Before hiring a web development company, it’s important to understand the process that goes into web development and what you should look for in a quality web development team. Below are 5 important considerations to make when choosing your web development company.
1) The People
A great web development company starts with good people. You’ll have to work closely with them, so make sure they’re someone you can trust and that they have proven experience. In terms of education, it doesn’t matter whether your company has two Ph.D’s in computer science or two high school dropouts—what matters is whether or not your candidates know how to get things done and communicate effectively.
Ideally, you want a team that knows your industry and can hit the ground running. If you’re starting an e-commerce store, it’s helpful if they have experience with creating an e-commerce platform. If you’re starting an enterprise software company, they should have experience in building enterprise applications.
2) How Long Have They Been in Business?
If you’re searching for a website development company, one of your primary considerations should be how long they’ve been in business. Companies that have been around for decades can often guarantee better quality and higher customer satisfaction—and if they haven’t survived in their market over time, it may be due to poor management or communication.
Ask your candidates how long they’ve been in business, and make sure you’re comparing apples to apples. Years in business can mean very different things for small businesses vs. large corporations—and some companies may count a year of existence based on incorporation, not their startup date.
3) Are They Licensed?
Ask your Web development company if they are licensed and insured. Just like plumbers, electricians, and contractors should be licensed by their state, so should your web developer. If they’re not properly licensed, then there is no guarantee that they can complete any type of work on your behalf.
A website is similar to a home; it’s where your business lives. A homeowner would not hire someone without making sure they were licensed, so be sure you don’t hire a web developer that isn’t licensed.
4) Services Offered
The first thing you should consider when choosing a web development company is what services they provide. A good idea of your needs and expectations will ensure that you pick out a business with offerings that match up with your goals. Many companies offer more than one type of service so make sure you know exactly what each one entails before making your choice.
Another important thing to consider is if you’re looking for in-house services or if you’d rather outsource your work. In-house web development takes a lot of time and effort so you should be sure that it will be worth it.
5) What Do Other Clients Say About Them?
A good way to gauge how well a company will fit you is by looking at their work, and by seeing what others have said about them. You can check for references or testimonials on their site, and also take a look on social media sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn where past clients are sharing stories about their experience. A lack of personal stories doesn’t necessarily mean that something is amiss with a company—but make sure that your gut tells you it’s right for you.
Another good way to evaluate whether a company is right for you is by talking with them directly. In addition to asking questions about their experience and background, discuss your needs and wants. After all, they will be responsible for meeting those goals—and you want to make sure that they’re on board with your vision and plans before moving forward. Finally, get everything in writing before signing any contracts or making any payments.