Your website is often the first thing a potential customer sees. Getting it right matters. But the web development industry is full of vendors ranging from brilliant to unreliable — and it's hard to tell them apart without knowing what to look for.
Here's what we'd tell a friend hiring a web developer for the first time.
1. Look at Their Portfolio Critically
Don't just ask "do you have examples?" — visit the actual live sites. Are they fast? Do they work on mobile? Are the calls to action clear? A developer's portfolio tells you more than their sales pitch ever will.
2. Ask Who Will Actually Build Your Site
Many agencies sell you and then outsource your project overseas. There's nothing inherently wrong with that, but you should know who you're working with. Ask directly: "Will you be building my site, or will it be subcontracted?"
3. Find Out Who Owns the Site After Launch
Some developers build on proprietary platforms that lock you in — meaning if you leave, you lose your site. Always ask: "Will I own the code and hosting, or is it tied to your platform?" Make sure the answer is in your contract.
4. Ask About Post-Launch Support
Websites need ongoing maintenance — security updates, content changes, performance monitoring. Does the developer offer a maintenance plan? What happens if something breaks at 11pm on a Friday?
5. Understand What's Included in the Price
Web development quotes vary wildly. Make sure you know exactly what's included: design, development, copywriting, SEO setup, mobile optimization, testing, training. Get itemized proposals so you're comparing apples to apples.
6. Check References
Ask for two or three references — and actually call them. Ask: "Was the project delivered on time? Were there surprise costs? Would you hire them again?"
The Right Developer Is an Ongoing Partner
The best client-developer relationships aren't transactional — they're long-term partnerships where your developer understands your business goals and helps you grow online over time.
At Growarock, we've built that kind of relationship with every client we work with. Reach out to see if we're the right fit for you.