Choosing the right web development firm is critical to ensure your website meets your expectations, you get what you paid for and you are treated fairly.

The web development industry isn't regulated, and as is with any unregulated industry there is a huge variety of practices, standards and ethics out there.

Make sure you know what you're getting into before you sign on the dotted line.

Most Common Web Developer Complaints:

They don't call or email me back:

• This is more common than you think. In order to avoid dealing with a firm or individual that has a poor service record ask for references and follow up.A portfolio of completed projects doesn't say much. Anyone can finish a site, but do they deliver good service while doing so? Do your due diligence and you will save headaches and wasted money in the end.

I don't own my site even though I paid for it:

• Also more common than you would think. Many firms retain the copyright, or intellectual property rights of the website YOU paid them for. Ridiculous!! Make sure to not only ask, but ask them to show you in the contract where it is stated that you will receive the rights to your website, graphics or any other work you pay them to produce. If you aren't comfortable with the contract, ask your lawyer to read it over. This will be cheaper than paying for a site you don't own.
  

I don't own my domain (www.yourcompany.com) even though I paid for it:

• Before you get a company to buy your domain for you, ask them to explain the roles of the Registrant, Administrative, Technical & Billing contacts. They should tell you that you and your company will be listed as the registrar and administrative contacts. Better yet, buy your own domain at www.godaddy.com and rest assured you will always have full control over your domain.
  

I am locked into a long term contract:

• Any company that forces you to deal with them because of a legally binding contract is probably not going to deliver great service. We've all experienced this will cell phone companies, and trust us, the same rules apply with web development companies. Avoid these if you can, there are plenty of other firms that wont ask for such a commitment.

I am not happy with the final product:

• Find out what the development process is. Are there review and approval points along the way? What happens if you are unsatisfied, do they have a cancellation policy? Do you know what content will be used where and when?. If you don't understand or feel totally comfortable with their process, than you probably won't be happy with the end product.
  

I don't have time to write my own content/take my own pictures

• Most people don't, after all you have your own job or company to deal with! Find a company that does it all for you, you will be glad you did.
  

They started the project and didn't finish

• Review your contract. Does it specify an end date? Again, check the references of this person or firm. If they have a good reputation they will be anxious to maintain it, and failing to deliver is not in their best interests. 

They use so much technical lingo, I don't understand! 

• Despite it's reputation, the web development industry isn't completely filled with "geeks". You will be using your website as a business tool, so make sure you are dealing with an individual or firm that has some knowledge of marketing & business. As well, most "geeks" don't have much of a grasp on design and text- two crucial components of a website. Ask to see their portfolio and client references. In your initial meeting if you find they are using technical lingo, be sure to tell them you don't understand. The firm you choose shouldn't intimidate or confuse you.

If you do your due diligence you will be rewarded with piece of mind knowing you own your intellectual property. Your site will meet your expectations and will be created to fulfill your objectives, and you will have participated in an interesting, creative and rewarding process with a technology partner that cares.

Why not book a One Hour Meeting to see if The New Media Group is the right fit for your company? Call 403.451.3922