If you want to build your own custom website, but don’t feel like you are well versed in the technical know-how, you should think about finding a web developer to help bring your vision to life.

The first steps include preparing a plan for the sitemap to be used on the website and the content documents that will be used on the site by your clients. You should also take the time to define for the web developer what you are expecting in terms of your clients’ experience while using your site. All of these elements must work together in a way that is engaging for the client.

Says Cara Crosetti, a Los Angeles-based account director and web specialist with Wickware Communications Inc. of Toronto. “If you don’t [have someone who can] make your site interactive, compelling or actionable, then you might as well print a brochure.” Adds Crosetti. “And we know that nobody reads brochures anymore.”

Crosetti offers some suggestions about questions you should ask before engaging the web developer.

1. Non-technical communication skills
It might be something you normally take for granted but you want to work with a developer who is capable of speaking in your language of choice, not in web-anese. If your developer can’t speak to you in plain language, not technical-speak, it might be an early red flag. “If you feel lost, ask them what it all means,” Crosetti suggests. “You want to be able to hold them accountable and get what you paid for.”

2. Expertise in financial services
Finding the right fit is important but isn’t always easy, Crosetti says. You likely want to see if the developer you are thinking of hiring has any experience or knowledge of the financial services industry. While that might not be an absolute deal-breaker, hiring someone with an understanding of the context will go a long way to helping you focus on what elements will work best on your site.

3. Ask about costs and responsibilities
Before you commit, find out about what will be involved in the ongoing maintenance of your site. For example, how much will it cost to maintain your site as well as upgrade software and plug-ins? At this point, you should ask the developer what tasks you can do to maintain the site. “You can’t ignore the back-end development needs. Even though you don’t see it, it requires a knowledgeable source to maintain,” Crosetti says.

4. Ask about email systems
At this point, decide if you want to use a new email address linked to the name of your business URL. For example, if you are currently using “name@gmail.com”, think about switching to “name@youradvisor.com”.

Once you have made a decision, Crosetti says you need to figure out with your developer whether he or she can help you maintain your email system or whether it will be your responsibility. “Just make sure you discuss it up front so you know who your resource is to fix things, if needed,” she says.

5. The nitty gritty
You want to be sure that you or your developer registers your site and that it has a privacy policy page. This is important to make sure you are fulfilling your responsibilities as a professional. Also, Crosetti suggests you make sure your footer is on every page and includes all your relevant contact information. “If you aren’t using an Internet marketer, you need to know this,” she says.

Now that you have a developer in place, you are ready to hire a designer.

This is the second article in a four part series on creating custom websites. Next: Tips on finding the right web designer.

You can find the first article in this series by clicking Four steps to an effective website.