Useful tips
Customer and web developer: building good business relations.
published: 16.02.2009
The very first stage of website development is briefing, during which the customer has to answer a number of questions in order to determine their exact needs. Many customers believe that they know their needs and the best ways to meet them better than anyone, which is not always true. It is worth listening to the opinion of designers and web developers as well — as professionals, they will be able to guide you through the modern design trends and the techniques most suitable for your website. Usually, you are offered to study the designer's portfolio — his best previous works — which may be helpful in the choice of your own design. The designer's rating is based on their portfolio.
Unfortunately, nowadays we more and more often encounter “clones” — websites copying ideas from other websites. It is hard to say why designers plagiarize, whether it is their initiative or customer's request “to make it exactly like that site” which makes them do it. But the result is certain: it is not good for anyone. In any case, the client should be aware of such situations and not follow developer's advice blindly.
At this stage it is too early to talk about the site's cost. The price is calculated based on detailed and precise technical specifications which estimate the time and material costs of work of designers, developers, copywriters, etc.
In conclusion, we would like to add that only a close mutual collaboration between the customer and the web developer yields fruitful results. It is of utter importance for the customer to discuss all elements of the project at each stage and to take into account specialists' suggestions.