Whether a site owner needs a web developer depends on what they want for their website.

Not every site owner needs a site with all the bells and whistles. A simple site with basic features can be effective, convey the brand’s message, and be cost-efficient.

There are many situations where site owners might require advanced features, a custom design, or specific functions such as a shopping cart with a payment processor. In that case, hiring a web developer is key to meeting business needs.

Here’s a breakdown of the considerations to keep in mind before hiring a professional web developer.

7 pros of hiring a web developer

Site owners can gain access to a developer’s advanced design techniques, optimized functionality, and a user experience tailored to engage visitors. This collaboration often results in a polished, high-performing site that can attract more traffic and drive higher conversion rates, making the investment worthwhile.

1. Expertise and experience: A skilled web developer should possess the knowledge and experience necessary to create a functional and visually appealing website. They can implement best practices that help the site run smoothly.
2. Custom needs: Developers can tailor the website to meet specific business needs, creating unique functionalities that off-the-shelf solutions might not provide.
3. Professional aesthetic: A developer stays up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends. Using this knowledge, they should collaborate with the site owner to create a visually appealing website that accurately reflects a brand’s identity and engages visitors.
4. Time-saving: A developer can complete tasks more quickly than someone without the necessary coding skills, allowing site owners to focus on other aspects of their business.
5. Responsive design: A skilled developer ensures that a site is compatible across various devices, regardless of whether visitors are using a desktop, tablet, or smartphone.
6. SEO optimization: Many developers are familiar with SEO best practices, which help a site rank better in search engine results, driving site traffic and visitors to the site.
7. Security: With threats on the rise, developers should be well-versed in implementing security measures to protect a site and user data after delivery, thereby reducing the risk of hacking or breaches.

7 cons of working with a web developer

It’s critical to make an informed decision before hiring a web developer. When outsourcing web development, some site owners might feel they have less control over the project, which can lead to frustration. It’s critical to be as clear and succinct as possible.

1. Cost: Hiring a web developer can be a strain on a site owner’s budget, especially if they’re seeking someone with extensive experience or specialized skills. Such a challenge is true especially for small businesses or startups with limited budgets.
2. Time investment: While many developers work quickly, the process of finding the right person, discussing business needs, and going through design iterations can be time-consuming.
3. Dependency: Relying on a developer can lead to a dependency on updates and maintenance, which might result in additional costs or delays if they’re not available to address them. Site owners who part ways with developers almost always create potential disruptions to their workflow.
4. Communication barriers: Depending on the developer’s location or preferred working style, communication can be a challenge. Misunderstandings might arise due to differences in time zones or a lack of clarity in project requirements.
5. Quality: Not all web developers have the same skill level; hiring someone without proper vetting can result in a subpar website. It can be challenging to assess their capabilities until after the work is completed, which might result in a site that fails to meet expectations.
6. UX: Some developers might focus strictly on technical aspects without fully understanding the business goals, which could result in a product that looks good but fails to meet business needs. If a developer fails to adhere to industry standards or best practices, it might lead to future issues, including challenges in updating or migrating the site.
7. Security: Depending on the developer’s expertise, there might be vulnerabilities in the design and code that could go unaddressed after the site is delivered, posing security risks to a website and its users.

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The team at Write On Hosting can deliver a personalized website tailored to your specific needs. Visit the web development page for more information.