Hiring a website developer can feel overwhelming, but finding the right person to join your website development company is key to bringing your vision to life. Whether you’re creating a simple blog or a complex business site, the developer you choose will play a major role in your success.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 23% growth in demand for web developers from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. So, if you're looking for a web developer, now is the time to ask the right questions. Knowing what to ask your web developer will help you make an informed decision and avoid surprises later on. Make sure you're on the same page and that they can deliver exactly what you need.
Questions to ask the website developer
When you're looking for a web developer, whether it's for a personal project or a business, asking the right web development questions is key to finding someone who can bring your vision to life. The website is often the first impression people will have of the business or idea, so companies want to make sure it’s built by someone who understands your needs. Whether you're considering hiring a contract web developer or working with a website development company, taking the time to ask the right questions can help you make the right choice.
Experience and Expertise
When you’re hiring a web developer, it’s important to know that they have the right experience and skills for your project. You want someone who not only knows how to build a website but has worked on projects like yours before. The right questions help you understand whether they’re the right fit for your needs and if they can handle any challenges that come up. Here are some important web development questions to ask, along with what the answers should tell you about the developer.
1. How long have you been developing websites?
Experience counts when it comes to building websites. A developer with several years of experience in a remote web dev agency has likely dealt with many different challenges and can solve problems quickly. They should be comfortable handling everything from design to troubleshooting. But don't be discouraged by newer developers. They might bring fresh ideas, be up-to-date with the latest tools, and offer innovative approaches that could be exactly what you need.
Red flag: If a developer is hesitant or unsure about their experience, that might be a sign that they haven’t worked on enough projects to handle your website properly.
2. Do you specialize in any particular type of website or industry?
Some developers focus on specific kinds of websites for businesses —like e-commerce stores, blogs, or portfolios. If you’re working on something more specific, such as an online shop or a site that needs special features, a developer with experience in that area can be a big plus. They’ll understand your needs better and can offer solutions that are tailor-made for your project.
Red flag: If a developer doesn’t have experience with the type of site you’re creating or claims to do everything without any particular expertise. It could indicate that they spread themselves too thin and may not offer the depth of knowledge you need.
3. Can you provide examples of your previous work?
A portfolio is the best way to see what a developer can do. Looking at their past work helps you get a sense of their style and quality. You can check if their previous projects are similar to yours, whether in design, functionality, or complexity. If you like their past work, that's a good sign they can deliver what you're looking for.
Red flag: If they can't provide examples or don’t have a portfolio at all. That could mean they’re either new to the industry or haven't had much success with their projects.
4. What is your experience with the technologies I need (e.g., WordPress, Shopify, custom development)?
Different websites require different tools. Whether you’re using WordPress, Shopify, or a custom-built solution, you want a developer who is experienced with the platform or technology you’ve chosen. A developer who understands the tools you want to use will work more efficiently and be better equipped to handle any problems that arise.
Red flag: If the developer isn’t familiar with the technologies you need. They may struggle with your project, which could lead to delays or additional costs as they learn on the fly.
5. Do you stay up-to-date with the latest web development trends and technologies?
The world of web development changes quickly. New tools, programming languages, and best practices are constantly emerging. A developer who keeps up with these changes will be able to use the latest, most efficient tools for your website. It also means they’re likely more engaged in their work and committed to improving their skills.
Red flag: If they seem unaware of recent changes or don’t care to stay current with technology, it could be a sign they’re not fully interested in their work.
Process and Communication
A good developer isn’t just skilled technically—they also need to be able to communicate well and stay organized throughout the project. A smooth process can make a big difference in how the project turns out and how easily things get done. These questions will help you understand their approach and how they manage communication and progress.
6. What is your typical website development process?
Every developer works a little differently, but a good one will have a clear plan for how they approach a website build. Some may start with brainstorming and wireframing, while others may start with design and development. Knowing their process will help you understand what to expect at each stage of the project.
