Consider your website to be your company’s welcome mat since it is the first thing customers see, whether they are in Pennsylvania or another part of the United States.The team you pick to build it matters. Your website can become a true business generator if the appropriate individuals are involved. The wrong pick? Your website might just sit there, gathering dust.
There are thousands of developers out there, so yeah, choosing one can feel overwhelming. But don’t stress. This guide’s here to help you find a partner who gets your vision and knows how to bring it to life.
1. Know What You Need First
Make a list of your particular goals before you begin looking at businesses. Are you selling products online? Does your local business require a basic website? Or maybe you need a complex app?
Knowing your goals helps you talk to developers. It also helps you find teams that don’t fit your needs.Create a simple “project brief” that includes:
- Your business goals: What do you want the site to do?
- Your budget: How much can you spend?
- Your timeline: When do you need it to go live?
- Your favorite features: Do you need a contact form, a blog, or a store?
2. Look at Their Past Work
A company’s portfolio is their resume. Look at the sites they have built for other clients. Do they look modern? Are they easy to use?
Don’t just look at the pictures. Click around on their live websites using your phone and your computer. Check for these three things:
- Speed: Does the site load fast?
- Mobile-friendly: Does it look good on a smartphone?
- Results: Do they share stories (case studies) about how their work helped a client get more sales or more visitors?
A good developer understands that a website must do more than just look pretty—it has to work for your business.
3. Check Their Tech Skills
Website building involves different tools. You want employees who are knowledgeable about the specific equipment needed for your job. Common platforms include WordPress, Shopify, and custom coding (like React or PHP).
Ask them about these important topics:
- Security: How will they keep your data safe from hackers?
- Google Ranking (SEO): Will they build the site so people can find it on Google?
- Updates: How easy is it to change text or photos later?
4. Read Reviews and Talk to Past Clients
Online reviews on sites like Google or Clutch are very helpful. Look for patterns in what people say. Do they mention that the company meets deadlines? Are they good at answering emails?
Pro Tip: Ask the company for two or three references. Call those past clients and ask:
- “Was the project finished on time?”
- “Did they stay within the budget?”
- “If you had a problem, did they fix it quickly?”
5. Test Their Communication
You will work with this team for weeks or maybe months. A clear-talking and attentive spouse is essential. Observe how they treat you at your initial encounter.
- Do they explain things in plain English, or do they use confusing tech talk?
- Do they have a clear plan for the project?
- Do they ask you questions about your business?
Businesses who give unclear answers or decline to give you a documented pricing quote should be avoided.
6. Think About Location and Time Zones
While you can employ a developer anywhere in the United States, many Pennsylvania business owners would rather hire someone who works in their time zone.
Working with a company in the same country makes meetings easier. You don’t have to worry about huge time differences. Look for a nearby team if you would want to meet in person. If you are happy with video calls (like Zoom), you can look at companies across the whole country.
7. Understand the Price
In web development, you often get what you pay for. If a price seems way too low, be careful. Low prices often lead to slow sites, missed deadlines, or extra fees later on.
Most companies use one of these three pricing styles:
- Fixed Price: You pay one set amount for the whole project.
- Hourly Rate: You pay for the actual time they spend working.
- Retainer: You pay a monthly fee for ongoing help and updates.
Request a comprehensive list of the contents. You should know if things like “testing” and “training” are part of the deal.
8. Ask About Long-Term Support
A website is never truly “finished.” It needs updates, security checks, and fixes as technology changes.
Before you sign a contract, ask:
- “What happens if the site breaks after it goes live?”
- “Do you offer monthly maintenance plans?”
- “How much do you charge for small changes in the future?”
A smart business wants to support your success even after the website publishes.
9. Trust Your Gut
Finally, choose a team you actually like. You want to work with people who respect your ideas and feel like a good fit for your brand. If something feels “off” during the first call, it’s okay to keep looking.
Conclusion
Choosing a website developer is a big step for your business. Take your time to check their work, talk to their clients, and compare their prices.
The ideal partner will create a website that enhances your company’s appearance and expands your customer base in Pennsylvania and beyond.