Looking for a web developer but not sure how to find the right one? You are not alone. The market is full of options — from students to large agencies — and without a technical background, it is hard to tell the difference. Here are five questions that will make the decision much easier.
1. "Can you show me examples of similar projects?"
This is the first and most important question. Every developer should have a portfolio or at least references for projects they have worked on. Ask to see them — ideally projects similar to yours.
Watch out for:
- Live websites — not just screenshots. Open them in a browser and see how they actually work.
- Their specific role — did they build the whole thing, or were they one part of a team? There is a difference between "I built the backend API" and "I delivered the entire e-shop".
- How old the projects are — a website from 2018 does not tell you much about how the developer works today.
If a developer has nothing to show or makes excuses, treat that as a warning sign.
2. "How will we communicate, and how long will it take?"
A lot of disappointment in web projects does not come from technical quality — it comes from mismatched expectations. The developer says "a month" and you wait three.
Ask specifically:
- How often will you receive updates on the project's progress?
- What channel do you communicate through — email, phone, a project management tool?
- What happens if a deadline is missed?
A good developer will give you a clear answer. A vague response like "we'll see how it goes" is a warning sign.
3. "What happens if the website stops working after launch?"
A website is not a product you receive once and that is that. Something can always go wrong — an update, a bug in the code, a hosting issue.
Find out:
- Does the developer offer a warranty period or ongoing support?
- How quickly do they respond to urgent problems?
- Will you have access to the source code and hosting, or are you completely dependent on the developer?
That last point is crucial. You should never find yourself in a situation where the developer disappears and you cannot access your own website.
4. "What exactly will the website do — and what will it not do?"
One of the most common causes of disappointment: the client expected more than what was included in the price. Or the opposite — they paid for features they never needed.
A good developer should clearly describe before starting:
- Exactly what is included in the project
- What is out of scope and would require additional payment
- How changes during the project are handled
If you only receive a rough estimate with no defined scope, insist on clarification. The basics should be in writing — even just in an email.
5. "Who will manage the website after launch?"
This is something many people do not think about in advance. A website needs ongoing attention — content updates, domain renewals, and occasional technical changes.
Find out:
- Will you have an admin interface where you can update texts and images yourself?
- How easy is the interface to use — can you manage it without technical knowledge?
- Does the developer offer ongoing maintenance, or just a one-time launch?
If you plan to manage the site yourself, it is important to see the admin interface before signing anything — not after launch.
How I work
Feel free to ask me all of these questions too. I have reference projects to show, I communicate regularly and transparently, and every website I build comes with an EasyAdmin interface — so you can manage your own content without depending on a developer.
I work with PHP and Symfony, focusing on web applications and custom booking systems. If you are looking for a developer for a specific project, get in touch — I am happy to discuss it with no obligation.