5 Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Website Developer

Your website is often the first taste potential customers get of your business. Impacting everything from how welcome they feel as a customer to how secure they feel in your brand, your website can make or break purchase decisions.

This is why hiring the right web developer is so vital for success.

But with so many options to choose from — from hiring a freelance web developer to opting for a large agency — how can you be sure you’re choosing the best fit for your organization?

To help, we’ve compiled a list of 5 questions to ask a web developer before hiring them. Because after all, if you get it right the first time, your web developer could soon become one of your most valued digital partners yet!

Question 1: What Industries Have You Worked In?

Understanding a web developer’s background can be a great way to determine whether or not their experience aligns with the outcomes you’re hoping for.

A developer who has worked across various industries is likely to have a diverse skill set and a broad understanding of different business needs. But a web developer with specialized experience in your industry will already be deeply familiar with the specific challenges you face, as well as industry best practices.

Our advice is to look for a web developer offering a balance of both, plus:

• An impressive portfolio: An expansive (and well-presented) portfolio can help you determine if their skills in design and functionality match your vision and needs. Remember, it’s not just about aesthetics, your new website has to be seamless and accessible too!
• Credible testimonials: Authentic feedback from clients in industries related to yours can help you gauge satisfaction and success levels. If you can’t find any testimonials for your web developer online, it might be time to look elsewhere.
• Problem-solving skills: Ask how they’ve overcome industry-specific challenges in past projects. The more dynamic they are, the more in control of your project they’re likely to be.

Tip: In today’s market, it’s also vital for your web developer to understand more than just the basics of Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Ask about this during early-stage discussions.

Question 2: How Do You Approach Client-Centric Design?

A successful website doesn’t just look great, it also meets the needs of its users (who just so happen to be your customers!).

This is where client-centric web design comes into play.

You want a web developer who prioritizes the user experience (UX) and creates websites that are intuitive, engaging, and easy to navigate.

When assessing how client-centric your web developer is, focus on:

• UX/UI design: Many reputable web developers will have strategies in place to enhance user interaction and give your users the best possible experience. From user-friendliness to visual aesthetics, your entire website needs to work for the user.
• Testing: Talented web developers and designers know the importance of testing website functions across devices, from usability testing to cross-browser checks. Only hire web developers who consider all of this part of their job!
• Accessibility: Inclusive design is now crucial for reaching a broader audience and upholding industry best practices. By prioritizing accessibility, you can ensure all users — including those with additional needs — can navigate the site.

Bonus question: Does your chosen web developer conduct independent research to understand your target audience? If so, this can help your site meet user expectations, keep up with market demands, and strengthen its impact.

Question 3: Can You Share Client Success Stories?

Client success stories can provide valuable insights into your web developer’s capabilities and reliability.

By understanding how they’ve helped other clients achieve their goals, you can better assess whether they’re the right fit for your web project.

Here’s what to consider when evaluating your web developer’s previous success:

• Case studies: Ask if your web developer can provide case studies to showcase real-life examples of their work and results. Customer success stories can give you a deeper understanding of how your designer approaches certain web development projects, to deliver the best outcome.
• Metrics: Request metrics that demonstrate the true impact of your developer’s work. Increased traffic, improved conversion rates, or enhanced user engagement can give you an idea of what their skills can do for you!
• Repeat clients: Investigate whether your developer has clients who regularly return for additional projects. This is a sign of trust and satisfaction with their web development services, and that your developer is a pretty great person to work with!

Question 4: What Is Your Process for Project Management & Communication?

Effective project management and communication are crucial for the success of any web development project. There’s no point having the most skilled web developer on the planet if their project management skills aren’t up to scratch!

Your chosen website designer should be able to communicate regularly and transparently, with a clear, well-structured process in place to keep your project on track.

To establish just how organized your web developer is, consider the following:

• Project timelines: Make sure your web developer (or their project manager!) can provide a detailed timeline outlining key milestones and deadlines to keep your project moving. While unforeseen circumstances and changes are to be expected, a true professional will factor these in!
• Communication tools: Find out what communication methods they use to keep you updated on progress. From emails and check-in meetings to project management software and real-time messaging, effective communication tools keep you in the loop at all times.
• Team roles: Find out who will be working on your project and their specific roles. Clear definitions of responsibilities can prevent misunderstandings and help maintain accountability across the team.
• Feedback loops: Ask how they handle feedback and revisions during the design and development process. A good developer will have a system in place for incorporating your input and making adjustments in a timely manner.

Question 5: How Much Ongoing Support and Maintenance Do You Offer?

A website is not a one-time project. It requires ongoing support and maintenance to support its performance and keep it aligned with both user expectations and your business needs.

By understanding the level of post-launch support a web developer offers, you can plan for the future and avoid any unexpected website management issues.

Here are some points to discuss with your developer:

• Maintenance plans: Find out whether they offer regular maintenance plans to keep your site updated and secure. Regular updates are crucial for both security and functionality.
• Support services: Inquire about the level of support they offer for troubleshooting and resolving issues. Quick resolutions are vital for not only avoiding downtime, but also keeping your website secure.
• Updates: Ask your developer about their process for handling software updates and new feature implementations. The internet is always evolving, which means your website should too!
• Backup solutions: Find out what type of backup solutions your web developer offers to protect your data. Regular backups are crucial for upholding data security and compliance measures, as well as maintaining your industry reputation.
• Scalability: Assess how well your developer can support your website as your business grows. In particular, find out if they have the capacity to handle increased traffic and additional features down the line.

Tate Design: The Top Web Development Agency in Chester County

Hiring the right web developer is a BIG decision, and it can significantly impact your business’s web presence.

Luckily, at Tate Design, we pride ourselves on our full-service approach to web development, combining industry expertise, client-centric design, and ongoing support to help your organization succeed.

To learn more, contact our team today. Let us help you create a digital presence that stands out for the right reasons!