Now that you know each role in your Web development team, it's time to find reputable Web companies to interview for the job of creating your site.

To find a great company, ask a few colleagues you know who have a site that really works. (If you're lucky, you know someone personally who has a great business Web site!) It's always best to go with companies that come with the approval of a friend or colleague.

If you're not sure who to ask about their site, you can search the Internet for Web development companies in your area. Let's say your business is in Chicago. You can use the keywords: Web developers Chicago. We tried this and found a dozen Web companies listed on the first ranking page in Google.

Once you've created a list of Web development companies in your region, it's time to find the best one for your site. So how can you tell the good hires from the risky hires? By using the following survival tool, from our book "9 Easy Steps to Planning a Profitable Web Site"

You wouldn't embark on a jungle excursion without checking out the crew who will make the trip smooth, safe and enjoyable. The same applies to your Web development team.

To get a true sense of what a professional Web team can do for you, use these interview questions when you meet with the various candidates:

1. What are your credentials?
2.  What are your technical capabilities?
3.  What skills and training do you have?
4.  Can you provide samples of your work-sites that are profitable and successful?
5.  Can you describe your Web development process?
6.  Can you explain your process and its phases in non-technical terms so I can understand and make smart decisions?
7.  What's the average budget range you work with? (You'll ask this because some of the Web companies you interview may mostly build sites in the $5,000 range, and you may need a deluxe site in the $25,000 range. Will this company have the ability, structure, etc. to handle the job?)
8.  Will you turn over ownership of all graphics created for my site?
9.  Would you please provide references from at least three satisfied clients?

Use the answers to these questions to determine if the person or team is worth working with for a detailed proposal.

For more information, our Book "9 Easy Steps to Planning a Profitable Web Site" is available for only $29.95. You can order it directly from the Neuland Business Campus Book Store.

Next week I'll share with you the important tips for screening and hiring a great Web team. Until then have a fun week, C S Wurzberger