Expert Tips: Hiring a Web Developer in 5 Easy Steps

Developer, developer, developer!

Have you ever thought about why this profile is essential in the organization?

Ok, imagine your business without a website, without an online presence! No, it’s not possible as we all want to expand our business.

Similarly, here comes our hero who develops our website, a “Web Developer”. This article will guide you on hiring a web developer in easy steps.

Here, we will cover the maximum things you should know about hiring a web developer.

Factors necessary to know before hiring a web developer

If you’re looking for a web developer then check these factors written below that you should be aware of before hiring a web developer.

Reason for hiring?

First, locate the reason for hiring whether is it for a new project. Or the expansion of a current one?

No matter, what is the reason? You need to figure out what you expect from new employees at this stage of the project development. Define the stage for him/her to take on some serious processes, become a team lead, or even manage a team of foreign freelancers – all these factors dive into the selection process.

What are the expectations?

Suppose a new web developer joins your web development team. So, what is the next step you’ll take? What will be your parameter for judging the employee? Either it for 6 months or a year? Figure out all the factors and work on them accordingly.

What’s your Product’s Vision?

Your product’s vision will tell the goals that’ll help you to reach the peak. Before collaborating with the developers, first study these questions.

1. Is your product being enough good to satisfy the users?
2. Will your product offer a different solution than competitors?
3. What values will your product bring to the customer?

As soon as you get the answers to these questions, it will be easier for you to make a project estimation and outline the tasks to meet the deadlines.

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5 Easy Steps to Hire A Good Web Developer

Define your business goals:

To start with this, you have to get answers to the following questions:

• Why I should hire an outsourced web developer?
• What are the minimum and maximum times of our collaboration?
• What result I should expect?
• What is the scope of the work?

Explained:

• Design a high-quality code adhering to the best practices in web development.
• Target responsive design to get optimal display and functionality across various devices, including mobile platforms.
• Develop user–friendly websites and interfaces using standard HTML/CSS practices.
• Merge and manage data from back-end databases and services to boost website visibility.
• Develop and maintain efficient workflows for the development team for better visibility and a balanced workload.
• Check robust security measures to safeguard the website data and user privacy.
• Make sure to optimize website performance for speed and efficiency.

These are examples of requirements. You can make a list and devote your time to collaborate with the web developer as per your project needs.

Plump for Cooperation Model

After listing your needs, you have to make a way towards the next factor of hiring professional web developers to select the exact cooperation model.

We will explore various options to choose from below:

Freelance: It is suitable for short-term, flexible, or specialized tasks. However, hiring freelancers is the most cost-effective solution but they have multiple clients.

Outsource: This is ideal for entire project development. You can outsource web development teams to manage your project from beginning to end.

Outstaff: This exemplar indicates that hiring a website developer or a couple of developers to work alongside your in-house team. It is suitable for balance control and flexibility, and you can scale up and down as per your need.

In-House: This is the most used type in the organization. As it’s beneficial to get control and integration with your team but in-house web developers usually cost more demand and engagement from your side.

Highlight skills needed in web developers

The world of web development involves three main types of specialists, each with their skillset:

Front-end Developers:

• Architects of the User Experience: Front-end developers are the creative minds behind the visual elements and user interface (UI) of a website or application. They take care of how users interact with what they see on the screen.
• Tech Stack: Their primary tools are HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. HTML forms the content, CSS tailors it, and JavaScript comes up with interactivity. They might also use frameworks like React or Angular to build complex UIs.

Back-end Developers:

• The Engine Room Operators: Back-end developers focus on the server side, the part that users don’t see. They build the core functionalities, handle data processing, and ensure smooth communication between the database and the front end.
• Tech Stack: They use languages like PHP, Python, Ruby on Rails, or Node.js for back-end development. They also work with databases like MySQL or PostgreSQL to store and manage data. Understanding APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) is crucial for integrating external services.

Full-stack Developers:

• The Jacks (or Jills) of All Trades: Full-stack developers possess a broad range of skills, encompassing both front-end and back-end development. They can work on all aspects of building a web application, from the user interface to the server-side logic.
• Tech Stack: They are proficient in all the technologies mentioned for front-end and back-end development. Additionally, they often have strong skills in control systems like Git and also hold experience with web hosting platforms.

In short, front-end developers build what you see, back-end developers make it work, and full-stack developers can handle the entire process.

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Hiring Criteria

The choice is never perfect and somewhere everyone aims to make it perfect with training and guidance. Check below the factors that you should think of while hiring a candidate:

• Total number of web developers needed
• Experience level
• Salary amount
• Technical skills
• Soft skills
• The passion of the candidate

Tracking down hiring platforms

Based on your cooperation model you are allowed to select the platforms. For in-house web developers, the best ways to locate them on:

• LinkedIn
• Hiring an agency for recruiting

Next is hiring a web developer on a freelance basis then consider these platforms:

• Upwork
• Fiver

Last but not least, outsourcing and outstaff models are the places that allow you to hire a web developer.

• Clutch
• Uptech
• Welcoming the suggestions and recommendations from your friends and old companies, founders, etc.

List of Top Websites where you’ll get Web Developers

To hire a web developer or extend your team, you need to understand where to look for them and where you can compare your candidates. Check below list of top websites:

1.Clutch

Clutch is a B2B review platform that allows clients to share their experience working with development companies. It also includes a Uptech profile that allows you to check it and see a portfolio, clients, reviews, and the list of our services.

2. Upwork

It is a freelance marketplace with various talents in various fields around the globe.

3.Toptal

It is a company that offers a freelancing platform, connecting businesses with software engineers, designers, finance experts, etc.

1. Uptech:

An international outsourcing product development company.  They aim to cover issues that businesses come across when it comes to product development. Also, ensure to delivery of effective and painless outsourcing.

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FAQs

• For my business what do I need whether a web developer or a web designer?

A web designer focuses on the visual aesthetics and user experience (UX) of the website. Whereas web developer turns those designs into a functional website. Ideally, you want candidates with both skill sets, but for smaller projects, you might be able to hire them separately.

• What kind of website do I need?

Knowing your website’s purpose is crucial. Are you building a simple brochure site, a complex e-commerce store, or a social networking platform? Different functionalities require different development expertise.

• What about experience?

Experience is important, but it should be relevant to your project. A developer with experience building e-commerce platforms might be a better fit for your online store than someone who specializes in building blogs.

• What questions should I ask in an interview?

Ask about their experience with similar projects, their development process, timeline estimations, and how they handle revisions. You can also give them a small coding challenge to assess their technical skills.

• How much does it cost to hire a web developer?

Salary or cost is completely based on candidate experience, location, and project complexity. Freelance developers might charge an hourly rate, while agencies might have project-based fees.

• What should I include in the contract?

It is your call whether to have it or not. If yes, then you should clearly outline the project scope, deliverables, timeline, payment terms, and ownership of the intellectual property.

• Do I need to provide ongoing maintenance?

You can discuss with the developer about website maintenance to fix bugs, update software, and ensure security.