PHP programming holds the key to your company's web presence. In the Web 2.0 world, it's imperative that your company's website be dynamic in nature. A dynamic website is easily adjusted to add content and thus please the search engines. If you optimize your website for search engines through PHP development, your website's search engine ranking will rise along with your profit margin.

If you're like most business tycoons, though, PHP script programming is a little beyond your normal task list. Never fear, there are many providers of PHP programming services who would be more than happy helping your company move into the next Internet generation.

When you're looking to hire a PHP developer, among the things to consider are:

1. Cost of the PHP script programming;

2. Location of the PHP web developer;

3. Goal for your PHP computer programming service project.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Determine a firm budget to spend on PHP programming services

When hiring a PHP developer, it's easy to let the developer dictate the scope and thus the budget for the PHP programming service. Unfortunately, this is the fastest way to achieve a bloated budget. Instead, go to your computer programmer, PHP or otherwise, with a firm budget so that he can work with you.

I recommend: CGI-Central gives you its going rate up front, allowing you to know exactly what you'll pay before you get too far into the process. Affordable Programmers does the same, and even offers a variety of commonly used packages to allow you to get an idea of what's really included.

Hire only domestic PHP web programming service providers

After considering your budget, it can be extremely tempting to hire a PHP programmer from another country. Many of these providers of PHP development services are able to do so at a cost much lower than domestic programmers. However, you are taking a huge risk when doing so since the language barrier can create a project full of confusion and with an end product that is completely different from your original vision.

I recommend: Media Marketers is based in Louisville, KY, and offers a variety of web design services including PHP development. Customer Paradigm, based in Colorado, also can help with your PHP programming needs.

Set benchmarks that your PHP development project should achieve

It's easy to say that you want your new website to be an improvement. But without specific benchmarks, it's impossible to truly measure whether or not your PHP programmer really made a difference in your business. Your benchmarks can be regarding increased traffic, increased sales or even just a change in your demographics.

I recommend: Developer ioVista can help you lay out your custom PHP development project. DMC also is experienced in working in the business end of programming, not just the technical side.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Once you have your project outlined, it's always important to get a variety of bids on the same project. Go back to each PHP developer with whom you've spoken and ask them to quote the project you have planned, not just the one they proposed.