Have you got your online store set up with the right platform for your business? Who do you go to for getting it set up/
In this article, by Jason Hope, the specific platform of Magento is looked at. Jason gives 5 key tips in selecting the right Magento developer before you commit
Are you looking to build an impactful customised
Magento eCommerce store, or are you simply at the inquiry stage? Whichever
stage you are at this is a decision that must be researched and thought about
thoroughly. Magento stores have increased immensely due to its amazing features
and functionalities. Can you believe that since it’s release in mid-2008 the
internet guesstimates that there have been over 1 million sites built and they
are growing at triple the rate in comparison with other merchants
You will be investing time and money when hiring a
Magento developer so it is vital that you ensure that you get the best. Before
you explain your requirements start by writing a detailed brief so both of you
are clear from the start on what is to be expected & delivered.
Building & managing a Magento e-store can be a
daunting task. Hiring the right Magento specialists in the UK will
make your life much simpler and easier.
The question is, how will you know if you are
hiring the right developer or not? We have made a quick checklist that will
help you make the right decision.
1. Always Check Reviews and Ratings
Checking reviews and star ratings is not just a
trend but is essential! Going through reviews will often provide honest &
relevant feedback about a prospective developer’s experience, professionalism,
work ethics and reputation. Be sure to visit their professional social media
accounts and website to gain further insight. Clients are bound to have left
valuable remarks and comments on everything from work ethics to implementing
& delivering the website. Don’t shy away from asking for references and follow
them up as this will give you a clear insight of who you may be about to work
with.
2. Take a look at their work portfolio and
credentials Before you get started
It is imperative to look at their portfolio
to check if they are experienced & to see the standard of work to be
expected. Are they Magento certified? You need a reputable & qualified
developer to be able to guide you and implement your eCommerce site.
3. Check their availability and communication
Before any decision is made you must find out what
their current availability is and if they have the required resources to get
your project underway. There is no point in committing if you need an immediate
start and the best they can offer is within the next few weeks or they only
have one developer who is unable to communicate effectively. Channels of
communication must be precise and clear at all levels and stages to ensure that
everybody is on the same page and are working towards the same goals.
Also, make sure that you are fully aware of the
working hours, be sure you know what to do if you need to contact the developer
in case of an emergency & what is the preferred way of communicating &
when. For example, What happens if your products are displaying the incorrect
prices on your site and your developer is in a meeting? Will there be someone
else on hand to assist you? Do you email, Skype or message or call?
4. Make sure you brief is specific
This is crucial to get right from the beginning.
Outline your main brief, give a general overview of how you envision your site
and then discuss all technical requirements, as well as, User Interface
specifications. Every detail, even the tiny ones need to be ironed out from the
get-go. This way you will know if it is feasible and eliminates any
miscommunication or time wastage. Deadlines must be laid out to ensure that you
are on schedule and to safeguard you from further problems or hidden costs.
5. Try a paid test project
If you are still unsure or skeptical in any way
regarding the developer’s capabilities, ask if they would consider doing a paid
test project.
This quintessential step will give you some
perspective & will definitely help you in choosing the perfect developer
for you.
Undoubtedly there are other checks and tips out
there that you can follow. Research as much as you can to make the right
decision for you. You will get there in the end and overall, make sure you
choose a reputable & qualified Magento developer in the UK.
