The first decision you make about your Web site is critical – the developer you choose to design and construct your Web site can make or break the project’s success.

Before you begin your search process, it’s important to understand that there are different types of developers that offer different services in different price ranges. The custom web development industry breaks down into three categories. It’s important to keep in mind that each category has it’s purpose.  I am not proposing that any one category is better than others. What’s crucial to you is to determine which category is the best fit for your company.

1. 95% of Web developers are one-person shops. While these developers offer the least expensive option, they approach projects from a single, limited, often technical perspective.
2. 2.5% are mid-sized operations, typically a team of three to 10 experts (graphic designers, programmers, copywriters, marketing professionals, etc.). Developers in this range – including Bright Productions – offer a complete panel of services, plus a marketing focus.
3. 2.5% are large-scale companies, developing six-figure projects.

Here is a checklist that can help you determine whether the developer you’re interviewing is right for your needs.

• Can the developer offer a firm quotation rather than a broad, ballpark figure? (This assumes that your Web project is already well defined.)
• Is the developer’s proposal well written, detailed, and professionally presented? Does it address all the issues in your RFP?
• Is the developer experienced? Is the firm a full-time operation with a substantial, successful track record?
• Can the developer provide referrals, references, and testimonials?
• Does the developer approach your project from a strategic marketing perspective, and not strictly from a technical point of view?
• How does the developer handle unexpected problems? Will they resolve issues no matter what happens?
• What is the developer’s process – what are they doing when you’re not looking?
• Is there a single responsible party? Someone you can contact easily and quickly; who has authority to act; who understands your issues?
• Does the developer demand payment in full up front? (50% deposit is standard in the industry.)
• Will you own your site once the final invoice is paid? Will the developer give you all the source materials and release necessary copyrights to you?
• Can the developer host your site if you so desire (one-stop-shopping)?
• Does the developer have any special expertise in search engines or online marketing?  Are they certified by Google?