6 Topics to Cover with a Web Developer Before Work Begins
Working with a web developer can be a great way to get a website perfectly tailored to your needs, goals, and budget. Assuming you’ve already selected a developer to work with, let’s focus on what you’ll want to discuss first. The San Diego web design experts at Saba SEO suggest these six specific topics to cover.
1. Communication Preferences
Emails, texts, standard phone calls, social media, Zoom, and Skype are some of the ways you can opt to communicate with your web developer. There are no right or wrong options here, but you’ll definitely need to make your preferences known. Also, discuss other communication-related details, such as:
• Frequency of communication
• Emergency contact details
• Preferences for development updates
2. Project Management Details
Time is money when it comes to web development, so it’s a good idea to figure out how everything related to this task will be managed. This includes such things as how files will be accessed and exchanged, anticipated project milestones and deadlines, and how progress will be tracked and documented.
3. Key Decision Makers
Avoid the potential of having your developer redo work or being put in the middle of internal disputes by identifying all key decision makers. This might be just you, but there could also be other team members involved. If your developer knows this beforehand, he or she will be able to keep everyone in the loop.
4. Freedom with Decision-Making
Some business owners and website designers who work with developers prefer to be involved with every single development detail. However, other clients are just fine with letting developers make small decisions to keep things moving forward in a timely manner. If you define your preferred level of involvement in decision-making ahead of time, you’ll boost your odds of being pleased with the results.
5. Timeline Details/Flexibility
You may go into the web development process with the anticipation of a quick turnaround. However, there are many factors that can affect how quickly work of this nature gets done. Before kickoff, discuss the timeline you have in mind and find out if it’s realistic based on what you want done. Remember, you’ll need to allow time for proper testing and other QA processes. Also, discuss how flexible you’re willing to be with the timeline.
6. Contract/Payment Terms
This is when you’ll discuss what will be put in the contract you have with the developer, which typically includes project expectations and details related to the scope of the work. Additional details such as how routine maintenance and post-project issues will be handled should be included as well. Payment terms should also be discussed, including when payments will go out and whether the developer will be paid an hourly fee or a fixed rate.
Whether you need a web development expert or a search engine optimization specialist, turn to Saba SEO. As a leading San Diego SEO agency, we have over ten years of experience in search engine marketing and website development. Our experts can create a responsive and mobile-friendly website for your business and provide fresh, high-quality content that’s sure to boost your online ranking. Call us at 858-277-1717 to talk to one of our web development specialists.
