We’ve spoken with hundreds of businesses looking to develop a Web site or Web based application over the past 7 years. Here’s what a successful selection process looks like:

Step 1: Identify your needs and wants, including a budget to spend.

Step 2: Select vendors to bid. Usually, 3 or 4 Web site developers should give you a fair process. Make sure the developers meet some minimum requirements (for example, if you want a local firm, make sure they are indeed local). It is also important to see similar proposals from all vendors — if one differs a lot from the others, did they not understand the project? Are they quoting on something different?

Step 3: Review the proposals and select one to begin with. Sometimes, you’ll need a revised proposal based on the things you learned during the sales process. Review the firm’s contract, make a first payment and get started.

It is that easy!