I spend a lot of time explaining to geeks how business works; and a lot of time explaining how Web development works to businesses. Every year I work with clients that have found out too late they've asked a software developer to build something they don't need, or don't know how to maintain. This wastes a lot of time and money. Even if you don't need this information now, here are the top five things you'll wish you knew the next time you need to work with a Web design firm to create a new Web site.
1. There are multiple ways to build software "the right way." The two main
styles of Web development practiced today are waterfall and agile. Waterfall software development is very rigid and has discrete development stages; agile software development uses iterative development with very small features being added in very short time frames. If you are a process junkie, read up on these two development methodologies to see which style matches the way your business operates.
2. Not all "Web designers" are the same: know the roles you need to hire. A Web site will typically need the following technical skill sets: user interaction designer, visual designer, software developer, front end developer and information architect. Over the years I have worked as nearly every "kind" of Web designer but I currently specialize in front end development for microbusiness Web sites. I am the glue that holds together the work from graphic designers and software developers.
3. Have SMART goals. If your goals for your Web site are not Specific, Measureable, Achieveable, Relevant and Timed, do not hire a developer. You're not ready for one yet. If you know you don't have SMART goals hire a marketing specialist or small business consultant who specialises in online marketing to help you create these goals.
4. Know what your customer wants and what they want to buy. Unless you're running a "vanity" site, your Web site isn't really about you, it's about your customers. Make sure you know what they want and that you are only building features that will improve your interactions with your customers. Don't be distracted by the things your Web design team knows how to build. Identify what is “urgent” and required for launch and then plan to release something new at least every four months for the first year of your site. It will keep people excited and talking about your business.
5. Identify the people who will be updating your Web site once it has launched. Include these people in the planning process and talk to them about any restrictions, and freedoms, they need to have to get their job done. Being exposed to only the tasks they need to work on will help your staff to be more productive and will reduce training costs. Where possible, have your staff enter content into the Web site as part of the development process. It will be cheaper than having a "geek" do it, and it will provide your staff with valuable training time in a safe environment where the "geeks" can help fix mistakes.
These are the top five tips I wish everyone knew before they hired a bunch of software developers to build a Web site. If they aren't immediately useful to you, tuck them away for later. They will save you time and money on your next Web project.
