What to Look for in a Web Developer

Hiring someone to build your website is a big decision. The wrong choice means wasted money, missed deadlines, and a site that doesn't actually help your business. Here's what to look for.

They show you their work

A good developer has a portfolio. Not just screenshots — live sites you can visit and interact with. Look at the quality of the design, how fast the pages load, and whether they work well on your phone. If they can't show you real work, that's a red flag.

They ask questions before quoting

If someone gives you a price before understanding your business, your audience, and your goals, be cautious. Good developers ask a lot of questions upfront because the answers shape the entire project. A developer who just says "sure, I can do that" to everything probably isn't thinking deeply about your needs.

They talk about performance, not just looks

A website that looks beautiful but takes 8 seconds to load is worthless. Your developer should care about page speed, mobile responsiveness, and SEO. These aren't extras — they're the basics. Ask them what tools and frameworks they use and why.

They communicate clearly

You shouldn't need a computer science degree to understand what your developer is telling you. Look for someone who explains things in plain language, gives you regular updates, and is responsive when you have questions. Communication problems during the project only get worse after launch.

They plan for after launch

A website isn't a one-and-done project. It needs updates, security patches, and ongoing improvements. Ask your developer about their support options. The best ones offer maintenance plans and are available when something breaks at 10pm on a Friday.

Trust your gut

At the end of the day, you're entering a partnership. You want someone who genuinely cares about your success, not just collecting a check. If something feels off during the initial conversations, it probably is.

Looking for a developer who checks all these boxes? We'd love to chat.