How to Find a Good Web Developer

I develop web applications in C#, VB, ASP.NET, and SQL Server as a contractor. I have noticed that clients run into problems hiring web developers to create web applications. Also, clients have mentioned problems they've had with developers in Craigslist job posts.

Clients had problems with web developers who:

create poorly designed databases;
create web applications with many bugs;
create botched software designs;
develop what they want not what the client wants;
don't respond to client inquires; and
leave in the middle of the project.

The impact on clients is:

thousands of dollars are wasted; and
revenue is lost.

One Craigslist job poster noted that he wasted $3,500 in design and development costs.

Read real client complaints about developers at the end of this article.

In this article I offer suggestions for finding a good software developer who will design and develop a high quality web application that meets your objectives and functions well.

Does the Developer Follow a Process?

No process = project failure.

A development process must be well-defined and followed in all endeavors in order to reach an objective. Ask the prospective developer to explain their development process. Avoid developers who don’t have a well-defined process.

Read Keys to Successful Projects for more about our software development process.

Does the Developer Write Project Specifications?

Robert Glass states in Software Runaways, Lessons Learned from Massive Software Project Failures, that 51% of projects fail due to poor or insufficient projects specifications. Thus project specifications are crucial to the success of your projects.

Ask the prospective developer whether they write project specifications and to send you copies of specifications they have written for past projects.

Ed Swartz will send you copies of project specifications for past projects.

Seek Senior Contractors for Large Complex Projects

Robert Glass states in Software Runaways, Lessons Learned from Massive Software Project Failures, that 42% of projects fail due to lack of senior staff.

Interns and college graduates do not have sufficient project experience to design and develop software for large complex projects.

Match the seniority of the contractor to the size and complexity of the project.

Ed Swartz has 25 years experience designing and developing complex software.

Hire Developers Based on Track Record

Many Craigslist posters request the developer be local to their office. Proximity of the developer to your office does not guarantee project success. Increase the probability of project success by selecting a developer based on these criteria:

Developer has a track record of successful projects.
Developer has a well-defined software development process which they follow.
Developer’s references confirm project successes.

To see Ed Swartz's track record read Successful Projects

Pay Market Rates

Several job posters offer to pay contractors $8.50 to $12.50/hour. This low rate attracts inexperienced and poor developers. The most likely outcome is a poor or non-functioning web site and you'll waste your time and money.

Pay market rates and you’ll attract experienced developers to work on your project and you’ll increase the likelihood of project success.

Current market rates (17-Jan-2006) are $35/hour to $75/hour for experienced developers. Students generally charge $20+. Developers who specialize may charge fees above the range stated. Rates vary based upon geographic location.

Check References

While I can’t be certain it seems apparent to me that many job posters do not check the developer’s references.

A few questions to ask the developers previous clients:

Did the developer understand your objectives before starting the project?
Did the developer write project specifications?
Did the developer stay on the project until completion?
Did the web application function as outlined in the specifications?
How many bugs are in the web application?
Did the developer respond promptly to inquires, phone calls, emails?

Know the Role of Designers vs. Developers

I’ve noticed some posters are confused about the role of a web designer versus a web developer. For example, the job title is “Web Designer” and the body of the post requests the contractor to perform software development.

A web designer designs the graphical appearance of the web site. This includes: colors, fonts, logos & images, placement of text and images on the page. Tools typically include HTML, JavaScript, Dreamweaver, Photoshop, and ImageReady.

A web developer designs the database and the actions of the web site. This includes: designing database tables, designing software to validate form inputs, storing data in the database, getting data from the database and displaying the data on pages. Tools typically include: C#, ASP.NET, and SQL Server. You may need both a web designer and a web developer for your project. Therefore, you may want to state that in your job post.

Summary

Doing your homework upfront can greatly increase the success of your project.

Ed Swartz develops web applications in C#, ASP.NET, and SQL Server. He:

Understands your objectives at the beginning of the project.
Follows a well-defined software development process.
Has 25 years experience developing software.
Has a track record of successful projects.
Has good references.

You can read more about software development process and project specifications by reading Keys to Successful projects.

If you want high quality web applications contact us at: 978-772-0888

Problems with Developers: The Details

Craigslist Posts

The following are actual Craigslist.org job posts. We have changed the client name and references to the client's products and services. Bolding has been added for easier visual identification of the key complaints. HTML has been edited for formatting purposes only. Grammar and spelling have been corrected.

Delta Company Makeover ! Improved security and design

Reply to: NonExistent@NonExistent.com
Date: 2006-01-12, 4:31PM EST

DeltaCompanyNonExistent.com

We have hired multiple programmers to build our website. The first programmer was overseas, so we had a difficult time coordinating with him. The second programmer was more interested in doing what he wanted to do rather than what we wanted him to do.

We want a website similar to a very low end cafepress.com. Because our product is associated with luxury cars and entertainers, our site would need more entertainment elements than that of cafepress.com or any purely e-commerce or informational web site. We suggest viewing luxury car websites to grasp a better understanding of this. Thus far we have spend over $3,500 on our website and still, as you can see, our site looks cheesy and it's prone to many problems that need to be reworked.

We are also building an advertising company and wish to work with a flash & design programmer many more times in the near future.

Please do not simply send me portfolios rather than explain why or how you could do this job.

Three references will be required if we respond to your email.

TRY USING OUR SITE BEFORE REPLYING.

Job location is DC area
Compensation: $1,000 +
This is a contract job.
This is an internship job
no -- Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.
no -- Please, no phone calls about this job!
no -- Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.
yes -- Reposting this message elsewhere is OK.

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