Hi @KittysCandyShop ,
I'm so sorry this happened to you. I can understand how something like this can be discouraging, but it seems like an opportunity to learn.
As a website designer/developer, I hate to hear about these situations because it reflects poorly on the craft and hurts small business owners in so many ways. I wish that more people would be more upfront about their intentions when doing business with other small business owners.
Here are my tips on hiring someone to help you build your website. This is in no way, 100% comprehensive, as everyone is different and works differently, but most professional designers/developers will operate in this way.
- Make sure you're a good fit before agreeing to work together.
- You've found someone to do the work that you need, so this may sound counterintuitive. But it's important to know if you'll work well together before agreeing to hire. Chat with them over coffee or video call.
- This is a good time for them to learn about you and your business and for you to learn about them, their business, their experience, and their process (how they work).
- Website projects are a collaboration between the business and the developer. It's a relationship that depends upon clear communication and just plain old getting along. If you don't mesh, don't force it.
- Look for a good listener. A good project starts with asking the right questions.
- You should expect your web designer/developer to ask a bunch of questions about your business and your goals. This would either be verbally or in the form of a written questionnaire.
- This helps them to know the direction the project needs to go to help you achieve your goals.
- Look for experience. Their experience should help you obtain your desired result.
- After you explain your needs, you may receive recommendations as to the best way to implement your desired result.
- They should be aware of what technological solutions are on the market that can integrate well into the project.
- If you agree to work together, get a written agreement.
- They should send you a written agreement that outlines the project objectives, scope, payment schedule, timelines, and terms and conditions.
- This provides protection for you and them, in the case of changes in the project, unforeseen circumstances, and even if the project needs to end before it is completed.
- Look for clear and regular communication.
- There should be clear expectations as to when you should expect to hear from them.
- If you haven't heard from your contractor by the time you were scheduled to chat, reach out to them.
- If something isn't clear, ask for clarity until you receive it.
That's all I have for now. If you have any specific questions about websites or how to get someone to help you with your project, feel free to ask.
Again, I'm so sorry this happened to you and I hope that you are able to move forward with your business.
-Katrina Yancey
