Good suggestions for looking for a site developer, I wish I looked more
before I hired Heritage Web Design now HIT Web Design. Ive got other
websites I want to have developed, but I think I will be paying more to
get a better designer. It was the $199 web page offer that "reeled" me in. After getting burned by Heritage. I think paying more for a better designer/developer
may be the best option.
Without getting into the many issues with Heritage Web, I've been looking alot lately at Convina.com for another site I'd like to get developed. They arent accredited with the BBB.org, but do have an "A-" rating...quote was reasonable... I'd be interested in any input about them.
SInce I'm also looking for another developer/designer, heres what I'm doing....
Read and understand the
Terms of Service. Know EXACTLY what I want in the site and what is needed. Be
certain the developer understands all aspects of what it is you are
requesting for the site. Be certain the designer is experienced to do
what I am requesting. Compare quotes; It helps weed out
the companies that are looking to overcharge or sell additional
products/services that arent needed or want, Afterall, it is a business and they do it to make money. I know your looking to spend $500 or less, but imo it should be that
you feel that $500 is well spent and you did not just get any "cheap" site that you will be unsatisfactory.
On a side note... I was surpriesed that I was qoted $10,000 for a site with one company, then $1500 by another when requesting for the site and explaining same items/features/vision of site, etc.. For a $1500 I would expect a professionally layed out site that is clear and easy to read, eye-catching, userfreindly, but at $10,000. that thing better be popping out of the viewers monitors, images dancing around in holographic 3-dimensional, with surround sound! All im saying, is don't pay too little for something you wont be satisfied with, and dont pay too much that you regret the money could have been spent elsewhere, if thats any advice.
Also, look at BBB.org accreditation, rating and how many complaints, types of complaints. Although this necessarily dont tell you about the company, as there are many great companies that arent accredited...