Hiring a web developer is stressful. You're spending real money, you can't evaluate the technical quality yourself, and horror stories of projects gone wrong are everywhere.
Here's how to find the right developer and avoid the nightmare scenarios.
Before You Start Looking
Get clear on what you need:
- What's the website's main purpose?
- What features are essential vs. nice-to-have?
- What's your realistic budget range?
- What's your timeline?
- Who's your target audience?
The clearer you are, the better quotes and advice you'll receive.
Where to Find Good Web Developers
Best Sources
- Referrals: Ask business owners with websites you like
- Google search: "Web developer + [your city]"
- Industry associations: Local chambers, professional groups
- LinkedIn: Search with portfolio links
Proceed with Caution
- Upwork/Fiverr: Quality varies wildly, best for small tasks
- Random cold emails: Often offshore spam
- Your nephew who "knows computers": Please don't
15 Questions to Ask Every Developer
About Their Experience
1. "Can you show me 5 websites similar to what I need?"
Their portfolio should demonstrate relevant experience. Restaurant sites are different from law firms are different from e-commerce.
2. "Can I contact 2-3 previous clients?"
Good developers have happy clients who will vouch for them. Hesitation here is a red flag.
3. "How long have you been doing this?"
Experience matters, but don't discount newer developers with strong portfolios. Years don't equal skill.
About Their Process
4. "Walk me through your process from start to finish."
They should clearly articulate: discovery → design → development → testing → launch → support. Vagueness suggests chaos.
5. "How do you handle revisions?"
Expect 2-3 rounds of revisions included. Unlimited revisions either means expensive or a developer who doesn't guide decisions.
6. "What do you need from me?"
They should ask for content, branding, access to existing assets, and your time for feedback. If they say "nothing," they're not doing it right.
About Technology & SEO
7. "What platform/technology will you use, and why?"
They should explain their choice in plain English and justify why it's right for YOUR needs, not just their preference.
8. "How will the site perform on mobile and for speed?"
They should proactively mention responsive design and performance optimization. These aren't bonuses—they're requirements.
9. "What SEO is included?"
At minimum: proper page titles, meta descriptions, heading structure, image alt text, sitemap, and mobile optimization.
About Ownership & Access
10. "Will I own the website and code?"
The answer should be "Yes." If they retain ownership or proprietary systems lock you in, walk away.
11. "What happens if I want to switch developers later?"
You should be able to take your site elsewhere with full access. Any hesitation is a major red flag.
12. "Will I be able to make my own updates?"
For most business sites, yes—at least for content. Training should be included.
About Support & Costs
13. "What ongoing support do you provide after launch?"
Expect 30-90 days of bug fixes included. Ask about maintenance plans for ongoing support.
14. "What's the payment structure?"
Standard: 30-50% upfront, milestone payments, final payment before launch. 100% upfront is risky. 100% after is unrealistic.
15. "What's NOT included in your quote?"
Hosting? Domain? Content writing? Stock photos? Premium plugins? Get clarity on all potential additional costs.
Red Flags That Scream "Run Away"
- ❌ No portfolio or won't share work
- ❌ Can't provide client references
- ❌ Quote is dramatically lower than everyone else
- ❌ Promises everything, agrees to everything
- ❌ No contract or won't put terms in writing
- ❌ Pressures you to decide immediately
- ❌ Poor communication during the sales process
- ❌ Dismissive of your questions or concerns
- ❌ Unclear about technology and process
- ❌ Website is built on proprietary system you can't leave
- ❌ They don't have their own professional website
Green Flags That Indicate Quality
- ✅ Asks lots of questions about your business and goals
- ✅ Portfolio matches your needs
- ✅ Happy to provide references
- ✅ Clear, documented process
- ✅ Realistic timeline estimates
- ✅ Explains things in plain language
- ✅ Pushes back thoughtfully on bad ideas
- ✅ Responds promptly and professionally
- ✅ Has a contract that protects both parties
- ✅ Discusses ROI and business goals, not just features
Evaluating Proposals
Compare Apples to Apples
Make sure each proposal covers the same scope. Cheap quotes often exclude essential items.
Look Beyond Price
The cheapest option is rarely the best value. Consider:
- Portfolio quality
- Communication style
- Proposed timeline
- What's included
- Experience with similar projects
Trust Your Gut
If something feels off, it probably is. You'll be working closely with this person for weeks—chemistry matters.
Freelancer vs. Agency: Quick Comparison
Freelancer
Pros: Personal attention, flexible, often better value, direct communication
Cons: One person doing everything, availability limits, what if they get sick?
Agency
Pros: Team of specialists, always available, scalable resources
Cons: Higher prices, may feel impersonal, account managers as middlemen
My take: For most small business websites, a skilled freelancer offers the best value. Agencies make sense for larger, complex projects.
What Good Communication Looks Like
Your developer should:
- Respond within 1-2 business days
- Give clear timelines and meet them
- Proactively update you on progress
- Ask questions rather than assume
- Explain decisions in plain language
- Be honest about challenges or delays
Final Advice
- Don't rush. Take time to find the right fit.
- Get 3-5 proposals. Compare approaches, not just prices.
- Check references. Actually call them.
- Get everything in writing. Scope, timeline, deliverables, payment terms.
- Trust but verify. Ask questions until you understand.
The right developer is a partner in your success, not just a vendor. Choose wisely.
Looking for a developer who checks all these boxes? Let's talk. No pressure—just a straightforward conversation about your project.
