Need advise on hiring a freelance web developer

[messiah]

Hello

I'm in correspondence with several freelancers from such sites at upwork.com which im hoping can assist me in completing my e-commerce site goals.

Since this is my first time doing such a thing im seeking advice from those who're knowledgeable about this type of project.

I want to make sure i find the right person for the job, protect myself, my website and the money i have invested so far into this venture.

Thanks!

 

[domainguy]

A few dozen people will be along shortly but I would say make sure you own and manage the domain and you have access to the site hosting and take a copy of the site ensuring you are the owner. Also get them to show you some basics and agree what is included and what isn't. Charges for updates later on etc.....

 

[ryedale]

Just be careful.. there's lots of good freelancers out there ( I was one at the start!) but equally, we are forever rescuing freelancer projects that have been abandoned mid-way, poorly written or are unsupported.

Define the project as clearly as possible
Make sure you have a contract - get people to check it
Look at other work they have done - talk to people who have worked with the freelancer.
Find out about ongoing support
Manage the domain yourself and make sure it is registered in your name
Find out what back-up policies are in place.
Make sure you have access to the hosting

Hope this helps

 

[fisicx]

Agree with that. And don't give the whole project to one person. Many freelancers (especially the one's overseas) will promise the earth but often fail to deliver. So split things up and manage each part of the project so you get the whole thing built in stages.

 

[PaulBappoo]

All good advice above. However, getting the web site is just the beginning. After that you will need to think about how to get customers. Well, in actual fact that should be what you are thinking about now, before getting the site. To that end, have a look around for freelancers who have some background in making sites that have been successful in helping their owners achieve their business objectives.

One thing I have found about Upwork by the way, is that someone can have a 4.5 star rating but may also have a lot of unfinished projects or projects which are unrated - those do not get lumped in to the average calculation. Look for references and make sure you check them.

 

[Aleks654]

I can give to you an advice. You need install iptables to your website's server for filtration all traffic. If your site will be hacked and trojan will be injected to your server, then trojan can't be setup connect from your server to other server, because iptables will disconnect all connects of trojan.

You need post task to upwork.com, that you want install iptables for block all "other" traffic, but "ssh","ftp" and "web" ports.

 

[Paul Norman]

Starting an Ecommerce company is a serious matter. Personally, I would commission the site from a company with experience and track record in delivering ecommerce sites, and one with enough substance to be around to support you on an ongoing basis.

 

[Leandros21]

Look for their reviews, the projects did before and discuss with them in order to find out if they are really professionals.
I used to find some good freelancers in odesk and it was fine.

 

[Matthelo]

There can be a number of challenges when setting up website for business. Very often you have to pay deposit before you even see a design which can be risky. It it can also take some time to get everything done. Take a look at 24hsites.com those folks are based in London and you can choose from catalog of designs before you pay. They will also customise it for you pretty quick.

 

[ilya]

Make sure they have happy clients.
If they are unwilling to share contact details of some of their clients, then don't trust them;
Have a chat with their clients.

 

[David G Rees]

I do web design and SEO / Digital marketing and you really need both. Its a great start having a well designed website but if no-one sees it then you will struggle. Be wary of SEO companies that promise you things like "we will get you to no 1 in Google in a few months" a good consultant will never make false promises. If done right, it can benefit your business enormously in the long run.