Red flag: If the developer doesn’t have a clear process or seems unorganized about how they handle projects. It could lead to confusion, missed deadlines, or unnecessary revisions down the road.
7. How do you communicate with clients throughout the project?
Good communication is key to a successful project. You’ll want to know how often and in what format they will keep you updated. Some developers prefer email or chat, while others may schedule regular calls or video meetings. It’s important to find out how they keep in touch and if it matches your preferred style.
Red flag: If the developer is hard to reach, doesn’t respond in a timely manner, or doesn’t provide updates unless asked. It could mean they’re too busy with other projects or not paying enough attention to yours.
8. How often do you provide updates on the project’s progress?
You want to stay in the loop during the development process. Regular updates allow you to check in, give feedback, and make sure the project is moving in the right direction. Some contract web developers might give you updates weekly or at certain milestones, while others may show you a working version of the site periodically.
Red flag: If the developer doesn’t provide updates unless you ask or seem reluctant to share their progress, it might indicate they’re not fully transparent or organized.
9. What is your preferred method of communication (email, phone, video calls)?
Communication style matters. If you prefer emails and the developer prefers phone calls, you might run into communication issues. Make sure their preferred method aligns with yours. Some clients prefer quick emails for updates, while others might want face-to-face conversations through video calls.
Red flag: If the developer insists on one specific method that doesn’t work for you, it could make things more difficult as the project progresses.
10. Do you have a project management system in place?
Project management tools like Trello, Asana, or Basecamp help keep everything on track. They’re useful for tracking tasks, deadlines, and deliverables, ensuring nothing gets missed. If the developer uses one of these tools, it shows that they stay organized and have a system in place to manage your project.
Red flag: If the developer doesn’t use any project management tools and doesn’t have a clear system in place, it could mean they’re not organized or can’t effectively manage their time.
Project Scope and Timeline
When you hire a web developer, it’s important to understand how long the project will take, how they’ll handle any changes, and if they can stick to deadlines.
11. Can you estimate how long the website development will take?
It’s important to know how long your website will take to complete. Developers can give you an estimate based on the size and complexity of your project. Be cautious if an online website developer promises a quick turnaround without explaining why, as this could mean they’re rushing the work.
Red flag: If the developer promises an unrealistic timeline without clear reasoning, they may not fully understand what’s involved.
12. What is your availability for this project?
You need to know when the developer can start and how much time they can dedicate to your project. If they’re not very busy or ready to work full-time - it’s the best option.
Red flag: If the developer is vague about their availability, it could mean they’re already overloaded with work, which might delay your project.
13. Do you offer ongoing maintenance and support for your websites?
Once the website is built, you’ll likely need to know about the ongoing support for things like updates and security. Ask if the developer worked on maintenance or if you’ll need to hire someone else after the site is live.
Red flag: If the contract web developer doesn’t offer ongoing support, you may be left to figure out website issues on your own after launch.
14. How do you handle revisions and changes to the project scope?
Changes are often part of the process. It’s important to know how the developer handles revisions and if they do this at all. Some companies have QA, and some do not. So, if the developer can do it himself, it’s a great bonus.
Red flag: If the developer doesn’t clearly explain how they handle revisions, it could lead to confusion or unexpected costs later.
15. What is your process for testing and quality assurance?
Before launching your website, it needs to be tested for any bugs or issues. Ask the developer how they test the site to make sure everything works as expected.
Red flag: If the developer doesn’t have a clear testing process or seems to skip over quality assurance, your website might have issues when it goes live.
Design and Functionality
These questions to ask a developer in an interview help you understand how the developer plans to create a website that’s easy to use and meets your needs.
16. How do you approach website design and user experience?
A good website should be easy to use and navigate. Ask how the developer plans to design the site to make sure visitors can find what they need quickly and easily.
Red flag: If the developer focuses only on how the site will look and doesn’t mention user experience, it could mean the site will look nice but be hard to use.
