With so many web design systems available out there, starting a website doesn’t seem to be a problem. You just pick a suitable tool, explore its functionality and stick to the guidelines it offers out-of-the box. No matter what experience you have – the chances to set up a web project are quite high and the systems cater to diverse needs and requirements.
Still, many business owners prefer to entrust the whole job to professionals. This may happen for various reasons including challenges like the need for unique design, special functionality, general maintenance of your website after its creation etc.
The bad news is that finding the right ‘someone’ to build a site for you is quite a challenging task. As a seasoned web developer, I’ve had the unique experience of standing on both sides of the hiring process. I’ve been the specialist hired to bring websites to life, and I’ve also been the customer searching for the perfect web design professional to transform a vision into reality.
This dual experience has given me valuable understanding of the intricacies of the hiring process. I’m ready now to walk you through each step – from outlining your needs and finding the right candidates to managing the project. Drawing from my background as both a developer and a client, I’ll provide practical recommendations to help you hire a web developer to set up a website that comes up to your goals and expectations.
Factors to Consider
Before you decide to hire someone to build a website for you, it is crucial to consider a number of factors that may affect your decision. I have outlined those aspects that are the most crucial for me.
- Determine Your Needs
When planning your website launch, you should clearly realize what project exactly you need and what features it should include. This rule is trivial, but it works! Having a detailed plan of what your future site should look like is a must. Indeed, your hired specialist(s) may introduce remarks from a technical point of view. Yet, you should accept or decline them with your project purpose in mind.
To identify it, think about the website’s purpose and type first (eCommerce, portfolio, blog, business etc.). Mind the target audience as well, especially in terms of demographics, interests and behaviors. This will guide the design and functionality to ensure it appeals to and meets the needs of your visitors
- Expected Features
All websites differ, even those that refer to the same niche. To proceed with your project, you have to outline the expected functionality, that is, the tasks your site should complete and the tools it has to do that. Examples include shopping carts, search functionality and payment gateways for online stores, contact forms for business sites, galleries and user registration for portfolios etc. Prioritize these features based on necessity and the overall goal of your website.
Do you plan to develop your site as your business grows? Then future scalability options are also vital to consider. Ensure that your website can grow with your business. Think about additional features you might need as your business expands. Be ready to discuss these issues with your developer about building a scalable and flexible site architecture.
- Mind the Cost Aspect
Your website budget is essential with no doubts. How much are you ready to spend? The more – the better, obviously. However, you should set a realistic budget based on your requirements and market rates. Understand that costs can vary significantly depending on the complexity and features of your website. Cost and quality balance is also important. While it might be tempting to go for the cheapest option, consider the quality of work you need. Investing in a skilled professional can save you money in the long run by reducing the need for future fixes and improvements.
When it comes to the cost aspect, don’t hesitate to discuss the payment terms with your developer. Decide whether you prefer an hourly rate, a fixed price for the entire project or milestone-based payments. Ensure that the payment terms are clear and agreed upon before starting the project. More info is available here.
Whom To Hire
When embarking on a journey to build your website, the decision of whom to hire is crucial. It will initially depend on the aspects discussed above (your exact needs, the project’s complexity, budget, further management of the ready website etc.). The right professional or team can significantly impact the quality, functionality and success of your site. I’ve compiled the list of the most popular options for you.
- Web Developer vs Web Designers
Mind that the terms a ‘web designer’ and a ‘web developer’ are not the same professions, more precisely put. A web designer can build a unique design from scratch or rework your site’s look. They can improve its style and supply the necessary buttons, popup menus, other elements, etc. Designers are crucial if you need a visually appealing and engaging site that attracts and retains visitors. They focus on usability and design principles to ensure the website is not only beautiful but also easy to navigate. Read more about web designer functions here.
A web developer creates websites and apps. It deals with coding and uses various programs to provide your online project with all the needed features. However, modern web developers may solve design problems, as well as modern web designers may be skillful coders and create multi-functional designs with all features built-in. Developers ensure that the site works seamlessly across different devices and browsers, optimizing for performance and security. Take your time to find out what exactly a web developer can offer you here.
