Understanding Your Needs First

Before you even start evaluating developers, clarity on your own requirements is essential. Are you looking for a CMS to handle high traffic? Do you need advanced customization options, seamless integrations, or multilingual capabilities? A clear understanding of your goals will help you identify the perfect match.

For instance, a local restaurant’s needs differ significantly from those of a global e-commerce store. Be specific. If SEO optimization, mobile responsiveness, or e-commerce functionality is non-negotiable, outline these priorities upfront.

Technical Proficiency Is Non-Negotiable

A developer’s technical skills are foundational. Look for someone with expertise in modern programming languages and frameworks such as PHP, Python, Ruby on Rails, or JavaScript libraries. Knowledge of database management systems like MySQL or PostgreSQL is equally vital.

Additionally, a skilled CMS developer should have a firm grasp of API development and integration. As more businesses adopt API-first development approaches, your CMS will need to communicate seamlessly with other tools—whether it’s CRM platforms, marketing automation tools, or analytics software.

But technical knowledge isn’t just about ticking boxes. A great developer understands scalability. They’ll build a CMS capable of growing with your business rather than locking you into a static, short-term solution.

A Portfolio Speaks Louder Than Words

When evaluating a developer, their portfolio is your best friend. This is where you’ll see the actual work—projects completed, challenges tackled, and the creative solutions employed. Look for variety. A developer who’s worked across industries brings versatility and fresh perspectives.

Pay attention to functionality. Did the CMS they built solve a specific problem? Did it improve user experience or streamline workflows? Contact references from their past clients if possible. Nothing beats firsthand accounts.

Communication Skills Are Key

A technically brilliant developer is useless if they can’t communicate effectively. Building a custom CMS isn’t a solo venture—it’s a collaborative process requiring constant dialogue between you and the developer.

Evaluate how well they listen. Are they asking questions about your goals? Do they explain technical concepts clearly without resorting to jargon? Their ability to translate your vision into actionable tasks is critical to project success.

Prioritize Problem-Solving Abilities

Every project hits a snag at some point. What sets exceptional developers apart is their ability to approach challenges with creativity and resilience. During the vetting process, ask candidates to share how they’ve tackled problems in past projects. Their response will reveal their critical thinking skills and approach to troubleshooting.

Keep Security Top of Mind

Cybersecurity threats are on the rise, and CMS platforms are often prime targets. Your developer must prioritize building a secure system that protects your data and your users. This includes implementing secure coding practices, ensuring proper encryption protocols, and conducting regular vulnerability assessments.

Ask about their experience in managing security issues. Have they ever dealt with a data breach? What measures did they take to resolve it? Their answers can be telling.

UX/UI Understanding Adds Value

A CMS isn’t just a back-end tool. Its interface should be intuitive for your team to use daily. A developer with UX/UI expertise will design systems that are both functional and user-friendly.

Look for developers who’ve worked on projects where the CMS interface played a key role. Do they have experience building dashboards tailored to non-technical users? Can they design workflows that save time and reduce errors? These are important questions to ask.

Familiarity with Emerging Technologies

The digital landscape is ever-evolving. A forward-thinking developer stays ahead of trends and incorporates emerging technologies like AI, machine learning, and blockchain into their solutions. For example, CMS platforms powered by AI can automate content tagging, optimize SEO in real time, and personalize user experiences.

Find out if the developer has a curiosity for innovation. Do they regularly upskill? Are they familiar with headless CMS architecture or progressive web applications (PWAs)? A willingness to embrace new ideas is a huge plus.

Project Management and Timeliness

Meeting deadlines is critical. A developer who manages their time well—and yours—will ensure the project stays on track. Tools like Agile methodologies or SCRUM frameworks often indicate an organized approach.

During your discussions, ask how they handle timelines and deliverables. Do they use project management tools like Jira or Trello? What processes do they have in place to handle unforeseen delays? Their answers will give you a sense of their reliability.

Testing and Post-Deployment Support

A project doesn’t end once the CMS is live. Bugs, updates, and new feature requests are part of the post-deployment lifecycle. Make sure your developer offers thorough testing and ongoing support.

Ask about their testing methodology. Do they conduct rigorous stress testing? What about usability testing? Post-deployment, do they offer training for your team or a retainer for maintenance? Clear expectations here can save you from headaches down the road.

Cultural Fit and Vision Alignment

Beyond technical skills and project management, cultural fit matters. The right developer will understand and align with your organization’s values and long-term vision. This alignment fosters trust and collaboration, resulting in a smoother development process.

Spend time discussing your business philosophy. How do they see technology serving your goals? If their responses show enthusiasm and a shared vision, you’ve likely found a good fit.