Better Understanding Your Web Solution

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Having a better understanding of what what goes into your web solution can greatly effect the outcome

Recently I was talking to a friend who works for a large, well-known company, we were discussing their potential web strategy. My friend proceeded to tell me that although there may be an opportunity to tender for a web project, that she wouldn’t want to. When I asked why, she said that previously such web projects have had a habit of employing very tough contracts which exploit the changing nature of custom web development ensuring that no matter what the developer did, they could have the work changed to suit their needs without paying any more. The end result however has still been a site they are not happy with.

This got me thinking about the perceived value of web design and development in the market. Some potential clients will often lump all the providers and compare them mainly on price given they feel that all websites are essentially the same. Here are a few things to consider:

Methodology and Experience Makes a Difference

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If a client has a specification or a Request for Proposal (RFP) and gets a number of providers to quote on the project based on this specification, they feel that all the responses should naturally be delivering nearly the same solution. Right? Well, not really. Different providers use different methodologies, technologies and processes to deliver the same solution for a client. Typically the more experienced the company the more thorough the process and proposed solution, involving more steps along the way. Some provide you with a comprehensive solution while others may provide you with a solution that ticks all the boxes superficially, but won’t deliver in the long run, or falls apart if you scratch beneath the surface.

Custom Components Take Longer

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Most websites nowadays will involve at least some custom or specialised components. Don’t underestimate the effort required to get the component working the way you actually want it to work. Every company has a different way of working and is keen to duplicate those methods online. Some developers will give you a band-aid solution to your process while others will take the time to understand your business and deliver something as close to your requirements as possible. Once again this adds to the effort required which in turn impacts on time.

It’s a Marketing Solution

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Remember that in most cases your website isn’t an IT solution but a marketing solution. It is the face of your company on one of the fastest growing communication mediums that has ever existed. The Internet has made the world a small place with fickle customers who have short attention spans and the ability to tell millions of people about their experiences instantly. You need an experienced and progressive web development partner who understands the business objectives of your website and is able to translate these to an online solution that viewers can access quickly and easily.

Give and Take

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Finally remember that all web development is a give and take process – a good developer will have the experience to understand how your requirements may change throughout a project and how to incorporate those changes into the scope all the while balancing your time requirements. Do you remember my example above of the big company trying to squeeze everything out of the developer but ending up nowhere? Requirements change all the time. Its just the nature of business. Be prepared to allow for a little extra to accommodate this and both you and your developer can build a solution you are both truly proud of.