Thus, you should know what tasks your chosen specialist should be able to perform. It means you should know for sure what pages and how many of them your site needs. You should clearly understand your future website’s appearance, structure, and add-ons.
The more precise your instructions are, the more chances you’ll get exactly what you want. However, you cannot hire anyone claiming they can build a site for you. It should be a trusted and experienced professional.
I’ll explain how to find them later, but first, let’s get it straight with freelancers and full-time specialists. Which option will work better for your project?
- Full-Time Specialist vs Freelancer
Hiring a full-time specialist can be beneficial if you have ongoing web development needs or if your project requires continuous updates and maintenance. A full-time professional is more likely to understand your brand and business in-depth, providing consistent quality and reliability. This option is ideal for larger companies or projects with long-term requirements.
You hire a freelancer for a one-time mission. You place a challenge before your hired specialist, and they cope with it. This approach is ideal for simple tasks. For instance, a freelancer can fix imperfections on your site or expand its functional capacities. They can solve an urgent problem for you quickly – it’s easier to set up an appointment for a mutually suitable time with an individual expert.
However, you can assign a freelance developer full-time as well. Among developers working on their own, you are sure to find someone who will be ready to maintain your project on a regular basis.
You can discuss the amount of work at once. This is a nice way for you if your website has plenty of plugins or specific content requiring constant updates and you do not have the time or skills to do the job yourself.
To sum it up, consider your project scope, budget and timeline when deciding between a full-time specialist and a freelancer. If you need continuous support and a deep understanding of your business, a full-time hire might be the best choice. Plan a standalone project or occasional update? Then a freelancer can be a more practical and budget-friendly option.
- Web Studio vs Others
If you plan to build a project from scratch – especially a truly complex one – and plan accurate maintenance of it in the future, web studios are the best option for you. Here, you can issue any challenge because web development studios unite specialists of all types (developers, designers, project managers, marketers etc.) So, agencies can accomplish any mission – of course, if the level of their workers’ expertise is really high.
Other options include hiring through platforms that connect you with vetted professionals, such as Toptal, Upwork, Stack Overflow, TopCoder, Guru, Giggster etc. These platforms can provide access to a wide talent pool, allowing you to find the right fit for your specific needs. Additionally, some companies prefer to work with in-house teams or local agencies that offer personalized service and easy communication.
When making the final choice, keep in mind that a web studio can offer the comprehensive service and expertise you need, if your site is large and requires a multi-faceted approach. For smaller projects or if you prefer a more hands-on approach in selecting individual talents, hiring freelancers or professionals through specialized platforms might be more suitable.
What to Focus On When Making the Choice?
If you manage to assign the right specialist for your project, this will surely be a win-win situation. That’s not quite easy to do, however, as each option has its peculiarities and issues to consider.
- Freelancer
Portfolio is the first thing to review when hiring a freelancer. This is the main proof of their credibility and professionalism. A strong portfolio will demonstrate their ability to handle similar projects and give you a sense of their design and development style. Look for freelancers who have successfully completed projects that match your requirements. Additionally, pay attention to client testimonials and reviews to gauge their reliability and work ethic.
Communication makes a difference as well. You see, in the process of website development, a healthy interaction plays a vital role. Undoubtedly, much depends on the level of competence and even talent of your hired freelancer. A freelancer who communicates clearly and promptly will undoubtedly ensure your project progresses smoothly.
Another thing to consider is the freelancer’s availability and commitment. Freelancers often juggle multiple projects and you cannot be sure they pay enough attention to your very website. Try to control this aspect to make sure they have the time to dedicate to your project and can meet your deadlines.
How Much Is to Hire a Freelancer?
When I speak about ‘knowing your website’s needs,’ I also include its price in the notion. Of course, you need a strong professional, but its services should match your budget by all means.
So, how much will the services of a freelancer cost for you? Expect the broadest range of prices since the whole thing is absolutely individual.
