Tips for Selecting a Web Developer for Your New Dropshipping Website

We all know that dropshipping and ecommerce have been quite popular, with statistics showing that the global dropshipping market size will reach $301 billion in 2024, and continue to grow, reaching $476.1 billion by 2026. This shows huge potential right? So, in case you’re wondering, if dropshipping is still profitable and worth your time, well, it absolutely is.

This being said, it’s no wonder many people have decided to launch ecommerce stores and dropship. And if you’ve also decided to build a dropshipping store, we’re here to tell you, this is a great choice! But, buckle up as you’re in for an adventure of a lifetime!

And, once you decide that you want to dropship, one of the most important steps you need to take is setting up a sleek, user-friendly website that not only attracts customers but also provides a seamless online shopping experience. For that, you’ll need a skilled web developer.

Now, assuming you’re not a developer yourself, how do you choose the right one? Well, below you’ll find some essential tips for selecting the perfect web developer for your new dropshipping website.

Start with knowing what you need

First things first, you need to know your needs and expectations. Are you starting from scratch, or do you have a template and ecommerce platform in mind? Shopify or WooCommerce? Will you need ongoing support after your dropshipping store is live? 

Knowing your specific requirements will guide your search and help you communicate effectively with potential developers. Just like planning a road trip—you need to know your destination before you can pick the best route, right?

For instance, if you dream of a website with complex features such as custom plugins, extensive product catalogs, and advanced filtering options, you’ll need a developer with experience in these areas. 

But, if you want your store to be simpler, and you want to be using a standard ecommerce platform like Shopify or WooCommerce, a different skill set might be required. For example, if you’re considering a Shopify Plus design agency, ensure the developer is experienced with its advanced features and integration capabilities.

So, make sure you add all these in your needs assessment and be as thorough as possible, this clarity will save you time and frustration down the line.

Analyze their portfolio

A developer’s portfolio is like the best part of their resume, where they add the work they are most proud of. It showcases their skills, creativity, and experience. 

Look for projects that are similar to what you want for your website. This will give you a sense of whether their style matches your vision. And don’t be shy—ask them to walk you through their favorite projects and explain the challenges they overcame. It’s like peeking under the hood of a car before you buy it.

When reviewing their portfolios, here are some aspects you should pay attention to:

• Design Aesthetics: Does their work align with the visual style you want for your website?
• Functionality: Are the websites and stores they’ve built user-friendly and feature-rich?
• Industry Experience: Have they worked on dropshipping or ecommerce websites before?

What are their technical skills?

While you don’t need to become a coding expert overnight, having a basic understanding of the necessary technical skills is helpful. 

So, make sure you understand if you need a developer proficient in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Maybe you require someone with experience in Shopify or WooCommerce. Knowing the technical landscape ensures you’re hiring someone who can build exactly what you need. 

Additionally, consider whether they are up-to-date with the latest web development trends and technologies. A good developer should be familiar with responsive design principles, ensure your site looks great on all devices, and know SEO best practices to help your site rank well in search engines like Google.

What about communication skills?

Just imagine you’ve hired a developer, but every time you try to discuss updates, it feels like you’re speaking different languages. Frustrating, right? 

Effective communication is key to a smooth working relationship. Pay attention to how they respond to your initial questions. Are they prompt and clear? Do they ask questions to understand your needs better? Good communication can make the difference between a headache and a hassle-free project.

So, a clear communication is crucial for:

• Setting Expectations: Ensuring you both have a mutual understanding of the project scope and timeline.
• Problem-Solving: Quickly addressing any issues that can come up during development.
• Ongoing Support: Maintaining a good relationship for future updates and support.

Check reviews and references

Just like reading reviews before booking a hotel or a restaurant, checking a developer’s reviews and references can save you from potential disappointments. 

Look for testimonials on their website, LinkedIn, or third-party sites like Upwork. Don’t hesitate to ask for references, maybe their previous clients can provide valuable insights into their work ethic and reliability. It’s like getting a few tips and tricks from other travelers before embarking on a trip.

So, ask previous clients about their overall experience, the quality of the work delivered, how they stick to deadlines, and how well the developer handled any challenges. This feedback can be extremely important in making your decision.

Do they have problem-solving abilities?

Web development isn’t just about writing code; it’s also about solving problems. During your talks, ask him about a few hypothetical scenarios to see how they handle challenges. 

For example, ask how they would optimize your site for mobile users or what steps they would take to improve site speed. Or what they can do for better SEO ranking. Their responses will give you a glimpse into their problem-solving prowess. 

Consider asking questions like:

• How would you handle a sudden increase in traffic to my site?
• What strategies would you use to enhance site security?
• Can you provide an example of a complex problem you solved on a previous project?

Their answers will show their ability to think critically and creatively.

Talk budget and timeline

Money matters, and so does time. Be upfront about your budget and timeline expectations. A professional developer will provide a detailed estimate and outline the project phases. And stay away from those who promise the moon for cheap money, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. 

Remember, investing in a skilled developer can save you money in the long run by avoiding costly fixes and delays. It’s like choosing a high-quality product for your store, it’s better to invest in something reliable than to deal with angry customers and high return rates.

When discussing the budget, make sure you cover:

• Development Costs: The actual coding and site-building.
• Design Costs: Any custom graphics or layout work needed.
• Testing and QA: Ensuring the site functions correctly across all devices and browsers.
• Ongoing Maintenance: Updates and support after the site goes live.

Read more: The true cost of Dropshipping

What are their interest in your project?

You want a developer who is genuinely interested in your project, right? During your initial conversations, assess their enthusiasm and passion for their work. Are they asking questions about your business goals and target audience? Do they offer suggestions to enhance your site? 

A developer who cares about your success is more likely to go the extra mile to deliver a site that truly shines. A passionate developer will:

• Understand Your Vision: They’ll take the time to grasp your business model and goals.
• Offer Valuable Inputs: Providing suggestions that could improve your site’s functionality or user experience.
• Stay Committed: Showing dedication to seeing the project through to success.

Look for ongoing support

Launching your dropshipping website is just the beginning. You should also make sure the developer offers post-launch support to handle any glitches or updates. 

Discuss the terms of ongoing maintenance and support before and avoid surprises. A good developer will provide a safety net to keep your website running smoothly.

Key areas of post-launch support should include:

• Bug Fixes: Addressing any issues that arise after the store goes live.
• Updates: Ensuring the website remains compatible with new technologies and standards.
• Performance Monitoring: Keeping an eye on site speed and performance metrics.

Trust your instincts

At the end of the day, trust your gut. If something feels off during your interactions, it might be worth exploring other options. You’ll be working closely with this person, so a good relationship is essential. 

So, choose someone who not only has the skills but also feels like the right fit for your team. It’s almost like choosing a friend, you want someone reliable, skilled, and enjoyable to be around.

Conclusion

Selecting the right web developer for your dropshipping website is a crucial step in your ecommerce journey. By defining your needs, checking portfolios, assessing technical skills, and ensuring good communication, you’ll be well on your way to finding a developer who can turn your vision into reality. 

Remember to check reviews, discuss budgets, and trust your instincts. With the right developer on your team, your dropshipping website will be a success. 

Read next: What does the average dropshipping website make?