How to Pick a Web Developer Without Getting Burned

Finding a web developer feels like dating — everyone looks good on paper, but you don't find out who they really are until you're already committed. I've heard the horror stories from clients who came to me after getting burned. Developers who ghosted after getting paid, sites that took six months to launch, and code so bad it had to be scrapped entirely. Ask these questions before you sign anything.

01Check Their Portfolio — For Real

Don't just look at screenshots. Visit the actual live websites they've built. Pull them up on your phone. Are they fast? Do they look professional? Can you navigate them easily? If a developer can't show you live sites they've built, that's your first red flag. Mockups and design concepts don't count — you need proof they can build and launch a real website.

02Ask the Right Questions

Before you sign anything, ask: What technology are you building on? What happens if I need changes after launch? How long will this take? What do you need from me? What is included in the monthly, and what is billed on top? A good developer answers these confidently and clearly. A bad one gets vague or defensive.

03Get a Clear Scope, Not a Vague Quote

A real developer can describe exactly what they're building before they start: how many pages, what features, how long it takes, what happens after launch, and what's included in ongoing maintenance. If someone hands you a one-liner with no detail behind it, that's a red flag. Clear scope up front is how you avoid surprise invoices and "oh I didn't include that" conversations later.

Also ask how payment is structured. Most developers ask for a deposit upfront — usually a portion of the project — with the rest due at launch. That's standard and fair. Just make sure the milestones, deliverables, and ongoing maintenance terms are spelled out in writing before any money changes hands.

04Look at Their Own Website

This is the easiest test. If a web developer's own site is slow, ugly, or broken on mobile, what do you think yours is going to look like? Their website is their resume. If they didn't put effort into their own, they definitely won't put effort into yours.

05Trust the Vibe

Do they communicate clearly? Do they respond within a reasonable time? Do they explain things without talking down to you? The most talented developer in the world is useless if working with them is a nightmare. Find someone who treats you like a partner, not a paycheck.