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Are My Web Developers Ripping Me Off?

Are My Web Developers Ripping Me Off?

Tell-tale signs that your web developer may be ripping you off

So, you have recently appointed a new web developer for your latest project, but how do you know if you are being ripped off?

Outdated techniques/no CMS

If your new website comes without any kind of CMS, such as WordPress, Drupal, Joomla or Magento, to name a few, then you web developers are most likely ripping you off.

Unless your site is a static HTML, single page site, ( like a placeholder leaflet), then your site needs a CMS. Otherwise, every time you wish to change any piece of content, no matter how small you will have to ask your web developer to make this change for you. Therefore, every single content change will cost you money and your web developers will have a monopoly over your website.

Depreciated code

Using outdated coding methods or software can be a huge problem in web projects. Outdated software or code can cause a multitude of security risks. This is because security holes are found by the third party software company and are patched in updated versions. However, if the latest version of the software is not used by your web developer, your site could be vulnerable.

Outdated software/code can also cause compatibility issues with other software, hardware and browsers. If your web developer does not use the latest software or code your website can suffer from rendering issues or even not display all your content.

However, having said that, there may be a genuine reason for using outdated software/code. For example, sometimes the newer version of the software/code may have security or compatibility issues with other software/code and so using it could cause more issues than it fixes. It is always best to ask your web developer if you have concerns.

Poor communication

To develop your site according to your plan, there needs to be efficient and clear communication between both parties. If there isn’t, you may find that your web developer does not listen to you, deviates away from the plan, or misses features that you asked for.

A good web developer should try to listen and understand even when the situation may not be ideal. They should not deviate from the plan because they want to or because they find the original plan too difficult to implement. It’s also important to remember that web developers are not designers. If there is not a clear, detailed design on which to base the project or your ideas are not communicated well, this can become a point of tension in your relationship. Dissatisfaction or mistakes as a result of poor communication can make you feel as though you are wasting money.

Question dodging

Your web developer missing out on the odd question here and there may understandably be put down to busyness or a missed email.

However, failing to give full answers or frequently dodging questions, especially ones of importance, can be a sign that your web developer is avoiding your queries on purpose – potentially because it would expose a weakness in their skills. If this is the case either, keep persevering with your questions until they are answered or move to a different web developer.

Jargon overload

If your web developer frequently uses IT jargon such as API or SQL in communications without explaining what they mean or are using jargon in unnecessary situations, then they may be trying to impress you with their knowledge.

However, this mainly leads to confusion in communications between the customer and the web developer, slowing projects or derailing them entirely. A simple request for definitions may well resolve the issue, but if the confusion continues, it might be a good idea to move to a different developer.

Can’t speak to past clients

Can’t find any testimonials on your web developer’s site? Does your developer never come back to you when you ask to look at past clients’ work? While this is generally not a good sign, there can be legitimate reasons you cannot see their past work – your web developer has just started out, for example. However, if you really cannot find any evidence of their experience or display of their previous projects, even after asking, it might be best to look elsewhere.

So, what does a good web developer do?/What are the signs of a good web developer?

In summary, a great web developer:

  • Gives the customer control over their site through a CMS
  • Uses updated software and code
  • Is good at listening and understanding what the customer wants
  • Only uses jargon when relevant and explains what it means
  • Doesn’t dodge questions they don’t want to answer
  • Shows off past client work

If you have any questions please contact us.

 

 

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