Yet, you can make some rough calculations. Pay attention that some specialists prefer hourly pay, while others charge fixed prices. When dealing with a freelance web developer, chances are high that the way to pay will be discussable. (Many modern agencies also tend to offer a flexible pricing system).
Consider the difference between the two pricing models. Knowing it may be vital for your budget:
- An hourly pay will only fit you if you need to build a small website or make small changes to the existing one.
- A fixed price is a good option for large projects that require much time and effort.
The average cost of hiring a freelancer constitutes $15-$30 per hour. However, your freelancer may also offer you a weekly price, and it is also reasonable to accept it if your project can be realized quickly enough. If you wish to launch a simple business site or eCommerce, be ready to pay at least $1,000-$2,500 per week. It is definitely cheaper than most web marketing agencies can offer. Take a look at the example of a web designer’s hourly rate.
However, the more features you need, the higher the price. The price of a medium-sized professional website may reach up to $10,000. Also, remember that one and the same services may cost differently with different freelance developers. So, it’s crucial to discuss the project in every detail and fix a suitable price for both parties beforehand.
- Web Studio
As mentioned above, web studios cooperate with a team of professionals, including developers, designers and project managers. This is obviously their strong point. When choosing a web studio, focus on their team’s combined expertise and the variety of services they offer.
A web studio’s ability to provide a holistic approach to your project can be invaluable. This especially matters a lot for more complex sites requiring coordinated efforts across different disciplines.
The track record of the web studio is another critical factor. Look for case studies and client testimonials that demonstrate their ability to deliver high-quality work on time and within budget.
How Much Is a Web Studio?
It is believed web design agencies are more expensive than freelancers, and in most cases, it is true. Hiring an entire studio may be superfluous and too expensive for a small company or someone with a ready-made website that requires a few changes.
Yet, this variant may pay for complex projects in the future. Your agency will calculate the cost of the whole work at once. Again, prices vary dramatically from agency to agency. If you need an average price of a medium-complexity website ordered from a web development studio, prepare yourself for a range of $10,000-$30,000.
Complex websites supplied with all the necessary functionality (SEO, advanced marketing, intelligent analytics, etc.) will cost you at least $50,000. Expect the same price if you plan to order further maintenance services from your agency together with the creation of the website itself.
So, to pick a suitable solution for your project, you need to shop around for a while. It’s good to know the price of each component on your must-have list. For instance, you can check how much your targeted freelancer or agency charges for a domain, security equipment, SEO tools, eCommerce features, etc.
- Hired Professional
Hiring a full-time professional offers the advantage of having someone deeply integrated into your team. This person will be completely responsible for your project, working on its improvement to adapt to the changing needs.
When considering a full-time hire, focus on their long-term fit with your company culture and their ability to understand and align with your business goals. A full-time professional can offer consistency and dedicated attention to your project, which is particularly beneficial for ongoing development and maintenance.
Conducting a detailed interview process, including practical assessments or trial projects, is also important. This will help ensure they have the expertise needed to manage your website effectively.
How Much Is to Hire a Professional?
While the cost of hiring freelancers and web agencies is generally clear, the price of hiring a professional may vary. If you are looking for an expert on one of the services listed above, mind that each service charges its own fees as a commission.
In this case, you should be ready to pay the salary along with taxes, commission and other additional expenses associated with a full-time employee.
Anyway, the cost aspect is discussed individually in each particular case as it depends on too many aspects.
Deadlines, Contracts and Other Legal Issues
Hiring of a web design expert should be organized with all legal issues in mind. This will provide a framework to protect both parties and set clear expectations, helping avoid misunderstandings and disputes.
Deadlines
Setting clear deadlines is what you should start with to effectively manage your project. Start by discussing the overall timeline with your hired developer or team. Break down the project into stages (design, development, testing and launch) to set specific deadlines for each phase. This helps track the entire progress and ensures that each project stage is completed on time.
