When Hiring a Web Developer (ask questions)

 

Most of what you see on the web today is point and click (as intended). The back-end however (the engine), like always, consists of very little point and click (coding and programming make the www go round). It is this basic understanding that essentially separates a true web developer from someone who is simply building websites as a hobby.

 

Before hiring a developer to build a website for your business, do not be afraid to ask questions. Some good questions to ask before hiring a developer:

 

– How do you plan to build our website?

– How long have you been developing websites?

– Do you develop websites for a living or part time?

– How many websites have you developed?

– What will happen to my website if you disappear or become unavailable?

 

The above are some great starting points and do not be afraid to trust your gut (end of the day, its your money and you should feel good about your investment). 

 

The Topic of using “Templates”

 

Today we are going to cover the topic of templates, which are often times wrongly looked at as negatives by the consumer (especially when hiring a professional). Here at Forward Web (every once and awhile) we are asked, does your company use templates? Our answer is always yes, however this does not mean the development of your project will be restricted in anyway.

 

To further elaborate, templates, are an integral part of every web development project as there are many aspects to a web development project that do not need to be recreated every-time a new website is started. Having a template in place for these tasks not only saves Forward Web time, but also saves the consumer money as we are not wasting time re-creating an element that we can simply copy into the new project.

 

However there is a big difference between a template a developer has created to make their internal process more efficient vs a template used to re-create an entire website (without any customization’s or alterations). In short, every web developer uses some form of templates, however not all developers use templates for the same purpose (nor should templates place any restrictions on your project).

 

Forward Web’s Data Center

 

Although Forward Web is based in Modesto, California. The primary servers which serve pages for over 2000 websites in 30 different countries are physically located in the old Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas (400 South Akard St Dallas, TX). Safe, secure and strategically located to keep your data safe from the unexpected physical elements.

 

Explaining Algorithms

 

Explaining Algorithms, to simplify a very old yet new buzz word being used to sell functions to end users. Algorithms (at the basic level) are very easy. Example, everyone reading this post can write an everyday algorithm, all you need to do is write down a list of tasks (cleaning, washing car..ect) in the order you plan on completing them and that is your everyday Algorithm. Simple Right?

 

Fun Fact about the term “Algorithm”: Did you know the term Algorithm is derived from Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizm? Al-Khwarizmi (750AD-850AD) developed the concept of the algorithm inside the House of Wisdom in Baghdad. Hence, why some call A-Khwarizmi the Grandfather of Computer Science.

 

Happy Web Surfing 🙂

The Web Hobbyist vs The Web Developer (Learning the Difference)

 

You will often hear horror stories (or maybe you experienced this already) about website development. Thousands being spent on incomplete website builds, lazy web developers and businesses eventually being burnt. Part of the solution is simple, learn the difference between a web hobbyist and a web developer. Knowing the difference will save you time, money and maybe even your business.

 


So whats the difference between a web hobbyist and a web developer?

 

Web hobbyist will do just that, build your website as a hobby. Your friends, family, you probably know a few web hobbyist and although web hobbyists often times have good intentions. Web hobbyist simply do not apply themselves enough to provide you with a solid product/service (making it impossible for your business to succeed on the net).

 

So what makes a web developer? FernGullyGraphics classifies a web developer as someone who spends at least 20 hours per week (for at least 2 years) building websites. With that being said, being classified a web developer does not make you a good web developer. However, hiring a web developer vs web hobbyist does guarantee you a greater chance at success (at least on the web).

 

Happy Web Building!
https://forwardweb.net/

Sponsoring The Pajama Program (Ceres, California Chapter)

Pleased to announce Forward Web is now one of the on-going sponsors for the Pajama Program (Ceres, California chapter). Forward Web is covering the rental expenses for a much needed self storage unit (needed to help continue the expansion of the pajama program). A big thank you to Ceres Self Storage (one of our valued customers) for providing the Self Storage unit at a discounted rate.

For more information about the Pajama Program Ceres Chapter, visit: Pajama Program in Ceres

Free Marketing Tip By Forward Web (Marketing and Promotion)

 

Forward Web cares about the success of your business. Having an audience to market your services through is going to be vital to the success or survival of your business. With that being said, if your business does not have at least 3 channels you are marketing your services through (Google, Youtube, Grassroots..ect), you are not doing the basic requirement needed to succeed as a business. Notice the word basic, as you should not stop at 3 channels, while still keeping a focus on quality vs quantity.

 

Happy Web Surfing 🙂

Love Modesto – Catherine Everett Elementary School Project Recap

 

This past weekend Forward Web had the opportunity to be one of the many sponsors that participated in the Love Modesto event.

 

Love Modesto

 

The project Forward Web decided to sponsor was for Catherine Everett Elementary School. The project involved painting a map of the 50 states for the kids to play with during there recreational school time. With the help of everyone pictured (in the group photo below) + Russell Cortez and his father, we got the map painted in about 3 hours!

 

Love-Modesto-Catherine-Everett-Elementary-School

 

Here are some more pictures from the project and event, if you want to support the Modesto Community, you can visit Love Modesto for ways you can help.

 

Everett Eagles Soaring to New Heights
Love ModestoLove Modesto

Love Modesto

 

 

Until Next Time!