How to Choose a Website Developer
Hiring a website developer can feel like a scary task, and honestly, that makes sense.
You are not just paying for a website. You are paying for something that will represent your business and reflect on you as the owner. That makes this decision important.
In this post, we are going to walk through what you should actually look for when choosing a website development company, with direct and honest advice.
Before you even start comparing developers, get clear on your website goals.
Do you want it to attract visitors, get people to call you, show off your work, collect emails, or generate leads? Define the purpose clearly first.
Know your goal: You need a clear answer to what your website is supposed to accomplish before you interview anyone.
Once you know that, ask the developer this question: “How will you help us accomplish XYZ?”
They should be happy and excited to answer. If they are vague, dismissive, or cannot explain their thinking, that is a red flag.
Red flag: If they will not answer your core question clearly now, the relationship is not going to improve later.
Next, figure out your timeframe. How soon do you need the website?
Ask this directly: “How soon will the first draft be ready?”
Look for specifics: A good developer should be able to give you a realistic date range. If they cannot, that usually points to disorganization.
You also need to know how revisions work before the project starts.
Ask how you will review changes, how feedback is handled, and how both sides agree on what counts as the final revision.
Clear revision systems make projects smoother, faster, and less frustrating for everyone involved.
Be sure to understand exactly what the final product includes, and be sure to ask what they charge for revisions or future website updates.
You can and should talk about budget early. A professional developer should be able to give you a clear range and explain why.
Look for clarity: Pricing should be organized, understandable, and upfront. This is one of the easiest areas for scope creep if expectations are unclear.
If someone cannot explain pricing now, it is fair to question how helpful they will be later when changes come up.
Last but not least, pay attention to how the interaction feels.
Do they seem responsive? Do they actually care? Do you feel like they are listening and trying to help?
You should work with people you want to work with.
1. How will you help us achieve our website goals, and what else do you recommend?
2. How long before the first draft of the website is ready?
3. What is the revision process like?
4. How do we agree on what the final revision is?
5. What is the pricing structure?
6. What do revisions and future updates cost?
7. How do you feel about the people you talked to?
As always, if you have questions about your website or online presence, reach out anytime. At JaYo, we are total website nerds and love to talk shop.
Cheers!