Recently I was talking to a couple of our food and restaurant clients and both had similar stories to tell: their previous website developer was “holding on” to their site. This usually means refusing to turn over the passwords to the hosting or domain account unless the client extends the contract or pays more. Deplorable of course but this kind of stuff happens all the time.

This brings me to today’s topic of the CTO conversation: how do you pick your website developer? 
If you are looking for someone to build or upgrade your website I have few helpful tips for you. No, they won’t guarantee that you will not get cheated but they will significantly lessen the risk.
So who is the person whom you can entrust your brand, good will of customers and money?

1. Probably not your wife’s cousin

2. Not your son’s math teacher either

3. Does he have references? Are these legitimate businesses in your line of business? Can you interview them?

4. Does he insist that you give him your Godaddy admin password?

5. Can he talk website strategy? How can his design and technology grow with your business in 2, 5 years?

6. Can he give you detailed, written description of all the functions he is promising to build?

7. Does he understand your Customer Relationship Management, Marketing and Accounting needs?

8. There is nothing wrong in going with a startup. What’s the founder’s track record in “previous life”?

9. Do you have plan in place when relationship goes awry?

 

Even if your development partner comes recommended by your peers go through these points. You won’t regret it.