I develop web applications in C#, VB, ASP.NET, and SQL Server as a contractor. I have noticed that clients run into problems hiring web developers to  create web applications. Also, clients have mentioned problems they've had with developers in Craigslist job posts.

Clients had problems with web developers who: 

• create poorly designed databases;
• create web applications with many bugs;
• create botched software designs;
• develop what they want not what the client wants;
• don't respond to client inquires; and
• leave in the middle of the project.

The impact on clients is:

• thousands of dollars are wasted; and
• revenue is lost.

One Craigslist job poster noted that he wasted $3,500 in design and development costs.

In this article I offer suggestions for finding a good software developer who will design and develop a high quality web application that meets your objectives and functions well.

Does the Developer Follow a Process?

No process = project failure.

A development process must be well-defined and followed in all endeavors in order to reach an objective. Ask the prospective developer to explain their development process. Avoid developers who don’t have a well-defined process.

Read Keys to Successful Projects  for more about our software development process.

Does the Developer Write Project Specifications?

Robert Glass states in Software Runaways, Lessons Learned from Massive Software Project Failures, that 51% of projects fail due to poor or insufficient projects specifications. Thus project specifications are crucial to the success of your projects.

Ask the prospective developer whether they write project specifications and to send you copies of specifications they have written for past projects.

If requrested, I can send examples of past project specifications that I have worked on.

Seek Senior Contractors for Large Complex Projects

Robert Glass states in Software Runaways, Lessons Learned from Massive Software Project Failures, that 42% of projects fail due to lack of senior staff.

Interns and college graduates do not have sufficient project experience to design and develop software for large complex projects.

Match the seniority of the contractor to the size and complexity of the project.

I have over 10 years experience designing and developing complex software.

Hire Developers Based on Track Record

Many Craigslist posters request the developer be local to their office. Proximity of the developer to your office does not guarantee project success. Increase the probability of project success by selecting a developer based on these criteria:

• Developer has a track record of successful projects.
• Developer has a well-defined software development process which they follow.
• Developer’s references confirm project successes.

Pay Market Rates

Pay market rates and you’ll attract experienced developers to work on your project and you’ll increase the likelihood of project success.

Current market rates (17-Jan-2006) are $50/hour to $75/hour for experienced developers. Students generally charge $20+. Developers who specialize may charge fees above the range stated. Rates vary based upon geographic location.

Check References

While I can’t be certain it seems apparent to me that many job posters do not check the developer’s references.

A few questions to ask the developers previous clients:

• Did the developer understand your objectives before starting the project?
• Did the developer write project specifications?
• Did the developer stay on the project until completion?
• Did the web application function as outlined in the specifications?
• How many bugs are in the web application?
• Did the developer respond promptly to inquires, phone calls, emails?

Know the Role of Designers vs. Developers

I’ve noticed some posters are confused about the role of a web designer versus a web developer. For example, the job title is “Web Designer” and the body of the post requests the contractor to perform software development.

A web designer designs the graphical appearance of the web site. This includes: colors, fonts, logos & images, placement of text and images on the page. Tools typically include HTML, JavaScript, Dreamweaver, Photoshop, and ImageReady.

A web developer designs the database and the actions of the web site. This includes: designing database tables, designing software to validate form inputs, storing data in the database, getting data from the database and displaying the data on pages. Tools typically include: C#, ASP.NET, and SQL Server. You may need both a web designer and a web developer for your project. Therefore, you may want to state that in your job post.

Summary

Doing your homework upfront can greatly increase the success of your project.

SourceLogic Solutions develops web applications in C#, ASP.NET, and SQL Server. We:

• Understand your objectives at the beginning of the project.
• Follow a well-defined software development process.
• Have 10 years experience developing software.
• Have a track record of successful projects.
• Have good references.

You can read more about software development process and project specifications by reading Keys to Successful projects.