What to Look Out For When Choosing a Web Developer
Hiring a web developer is one of the most important decisions you can make for your business. Your website isn’t just a page on the internet, it’s your storefront, your salesperson, and often the first impression a potential customer will have of you.
With so many choices out there, freelancers, agencies, DIY builders, “cheap-and-fast” services, it can be hard to know who to trust and what really matters. Do you go for the cheapest option? The most experienced? The one that promises to get it done in a week?
The truth is, choosing the wrong web developer can cost you time, money, and credibility. A poorly built site can confuse customers, load slowly, fail to show up on Google, or lock you out of making your own changes. That’s why it’s so important to know what to look for.
Here’s our guide to choosing a web developer who will actually deliver a website that works.
Clear Communication
Building a website is a collaboration. You know your business best, and your developer knows how to bring that online. If they can’t explain their process in simple terms, or worse, if they’re talking in jargon and expecting you to just nod along, that’s a warning sign.
The right developer will take the time to understand your goals. They’ll ask questions like:
Who is your target audience?
What’s the main goal of the website (sales, bookings, leads, brand awareness)?
Do you already have brand guidelines to follow?
Good communication early on saves a huge amount of pain later.
Web developer building websites in Essex
A Relevant Portfolio
Almost every developer will have a portfolio. But don’t just look at whether the sites look “nice.” Ask yourself:
Do these websites actually match what I need?
Do they load quickly and work well on mobile?
Can I see myself being proud of something like this for my own business?
For example, an e-commerce website needs to function smoothly for transactions, while a restaurant website needs clear menus, bookings, and atmosphere. Look for examples that show they’ve built something similar to what you’re after.
SEO & Performance Knowledge
A beautiful website is useless if nobody can find it. That’s where SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) and performance come in.
Ask your developer:
How do you make sure the site can be found on Google?
What steps do you take to improve page load speed?
How do you make sure the site works across all devices?
If they don’t have answers, it’s a sign they might not be thinking about the bigger picture.
Ease of Use for You
This is a big one. Your website needs to work for you after it’s launched. If you need to call your developer every time you want to add a blog post, change a photo, or update your prices, it’s not practical.
That’s one of the reasons we love Squarespace. It strikes the perfect balance between professional design and easy usability. We can build something that looks high-end, but you’ll still feel comfortable logging in and making changes yourself.
Ongoing Support and Maintenance
Websites aren’t a “set and forget” project. They need regular updates, from simple content tweaks to software and security patches.
Some developers hand over the keys and disappear, which can leave you stranded. Others charge every time you need help, which can become costly. Look for someone who offers ongoing support or packages that include regular updates and SEO refreshes.
Transparency Around Costs
One of the biggest frustrations we hear from new clients is: “I thought I was paying £500, but by the end it cost me thousands.”
A trustworthy web developer will be upfront about pricing. They’ll tell you what’s included, what isn’t, and what might cost extra if you add it later. Watch out for vague quotes that don’t explain the deliverables.
An Understanding of Branding
Your website isn’t just a collection of pages, it’s your brand’s digital home. A developer who understands branding will make sure your site feels like “you.” From the typography to the colours to the way images are used, it all tells a story.
If branding isn’t something they talk about, you might end up with a website that looks generic. And in today’s competitive market, generic doesn’t cut it.
Why This All Matters
Your website isn’t just another business expense, it’s an investment. Done right, it becomes a tool that generates leads, builds trust, and brings customers through your doors. Done wrong, it’s just a costly online business card that nobody sees.
The right web developer won’t just build you a site, they’ll build you a platform to grow your business.
Why Work With Forever Callie Media?
At Forever Callie Media, we’ve built websites for businesses across Essex and beyond, from local cafés to national organisations. We don’t just design, we create websites that:
Look great on every device
Are optimised for SEO from day one
Are simple enough for you to manage after launch
Come with ongoing support if you need it
And as a Squarespace Gold Circle Partner, we also bring insider expertise, subscription discounts, and the peace of mind that comes with working with recognised professionals.
Ready to Build Your Website?
If you’re looking for a website that’s more than just a placeholder, one that actually grows your business, we’d love to talk.
Get in touch with Forever Callie Media today and let’s build a website that works as hard as you do.