The ideal web developer to build your website would rate "YES" to all the questions posed in the checklist. In reality it may be very difficult to find one developer who achieves the perfect score, and you will choose the one who is most suited to the project.  

Questions to which you should be able to answer "yes".

• Do the web developers have the skills and experience to develop the type of site you have specified? (eg highly dependent on graphic design or e-commerce skills)
• Have they built websites for your type of organisation before?
• Is what they propose to do for you able to be viewed on a live website that you can see and explore?
• Was their written submission easy to understand?
• Are they financially sound?
• Is their solution value for money?
• Do they propose a sound, workable project management methodology?
• Does their proposal indicate that they will add value to the project beyond merely providing what you asked for?
• Do they seem to be good listeners?
• Do they appear to be honest and professional?
• Do they understand the project - especially its contents?
• Does their solution pose an acceptable level of risk?
• Have you met all the key people from the web development team who will be working on the project?
• Have they agreed to sign the contract without alteration to any of the terms and conditions you deem to be non-negotiable (eg copyright) and without wishing to introduce new terms and conditions that are unacceptable to you?
• Will their approach allow you to maintain the site easily and cost-effectively yourself after it has been launched - should you wish to?
• Have you spoken to previous clients and heard good things about them?

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