What are your top tips for finding a web developer???

Hi Aunty B, 

I’m currently going through the process of setting up a new business. I have just?read your response to one reader about moving websites to Joomla.

There?are plenty of questions I could ask but for the sake of keeping it?brief, I’ll stick to just one topic.

Because I haven’t yet set up my website (only secured domain name), what?tips can you give me to set up in the best way possible to avoid dramas?down the track and where should I look to find someone who can help me?without charging me a fortune?

Regards,
Business newbie

Dear business newbie,

Look, it’s Friday and I simply can’t be bothered writing on?everything I have learnt about setting up websites.?But in the spirit of goodwill, I give you my top eight tips:

1. Don’t even think about a proprietary system. And if anyone tries to?flog you one, tell them they belong in another century.?
2. If your web developer has a billiard table, go somewhere else.?
3. Ditto pony tail.?
4. Find someone who understands and has experience in your industry.?
5. Your web developer will be convinced that they are God’s answer to?design. Never believe them. On the other hand when they tell you that?your design sucks because it will do hopelessly in the search engines,?really, truly believe them!?
6. If you are an entrepreneur like me who hates the detail, never brief?a web designer. You need someone to work on the brief who is a very?detailed thinker and who has some knowledge of online.?
7. Never get into an argument with a web developer. They are irrational?and will never understand your point of view.?
8. Get ready for a wacky journey where strange things are regularly?blamed on the supernatural. For instance, get used to the following?expressions: ‘God knows how that happened. And it must be gremlins in the?system again.’??On the other hand it is not rocket science. I’ll send you the details?for our current web developer.

Good luck!?
Your Aunty B

To read more Aunty B advice, click here.

Email your questions, problems and issues to auntyb@smartcompany.com.au right now!