Web Developer Tips
Read these 11 Web Developer Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Freelance Design tips and hundreds of other topics.
What Web Developers Charge
Web developers set their rates between $30 and $100 per hour, depending upon their experience. Some charge by the project, some by the hour and some by the page. Unfortunately, there is no real pricing standard because Web development is still such a new business.
While figuring out what you'd feel comfortable paying a Web developer, keep in mind that you get what you pay for. However, sometimes you can pay less for great work. That's because there are many talented novice Web developers looking to expand their portfolios. Your best bet is to ask for samples of their work or have them mock up a few sample pages so you can get an idea of their style.
Tools For Good Web Site Developers
To be an effective Web developer, you should have a working knowledge of a number of software programs. Web site development tools like the ones listed below are beneficial.
• Macromedia Dreamweaver MX
• Macromedia Fireworks MX
• Macromedia Flash MX
• CGI Programming, Corel Draw/PhotoPaint
• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access)
• Adobe Acrobat
• Real Producer G2
• Dazzle Video Creator
While an expert knowledge of each and every one of these programs is not necessary, it is a good idea to know some of those used most such as Dreamweaver and Flash. Also, be sure to update your experience as new versions of the software come out in order to maintain a competitive edge in your field.
The Challenges of Web Developers
One of the biggest challenges facing Web developers today is staying abreast of the ever-changing needs of the public. Sometimes a company is unaware of trends or unwilling to try what looks like a risky venture. In the end your client is "king" and therefore decides which direction to take the project. But whenever possible, you should provide clients with other options based on your knowledge of the market.
When selling yourself to a client, show both a traditional and cutting edge example of your Web design. Let the client decide which best represents the company. You will come out on top for demonstrating your versatility and the client will certainly appreciate your range of skills and the effort you have taken to display them. This may even result in future work!
The Importance Of Web site Maintenance
If your company cannot provide Web site maintenance, you should ask your Web developer if he or she provides ongoing design and content maintenance services. Prices and new products will need updating and old products will need to be yanked. Also, links to other sites will need to be changed. Ask the developer what his or her fee is for these regular updating tasks.
*Remember to find out how often the above changes can be made. Be sure all details are spelled out in the contract.
Considering Custom Web Development
If you have a unique business, hiring a custom Web developer to create your site is a great idea. Hiring a Web developer means the specific needs of your company will be met.
Your company's strengths and unique qualities will be showcased by a talented Web developer. With so many businesses vying for the public's attention on the Internet, the added boost of one-on-one development could make the difference between flagging down new business or not.
Spec Sites
A wonderful way to build your reputation as a freelance Web developer is to build sites for people "on spec." On spec means you do not get paid. But these free jobs offer priceless experience and will most likely lead to paying jobs later on.
The more samples of your work featured on the Internet, the better your chances of landing high-paying jobs later in your freelance career. Try to choose a variety of businesses to work for. You want to show your versatility as a developer so that future employers will see your creative flexibility.
So You Want To Be A Web Developer
What exactly are the responsibilities of a Web developer? A Web developer typically designs, develops and implements software packages for Websites. In addition to those skills, Web developers may be asked to troubleshoot or debug programs used on a particular site.
Often, a Web developer will have a bachelor's degree in a related area, with at least two years of experience in the field. A good Web developer is also a creative and proficient lateral thinker.
Resources For Web Developers
There are several resources Web developers can use to advance in their field. The Web communities Webmonkey and Dev Shed are great places to read new articles about trends in Web development.
*Sites like these also have message boards and user contributions to help fellow Web developers compare notes.
Savvy Web Developers Watch Page Footers
One of the easiest ways to tell if a Web site has been updated recently is to check the bottoms of its pages. Many sites include page footers with their copyright dates. Unfortunately, webmasters often forget to change the date each year, making their sites look outdated to users.
Part of being a savvy freelance Web developer is being aware of little details such as the importance of updated page footers. Page footers often include contact information to reach the webmaster, as well as a date/time stamp to determine when the page was last modified. If a Web developer forgets to update the page footer, the Web site falls in danger of looking stale to readers.
*Courtesy of grantasticdesign.com
Savvy Web Developers Watch Page Footers
One of the easiest ways to tell if a Web site has been updated recently is to check the bottoms of its pages. Many sites include page footers with their copyright dates. Unfortunately, webmasters often forget to change the date each year, making their sites look outdated to users.
Part of being a savvy freelance Web developer is being aware of little details such as the importance of updated page footers. Page footers often include contact information to reach the webmaster, as well as a date/time stamp to determine when the page was last modified. If a Web developer forgets to update the page footer, the Web site falls in danger of looking stale to readers.
*Courtesy of grantasticdesign.com
Savvy Web Developers Watch Page Footers
One of the easiest ways to tell if a Web site has been updated recently is to check the bottoms of its pages. Many sites include page footers with their copyright dates. Unfortunately, webmasters often forget to change the date each year, making their sites look outdated to users.
Part of being a savvy freelance Web developer is being aware of little details such as the importance of updated page footers. Page footers often include contact information to reach the webmaster, as well as a date/time stamp to determine when the page was last modified. If a Web developer forgets to update the page footer, the Web site falls in danger of looking stale to readers.
| Guru Spotlight |
| Mary White |
