web programmers in your geographical area. It is always beneficial to meet the programmer in person and have him on hand during the course of the work you hire him for. Many experienced programmers perform freelance telecommute work. Consider telecommuting professionals as viable hires: They may charge lower rates or have more flexible hours, and many have just as much or more experience than the programmer who lives down the street.
