What to Know Before You Hire a Software Consultant

Protect your business before the first line of code is written.

A good consultant should leave you more in control of your technology, not less.

8 Things to Do When Hiring a Consultant

Hiring someone to build or maintain software for your business requires trust. But trust shouldn't mean giving up control.

Before you hire anyone to build a website, business application, mobile app, or other custom software, there are a few things you should understand and protect from the beginning.

Own Your Domain

Your domain name is part of your business identity. Your business should own it — not a developer, consultant, or hosting company.

Own Your Source Code

If you're paying for custom software, you should have access to the code. It should be stored in a source-control system that your business owns or can access.

Control Your Hosting

Your hosting and cloud accounts should belong to your business. Your consultant can have access without being the owner.

Get Good Documentation

Software shouldn't live only in someone's head. You should receive enough documentation so another qualified developer can understand and support it if needed.

Protect Your Data

Backups are essential. Know what's being backed up, how often, where it's stored, and that it can actually be restored.

Plan for Ongoing Support

Understand what happens after the project is finished. What support is available? How are updates and new features handled?

Avoid Vendor Lock-In

The right tools matter, but you should have options. Make sure your business can move, export data, and change direction if needed.

What If They Disappear?

People retire, change careers, or unexpected things happen. Your business should still be able to access and continue your system.

Ask the Uncomfortable Question

Here's one of the most important questions you can ask a software consultant:

What happens if you're no longer available?

A professionally built system should not become unusable because one person is no longer available.

Your business should have access to the things another qualified professional would need to continue:

Domain accounts
Source code
Hosting accounts
Documentation
Backups
Important credentials and configuration

Questions to Ask Before You Hire Someone

You don't have to be technical to ask good questions.

Will my business own the domain?
Will I have access to the source code?
Where will the code be stored?
Will the hosting account belong to my business?
Who will have administrative access?
How will my business data be backed up?
What documentation will I receive?
Will another qualified developer be able to work on the system?
What happens when the project is finished?
What happens if you are no longer available?

A Good Technology Relationship Should Give You Confidence

You shouldn't have to become a software expert to protect your business.

Your consultant's job is not only to build something that works. It's also to make sure you understand the important decisions, retain control of your business assets, and aren't unnecessarily dependent on one person or company.

Want to Know How I Work With Clients?

Transparency doesn't stop with technology. I believe customers should understand how we communicate, make decisions, handle changes, and work together throughout a project.

Learn How I Work

Have Questions About a Project?

You don't need a technical specification or even know exactly what software you need. If you have a business problem, an existing application that needs help, or simply want to talk through an idea, let's have a conversation.

Schedule a Free Consultation