Hiring the wrong web developer can cost you time, money, and a lot of frustration. A bad website can damage your business reputation for years.
With hundreds of developers available on freelancing platforms, social media, and Google — how do you know who to trust?
I have been a web developer in India for 4+ years and I have seen what separates great developers from disappointing ones. Here are 8 things you must check before you hire anyone.
1. Check Their Portfolio
The most important thing to evaluate is their actual work. Ask to see live websites they have built — not mockup images or template demos. Visit those websites on your phone and your laptop. Ask yourself:
- Does it load fast?
- Does it look good on mobile?
- Is the design professional and modern?
- Does the website have a clear purpose and good user experience?
If a developer cannot show you 5 to 10 real, live projects — that is a red flag.
2. Read Client Testimonials and Reviews
Testimonials on a developer’s website are a good start, but go deeper. Ask if you can speak with one or two past clients directly. Check their Google Business profile reviews, LinkedIn recommendations, or reviews on Clutch and GoodFirms.
Consistent positive feedback about communication, deadlines, and quality is a strong signal that you can trust this developer.
3. Ask About Post-Launch Support
Many developers disappear after they deliver the website. This is a serious problem. Websites need small fixes after launch — broken links, speed tweaks, form issues, plugin updates.
Always ask: ‘What support do you provide after the website is live?’ A professional developer will offer at least 30 days of free support after delivery.
4. Understand Their Development Process
A good developer has a clear, structured process. Ask them to walk you through how they work:
- How do they start a new project? Do they ask questions first or just start building?
- How do they handle revisions?
- How do they keep you updated during the project?
- What tools do they use for communication and sharing progress?
If a developer cannot explain their process clearly, they likely do not have one — and your project will be chaotic.
5. Ask About SEO and Mobile Optimization
A website that looks great but does not show up on Google is useless for your business. Make sure your developer understands and implements:
- Proper title tags and meta descriptions
- H1 and H2 heading structure
- Image compression and alt text
- Mobile-responsive design
- Page speed optimization
These are not ‘extras’ — they should be part of every website by default.
6. Ask About Turnaround Time and Deadlines
Get a realistic timeline in writing before starting. Ask what factors could delay the project and how they handle delays.
A simple business website should take 7 to 14 days. An eCommerce store might take 2 to 4 weeks. If a developer quotes 3 months for a basic website — that is too long.
Also ask: ‘What do you need from me to stay on schedule?’ A professional will give you a clear list of what they need — content, images, logo — and when they need it.
7. Transparent Pricing — No Hidden Costs
Always get a detailed, itemized quote in writing. It should include:
- What exactly is included in the project
- How many revision rounds are included
- What is NOT included (hosting, domain, premium plugins)
- Payment terms — when each payment is due
Be very careful of developers who give a very low initial quote and then keep adding costs. This is unfortunately common. A trustworthy developer will be clear about everything upfront.
8. Communication — Are They Responsive?
Notice how quickly they respond to your first inquiry. If they take 3 days to reply before you have even hired them — imagine how slow they will be when you have a problem after launch.
Good communication is not just about speed. It is also about clarity. Do they explain things in simple language you can understand? Do they listen to your requirements or just push their own ideas?
The developer-client relationship often lasts years — for updates, new pages, and ongoing improvements. Make sure you can actually work with this person.
Why I Tick All 8 Boxes
I am Poojan Doshi, a freelance web developer based in India. Here is how I approach every project:
- I have a portfolio of 50+ live websites across India — you can visit and review every one
- I have real client testimonials from verified clients
- I provide 30 days of free support after every project launch
- Every website I build is SEO-optimized and mobile-friendly by default
- I give clear, itemized quotes with zero hidden costs
- I typically respond to messages within 2 to 4 hours
May 2, 2026
