After working in the advertising business with a strong focus on website design for some time now; I feel obliged to share some noteworthy instances that seem to occur.  When choosing a website developer, it is imperative that the client reviews all websites that the developer has created.  This will give the client a good idea of what the developer is capable.  This does not mean that the developer is limited to what he has created in the past, but he does have a style that is bound to repeat is some fashion or another.  This is not necessarily a bad thing; chances are that the website designs are focused on search engine optimization and for ease of use for the potential customers.  Clients have ideas in their head of what they would like their website to accomplish, and an idea of what the website should look like.  It is imperative that the client takes advice from their website developer, as they have a good idea of what will work and what will achieve the desired results. 

Prior to starting any website with any developer, the client must and developer must sit down and hash out expectations.  Since websites can range from one week of development to a year; it is of the utmost importance that both sides are on the same page.  It is expected that there will be changes throughout the process: text, color, pictures, etc. but the template of the website should stay the same throughout the process.  If the client agrees to a web 2.0 website which expands over the website and then 3 months later decides that they want a completely different website which does not offer any chance of being transferred to the new website; it must be expected that there will be a contract amendment to pay for a totally new website.

Also, in regards to the research of your website developer, it is extremely important to review the developer’s portfolio.  You will want to look at the graphic art that is displayed and make a determination that the quality meets your standards.  If not, you may want to have a separate graphic artist or see if your website developer has a subcontractor who can provide a portfolio which ideally will meet your standards.

Taking a little time in the beginning of a website development relationship will save thousands of dollars in time and frustration.  Good Luck!