Hire a Software Developer to Get Your Ecommerce Business Started

A Home Business Article Contributed by Donna m. Brown

Hire a Software Developer to Get Your Ecommerce off the Ground

It's possible for anyone with basic computer knowledge to create a website for ecommerce, but when custom needs creep into the equation, it might be best to hire some serious help.

Start your search for a software developer if you're no techno-nerd, but want to take your ecommerce business to the next level. Custom applications can confuse and overwhelm you. Your time might be better spent focusing on other aspects of your ecommerce business. You might find you will be less stressed and your ecommerce website will be more functional in the end. Consider your needs carefully because this e-adventure could end up costing thousands of dollars.

Ecommerce isn't inexpensive to start, but take heart in the fact that you will be up and running smoothly soon.

What do You Want from Your Ecommerce Website?

Before you shop for software developers, decide exactly what you're looking for. Shoot for the moon and negotiate things you are willing to sacrifice if the prospect becomes too costly.

Write your needs down on paper. Be very specific. Don't leave anything out. This process will help you get a clear picture of what you want in mind, but will also help you convey your needs to a developer. Draw pictures of what you think the screen should look like to your ecommerce customers at each level. Find some sample websites that feature the functions you are looking for and ask your software developer to tour those sites.

A good software developer will be able to take your ideas and translate them into electronic miracles that will simplify ecommerce for you and therefore simplify your life.

Involve employees of your ecommerce business in the planning stages. People who use the software you now have and those who share your vision of a new software application will add to a healthy discussion with your software program. Require regular meetings with your programmer to get the best possible results. If the programmer you choose is too busy to meet with you during the developing process, find someone who considers your investment significant enough to make the time.

You'd Better Shop around before Building Your Ecommerce Business

If you are in crisis mode and need help with software right away, contact a software development firm that can get somebody started on your project right away. Realize though, that rush jobs are expensive and so are firms that have many ecommerce customers besides you.

It's best if you can take your time and shop around for a freelance developer that will use carefully developed skills to work with you as an ecommerce development partner for less money than a firm will charge.

Expect to pay $60 to $100 per hour for web development. Make sure your ecommerce investment is consistent with your startup costs.

While shopping for a software developer to meet your ecommerce needs, ask each one if he or she can recommend existing software upon which the developer can build. This could save time and therefore save your ecommerce business plenty of money with equal satisfaction.