Q. I have an idea for a commercial Web site. I want to get things right. So I plan on hiring a professional to create it. However, I'm not sure how to get started. Can you give me some pointers for working with Web developers?

A. Creating a commercial Web site is a lot of work. You have the right idea by hiring a professional.

Unfortunately, finding a truly competent professional is difficult. Check references very closely. Too many people talk a good game, but cannot deliver. You'll have to put some work into finding good people. Picking somebody out of the Yellow Pages is chancy.

You also need to develop the Web site's plan. Don't depend on an outsider to do it. Developers don't know your business. They don't know your customers, and they don't know your preferences.

You may find this tedious work. But I guarantee you this: If you leave the details to the developer, you will be unhappy.

Start by listing the features you want. You also need a thorough idea of how the features will work.

If there are sites that are similar to your idea, study them. See what you like, and what you don't.

Don't forget to examine all the details. Look at everything from navigation menus to forms. Will you be sending out any mailings? If so, take that into consideration, too.