Hiring the wrong web developer can cost you time, money, and frustration. The right developer becomes a valuable partner who helps your business succeed online.
These questions will help you evaluate developers and make an informed decision. Don't be afraid to ask — good developers welcome these questions.
Experience matters, but it's not just about years. Look for relevant experience with projects similar to yours.
Ask to see work that's similar in scope, industry, or functionality to what you need. Pay attention to design quality, functionality, and how the sites perform.
Make sure their skills match your project needs. Be wary of developers who claim to be experts in everything.
Understand who will actually be working on your project and what happens if they're unavailable.
Look for a clear, structured approach. Good developers can explain their process in plain English.
Understand how often you'll get updates, what format they'll take, and how quickly they respond to questions.
Know what's expected of you — content, feedback, decisions, approvals. This affects timeline and success.
Changes are normal, but understand how they're managed and priced.
This should be standard, but confirm it's included, not an extra cost.
Look for specific security practices, not just vague assurances.
Understand what basic SEO is included and what might cost extra.
Site speed affects user experience and search rankings. Good developers consider this from the start.
Clarify what you can update independently and what requires developer assistance.
Understand the payment schedule. Avoid developers asking for 100% upfront.
Know your options if things go wrong. Good developers have contingency plans.
Ensure you'll own your website and can take it elsewhere if needed.
This protects both of you if something goes wrong.
Speaking to past clients gives valuable insights into working with the developer.
Understand what's included and what costs extra. All websites need occasional updates and fixes.
Know what to expect for response times, especially for urgent issues.
Confirm they'll be available for future work and understand their pricing for additional work.
Make sure you'll know how to use and maintain your new website.
Vague or evasive answers: Good developers can explain their work clearly.
Pressure to sign immediately: Quality developers don't need high-pressure sales tactics.
No portfolio or references: Everyone has to start somewhere, but you need to see evidence of their work.
Unrealistic promises: Be wary of guarantees about search rankings or overnight success.
Extremely low prices: Quality work takes time. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Poor communication: If they're hard to reach or unclear during the sales process, it won't improve during the project.
No written contract: Always get the scope, timeline, and costs in writing.
The cheapest option is rarely the best value. Consider:
Trust your instincts. If something feels off during the initial discussions, it's unlikely to improve during the project.
Get multiple quotes: Compare at least 2-3 developers to understand the market.
Check their own website: If their own site is poor, that's a red flag.
Start with a small project: If unsure, begin with something small to test the relationship.
Read the contract carefully: Make sure you understand all terms before signing.
Plan for the long term: Choose someone you'd be happy to work with for ongoing support and future projects.