10 Things Never to Say to a Website Developer

29 June 2023 — Pobl Tech

Navigating conversations with website developers can be like walking on a tightrope. You want to get your ideas across, but you don’t want to accidentally insult the person who’s making your digital dreams come true. So, here’s a guide to the top 10 things you should absolutely not say to a website developer.

1. “Just Make it Pop!”

“Make it pop” is the equivalent of nails on a chalkboard for most designers and developers. It’s vague, ambiguous, and offers no concrete direction. Just like you wouldn’t tell a chef to “make it taste good” or a doctor to “make me feel better”, developers need clear, specific instructions. Instead, try providing more explicit feedback. Mention the colors, the layout, or the features that need adjustment.

2. “It’s an Easy Job, Right?”

If building a website were easy, everyone would do it. Just like any other profession, web development requires skill, knowledge, and a good deal of patience. This statement undervalues a developer’s work and expertise. It’s much like asking a pilot if flying a plane is as easy as driving a car – both involve getting from point A to B, but the technicalities are worlds apart.

3. “Can We Add Just One Tiny Feature?”

Oh, the domino effect of one “tiny” feature. What seems like a small addition to you can, in fact, require a whole lot of recoding. Even minor changes can affect multiple aspects of a website. It’s like asking a home builder to just add an extra room after the house is already built. Remember, developers are not wizards (though they sometimes seem like it). Every addition requires time and effort.

4. “Why is It Taking So Long?”

Developing a website is like cooking a gourmet meal. It takes time to assemble the ingredients (content), cook them to perfection (code them), and present them beautifully (design them). Patience is key. Rushing a developer is like rushing a surgeon – the result might not be what you’re hoping for.

5. “Can We Copy From Another Website?”

Ah, a favourite amongst website developers – not. This suggestion disregards the importance of originality and user experience. It’s also a potential legal pitfall, due to copyright laws. It’s like asking a novelist to just change the names in another author’s book. Instead, consider drawing inspiration from different sources and brainstorming how to make those ideas unique to your brand.

6. “My 10-year-old Niece Could Do This.”

Comparing a developer’s work to a child’s might get you a laugh, but probably not the one you’re expecting. Yes, younger generations are tech-savvy, but web development is a profession. It’s like saying a toddler could paint the Sistine Chapel because they’ve got a paint-by-numbers set.

7. “Make it Like Amazon.”

While it’s okay to have aspirations, comparing a new or small-scale website to a tech giant like Amazon can set unrealistic expectations. It’s like asking a family-owned restaurant to operate like McDonald’s. Every website should be unique and tailor-made to your business needs and capabilities, not a replica of industry giants.

8. “Just Use a Template.”

A template? A web developer’s creativity just died a little inside. Using a template is like asking an architect to build a unique, customized house using a generic blueprint. It limits the possibilities of what can be created. A tailor-made website is always more effective and impressive than a one-size-fits-all solution.

9. “Why is It So Expensive?”

Behind every website is a plethora of knowledge, expertise, and hard work. You’re not just paying for the end product, but for the time, effort, creativity, and technical prowess of the developer. It’s like asking why diamonds are so expensive when they’re just carbon. The value lies not in the elements, but in the craft of transforming them.

10. “Can You Fix My Printer?”

Just because someone is good with computers doesn’t mean they can fix all tech issues. Asking a web developer to repair your printer is like asking a pastry chef to fix your oven. Yes, they use the tool, but their expertise lies elsewhere.

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In short, keep communication with your developer clear, respectful, and mindful of their expertise. Remember, they’re the architects of your digital universe – a little consideration goes a long way!