17. Can you create a website that is responsive and mobile-friendly?
Most people browse the web on their phones, so your website needs to work well on mobile devices. Ask the developer if they will make the site responsive, meaning it adjusts to look good on any screen size.
Red flag: If the developer doesn’t talk about making the site mobile-friendly, your site may be difficult to use on phones and tablets, which can turn visitors away.
18. What is your approach to search engine optimization (SEO)?
SEO helps your website show up in search engine results like Google. Ask the developer how they will optimize the website to make it easier for people to find online.
Red flag: If the online website developer doesn’t mention SEO or seems to ignore it, your sites might not rank well in search results, which can limit your visibility.
19. Can you integrate e-commerce functionality into the website?
If you’re planning to sell products or services online, you’ll need e-commerce features like a shopping cart and payment options. Ask if the developer has experience adding e-commerce functionality to websites.
Red flag: If the developer is unsure about integrating e-commerce features, it might mean they lack experience with online stores, which could cause problems later.
20. Can you integrate social media and other third-party tools into the website?
If you use social media or other online tools (like email marketing or booking systems), ask if the developer can integrate them into your website. This can help companies connect with their audience and make their sites more functional.
Red flag: If the developer doesn’t seem familiar with integrating these tools, the websites may miss out on important features that help with marketing and user engagement.
Additional Considerations
When choosing a website developer, there are a few more things to think about. While you’ve already covered the basics like costs and timeline, the next questions to ask web developers help you make sure they create secure, user-friendly, and easy-to-maintain websites.
21. Do you have experience with website accessibility and WCAG compliance?
Website accessibility is about making sure your site can be used by everyone, including people with disabilities. WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) are standards that help make websites more accessible. It’s important to ask if the developer is familiar with these guidelines so your website is easy for all visitors to navigate.
Red flag: If the developer is unfamiliar with accessibility standards or doesn’t seem to care about creating an inclusive site, it could indicate that they are not up-to-date with best practices. Websites that aren’t accessible might steal your audience and could even lead to legal issues in some cases.
22. How do you ensure the security of the website and user data?
Website security is a big deal, especially if your site collects personal information or payment details. You need to know how the developer plans to protect your site from hackers and keep user data safe.
Red flag: If the developer doesn’t discuss security measures or seems unsure about how to protect your website, it’s a red flag. Websites that don’t prioritize security are vulnerable to data breaches, hacking attempts, and potential damage to your business reputation.
23. What is your backup and disaster recovery plan?
Even the best websites can experience issues like crashes or data loss. It’s important to ask the developer about their plan for backing up the site’s data regularly. This way, if something goes wrong, they can restore your site quickly and without losing important information.
Red flag: If the developer doesn’t mention backups or isn’t clear about how data will be protected, it’s a serious concern. Without proper backups, your website and business can be at risk of losing important content or even going offline completely in case of an issue.
24. What courses or resources do you use to improve your skills?
Technology is always changing, and great web developers keep learning to stay up-to-date. Asking about the courses or resources they use to improve their skills helps you gauge how committed they are to continuous learning and staying current in the field.
Red flag: If the developer doesn’t mention any efforts to continue learning or seems unaware of industry trends, it may suggest that they’re not keeping up with the fast-changing world of web development. This could impact the quality and relevance of the websites they build.
25. Do you offer training on how to manage the website?
Once the website is live, you may want to update it yourself—whether that’s adding new blog posts, changing images, or updating contact details. Ask if the online website developer offers any training so you can manage the site without needing to contact them for every little change.
Red flag: If the developer does not offer training or suggests that you’ll always need them for even small changes, it’s a warning sign. You want to have the skills to manage the site independently without being locked into constant support.
By asking these questions, you’ll get a much clearer idea of what your web developer can deliver and how they plan to bring your vision to life. Make sure to listen closely to their answers—this is your chance to make sure your website development agency and a candidate are on the same page and that they’re prepared to deliver a website that meets your needs.
