Finding the Right Partner
Your website is one of your most important business assets. Choosing the wrong developer can mean wasted money, missed deadlines, and a site that doesn't serve your business. Choosing the right one can transform your online presence.
Here's how to make a smart decision.
Types of Web Developers
Freelancers
Best for: Smaller projects, tight budgets, flexibility
Pros:
- Often more affordable
- Direct communication
- Flexible scheduling
Cons:
- Limited capacity (one person)
- May lack certain skills (design vs. development)
- Business risk if they disappear
Agencies
Best for: Larger projects, ongoing relationships, comprehensive services
Pros:
- Full team (designers, developers, project managers)
- More reliable/stable
- Broader skill sets
Cons:
- Higher prices
- May not get senior talent on your project
- Can feel impersonal
Local vs. Remote
Local developers offer face-to-face meetings and local market knowledge. Remote developers may offer lower rates and broader talent pools. For most small business websites, either can work well.
Questions to Ask Potential Developers
About Their Work
- Can I see examples of similar projects you've completed?
- Do you have references from past clients I can contact?
- What's your design process like?
- Who will actually be working on my project?
About the Technology
- What platform/technology do you recommend for my project? Why?
- Will I be able to update the site myself after launch?
- How do you handle website hosting and security?
- Do you follow accessibility best practices?
About the Process
- How do you handle project communication?
- What's your typical timeline for a project like mine?
- How many revisions are included?
- What happens if I need changes after launch?
About the Business Relationship
- What's included in your quote? What's not included?
- What are your payment terms?
- Do you offer ongoing maintenance?
- What happens if we need to part ways mid-project?
Red Flags to Watch For
Communication Issues
- Slow or unresponsive during the sales process
- Vague answers to direct questions
- Unwilling to provide references
- Pressure tactics or hard sells
Portfolio Concerns
- Can't show relevant work
- All examples look the same (template-based)
- Broken links or outdated examples
- Won't let you contact past clients
Business Practices
- Requiring full payment upfront
- No written contract or agreement
- Unwilling to discuss ownership rights
- Promises that sound too good to be true
Technical Red Flags
- Can't explain their technology choices in plain language
- Dismissive of accessibility or mobile optimization
- Doesn't mention security, backups, or maintenance
- Uses outdated technologies
What to Expect to Pay
Pricing varies widely based on project scope, developer experience, and location. Here are rough ranges for small business websites:
Simple Website (5-7 pages)
- Template-based: $500 - $2,000
- Custom design: $1,900 - $5,000
Business Website (8-15 pages, forms, SEO)
- $3,000 - $8,000
E-Commerce
- Basic store: $6,000 - $15,000
- Advanced features: $12,000 - $30,000+
Ongoing Maintenance
- Basic: $100 - $300/month
- Comprehensive: $300 - $600/month
Remember: The cheapest option is rarely the best value. A $500 website that doesn't convert is more expensive than a $3,000 website that brings in customers.
The Selection Process
Step 1: Define Your Needs
Before talking to developers, know:
- What's the purpose of your website?
- Who is your target audience?
- What actions do you want visitors to take?
- What's your realistic budget range?
- When do you need the site launched?
Step 2: Research and Shortlist
- Ask for referrals from other business owners
- Search for local developers with good reviews
- Check portfolios for relevant work
- Narrow to 3-5 candidates
Step 3: Request Proposals
Share your requirements with each candidate and ask for:
- Estimated timeline
- Detailed pricing breakdown
- Proposed approach/technology
- References from similar projects
Step 4: Compare and Interview
- Review proposals side by side
- Schedule calls to discuss questions
- Contact references
- Trust your gut about communication style
Step 5: Make Your Decision
Consider:
- Who understood your needs best?
- Who communicated most clearly?
- Who has the most relevant experience?
- Who feels like the right partner?
Contract Essentials
Before signing, ensure the contract covers:
Scope of Work
- Detailed list of what's included
- What's NOT included (clearly stated)
- Number of pages, features, revisions
Timeline
- Project milestones
- Review periods
- Launch date
Payment
- Total cost
- Payment schedule
- What triggers each payment
Ownership
- Who owns the design and code?
- Domain and hosting ownership
- Source file delivery
Support
- Post-launch support period
- How to request changes
- Maintenance options
Termination
- What if either party needs to cancel?
- How is work paid for in that case?
Working Successfully with Your Developer
Be a Good Client
- Provide clear feedback (specific is better than vague)
- Respond to requests promptly
- Trust their expertise on technical decisions
- Be realistic about timelines
Maintain Communication
- Agree on communication channels upfront
- Schedule regular check-ins
- Raise concerns early (don't wait until launch)
Stay Involved
- Review milestones as they're delivered
- Provide content on time
- Test thoroughly before launch
- Give honest feedback
After Launch
The relationship doesn't end at launch:
- 30-day review: Check for any issues or needed adjustments
- Ongoing maintenance: Keep your site secure and updated
- Future enhancements: Plan for growth and improvements
- Stay in touch: Good developers become valuable long-term partners
The Right Choice for You
The best developer isn't necessarily the most expensive or the one with the flashiest portfolio. It's the one who:
- Understands your business and goals
- Communicates clearly and responds promptly
- Has relevant experience
- Offers fair, transparent pricing
- Feels like a partner, not just a vendor
Looking for a web developer who checks all these boxes? Let's talk about your project.