Before beginning a new build or rebuilding project, you should know what a WordPress website developer does. The term “developer” can mean many different things, so we will break down the most critical aspects to help you develop your site or hire a professional developer.
A developer may specialize in specific areas of web development or may have the skills to handle an extensive array of tasks.
You must have the answers to the following questions before determining if a developer will meet your needs.
- What is your budget?
- What are your website goals?
- What is your timeline?
- Are there specific industry needs for your website, financial calculators, eCommerce, etc.?
- Is the developer prepared to meet your timeline?
Following is a list and description of the essential features your website must have to take your business to the next level.
SEO
Search Engine Optimization is often thought of after a website is in existence. There are a lot of design and structure features of your website that will boost or deter a higher ranking with the major search engines.
The most important job of your website is to get found in the searches. Failing to meet this critical step is like having a salesperson who never talks to anyone.
The rest of the following website features listed below are geared toward SEO and should be understood before hiring a web developer.
Site and navigation structure
Google’s algorithm considers your website’s navigation structure for clarity and ease of use when ranking your website, and other search engines use similar procedures.
The navigation structure of your site must be clear and easy to understand. Just remember, “Don’t make me think”!
Theming
Your website is your virtual storefront; a first impression is a lasting impression.
Your website must look professional and informative to searchers, or they’ll back out of your site and move to the following website on the search engine results page, or SERP.
plugin development
You will likely require features unique to your specific business needs, and you’ll need a developer to meet those development needs.
Content creation
Ranking higher in the search engines, you must have a content strategy. Content creation is often the most overlooked feature of a website. Searchers usually have a specific question they are looking for when your website shows up in the search, and you must have a strategy to answer those questions and move them to the next level of doing business with you.
Search Engines
Search engines are highly competitive with each other and are competing for searchers. Knowing how the search engines work and rank websites is vital to understand when developing a website. The features search engines are looking for must be built into your website and not a separate process.
Ecommerce
If you think E-commerce sites are businesses that sell many different items. Ecommerce can add the following features to your website.
Selling one product
Restaurants with to-go orders
Memberships
Virtual products and downloads
Selling information
And many others.
Summary
Whether you are building your website or considering hiring a developer, all the features listed above are vital in the development process. There are more skills than just the technical development skills required to build a website that gets your business found and customers coming in the door.