It is crucial to consider potential delays as various types of obstacles and challenges may happen on any stage of the project. Factors such as changes in project scope, unforeseen technical issues, or personal emergencies can affect timelines. Having some time to solve these problems allows planning the schedule appropriately.
Contracts
Having legal relations with your hired party is a surefire way to safeguard your preliminary agreements. The contract should clearly outline the scope of work, deliverables, timelines, payment terms and other essential details. The major aspects it should cover include:
- Scope of Work: Clearly define the tasks and responsibilities of the developer or team. Specify the features, functionalities and services included in the project.
- Deliverables: List all the items the developer will provide, such as the completed website, design assets, source code, and documentation.
- Timelines: Include the project start date, deadlines for each phase, and the final completion date. Specify penalties for missed deadlines if necessary.
- Payment Terms: Outline the payment structure, whether it’s an hourly rate, fixed price, or milestone-based payments. Include the total cost, payment schedule, and any additional costs.
- Revisions: Specify the number of revisions allowed and the process for requesting changes. This helps manage expectations and avoid scope creep.
- Confidentiality: Include a confidentiality clause to protect sensitive business information and intellectual property.
- Termination: Define the conditions under which the contract can be terminated by either party, including notice periods and any penalties.
- Dispute Resolution: Outline the process for resolving disputes, whether through mediation, arbitration, or legal action.
To avoid common mistakes when signing a contract with a web designer, take your time to browse this info.
Other Legal Considerations
In addition to the contract, there are other legal considerations to consider when hiring a professional to set up a website. These include intellectual property rights (your website ownership including design, code and any custom development), non-disclosure agreements (if your project includes sensitive information), liability and warranty as well as compliance with niche laws.
Where to Find the Required Specialist
When you feel that you are ready to hire a professional to launch a website, you’ll need to know where to look for the right person who will be able to complete your individual project. Let’s enlist the most widespread options now.
- Freelancer
As mentioned above, there are special freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, Stack Overflow, TopCoder, Guru and Giggster where you can find designers and developers to work on your project. These platforms make it possible to view and compare user profiles, review their portfolios, read client feedback, select the experts and get in touch with them. Likewise, you can post your project and receive offers from freelancers interested in it. As a result,you will be able to compare their experience, skills and rates.
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To make the selection more effective and reliable, it is recommended to look for freelancers with a strong portfolio and positive customer reviews. You should clearly outline your project requirements and control the progress on a regular basis.
- Web Agency
Web agencies generally provide a comprehensive solution cooperating with a team of professionals who can handle various aspects of your project. To find reputable agencies, you can explore directories like Clutch, Agency Spotter or DesignRush. They frequently include client reviews, case studies and detailed info about the scope of services the selected agency provides.
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To make your cooperation with a web agency a success, start with reviewing their portfolio and case studies to ensure they have experience of working with similar projects. Take your time to schedule a consultation to discuss your needs. Clarify the agency’s process, timelines and communication channels before signing a contract.
- Hired Developer
If you decide to hire a dedicated developer for a long-term role, job boards like Indeed, Glassdoor and LinkedIn are great places to start. Attending industry conferences, meetups and networking events also helps connect with potential candidates.
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It makes sense to choose candidates with a mix of technical skills and cultural fit for your team. Consider offering competitive benefits and opportunities for professional growth to attract top talents yet be ready to check their work and compliance with your requirements on all the stages of the project development process.
Bottom Line
Now, you know that finding a developer requires certain skills, too. Nope, you don’t need to master coding or get into the subtleties of web design. Yet, a clear understanding of your project needs, what specialist can meet them, and what time and cost it will take to deal with them. Whether you choose a freelancer, a web agency, or a hired professional, each option offers unique advantages and challenges.
As you see, freelancers provide flexibility and cost-effectiveness for smaller projects or specific tasks. Web agencies offer comprehensive services and a team approach, making them ideal for complex projects. Hired professionals ensure dedicated, ongoing support and a deep understanding of your business.
Thus, you are one step from success when you know who exactly you need and where to search for them. Hopefully, my recommendations will help you make the right choice.