Selecting the right web developer or marketing company is critical to a successful outcome.  How does a business owner make the right choice?  Whether you rely on an internet search or a referral from someone you trust, being informed is the ultimate advantage.  Once you have researched various web designers, programmers and developers, you will have a few questions.  To save you time, see the questions and answers below:

What is Content Management?

If you haven’t heard, content is critical.  If your new website won’t effectively accommodate your content – don’t bother making the investment.  A web developer takes the time to determine why you need the website, how you will use it and who will be maintaining the content.

WordPress, Joomla or Expression Engine?

These CMS platforms are open-source (i.e. many developers are familiar with the technical aspects of the CMS).  This means if you want changes made down the road you won’t be “held hostage” by the original web developer.

There is a downside.  If you need unique features built into your website, it will require the use of a “plug-in”.  Then, 10 months down the road, say you decide to add more powerful (complex) features to your website.  At this point in the project, the same “streamlined” website that you selected is now restricting the capability you need.

A skilled web developer can significantly customize an open-source cms, just the way you need it, which is an ideal situation, except that it’s probably the most expense option on the table (it’s a supply and demand issue – skilled developers being in demand and unskilled developers being available by the thousands on Craigslist).

Custom CMS?

A custom CMS can work really well for you and stay within a reasonable budget.  It’s built just the way you need it to work.  Hopefully, your developer will be around next year when you need some changes made, because that custom work is most efficiently completed by the original developer.  If not…that’s why some clients insist on open-source.

Key Takeaway:  Hiring a reputable company is a good idea regardless of your strategy and which cms you choose.

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