By Robert Kevin modified Oct 08, 2025
~ 4 minutes to read
If you’ve ever tried hiring someone to build a website, you know it’s not easy. There are thousands of web developers out there — all promising great designs, fast delivery, and low prices. But once the project starts, that’s where the real story begins.
Some are great. Some, not so much.
And here’s a fact worth knowing — about 4 in 10 visitors leave a website if it looks messy or unattractive. That means poor design can cost you real customers before they even read a single word.
So how do you pick the right web development company for your business?
You ask the right questions — the kind that help you see if they actually understand your goals or if they’re just trying to close a deal.
We’ve worked with web developers before, and trust me — asking these questions upfront saves you a lot of stress later.
Let’s go through them one by one.
Take your time and determine what exactly you want before you call a web development company. This segment appears minute, yet it plays a huge role in the future.
Ask yourself things like:
● Why do I want a website? Is this selling products, demonstrating services, or simply establishing trust online?
● Who will use it? My local customers or people everywhere?
● What would I do on it, a blog, an online shop, or a booking form?
● How much money can I spend?
● When do I need it ready?
Write these answers down. They will assist you in your articulate conversation with the developer. When you are sure of what you want, you sound confident - and less apt to be overcharged or cheated.
Once you’ve got your basics down, it’s time to talk to the web development company.
Here are very important questions that we believe everyone should ask before hiring anyone to build a website.
This is the question that should always come first. A decent developer will not be shy - they will present you with their finest pieces immediately.
You should take some time and explore those websites.
When their work is clean and easy to use, they have made a good beginning.
Experience does not necessarily imply everything, but everything counts. A person who has been doing this for years has made lots of mistakes — and knows how to make them right in a short period.
Even better, if they have worked on projects such as yours before.
Each developer has their preferred setup. There are those working on WordPress, some on Shopify/Wix, and some creating everything by hand with code.
Ask them which of them they use and why.
And when they can explain it in a manner that you can comprehend, then that is a good sign.
When they talk too much techno jargon and you get lost, then that is not good. You must have someone to help you talk in simple terms, as that is the way authentic communication goes.
There’s a big difference between a custom site and a ready-made one.
A custom site is built from the ground up. It fits your business perfectly, but takes more time and costs more money.
A template is quicker and cheaper — great for small budgets — but you’ll see similar designs elsewhere.
Ask which one they plan to use. There’s no wrong answer. You just need to know what you’re paying for.
People use all kinds of devices — phones, tablets, and laptops. Your site should work smoothly on all of them.
Ask how they make that happen. Also, ask how they keep it secure — hackers love weak websites.
Do they install SSL? Do they back up the site?
A good developer will have clear answers to these.
Communication is one of the biggest reasons why most web development projects fail. When updates are rare or feedback is ignored, the entire process falls apart.
You don’t want to be chasing them for updates every few days.
Some people promise a website in two weeks. Others take three months. The truth usually sits somewhere in between.
Ask how long it’ll take, and make sure they explain why. A realistic timeline is better than a quick one that leads to poor work.
Also, ask what happens if there are delays — because there usually are.
You’ll want to tweak things once you see the first version — that’s normal.
But every company handles revisions differently. Some allow unlimited small edits; others charge for each one.
Ask how many rounds of changes you get. And ask what counts as a “small change.” Changing a color is one thing. Changing the layout is another.
Always get a full website cost breakdown.
Ask what’s covered — design, development, testing, hosting, support — and what’s not.
If they give you a single number with no explanation, that’s a red flag.
Also, ask about hidden costs. Some companies charge later for updates or plugin renewals. Get everything in writing.
You’d be surprised how often this causes problems.
You should always own your website after you’ve paid for it — that means the domain, the code, and the design.
Ask if you’ll get full access to everything — the hosting, the admin panel, and the files. If they hesitate, walk away.
A professional company doesn’t just build the site — they test it.
Ask what kind of testing they do. Do they check every page, every button, and every link? Do they test on Chrome, Safari, and mobile browsers?
Testing might sound boring, but it’s what keeps your site from breaking on launch day.
You don’t need to be an SEO expert, but your site should be built in a way that Google can understand it.
Ask if they add titles, descriptions, and image tags. Ask if they use clean code and fast-loading pages.
A website that’s not SEO-friendly will struggle to show up in search results — no matter how pretty it looks.
Sometimes, the person who talks to you in the beginning isn’t the one doing the actual work.
Ask who’s on your project team — a designer, developer, or project manager — and how you’ll communicate with them.
This helps avoid confusion later.
Websites always need updates. Things break, plugins fail, or you might want to add new pages.
Ask if they offer maintenance. Some companies include 1–3 months of free support. Others charge monthly.
Choose a plan that keeps your site safe and updated.
You hope this never happens — but it’s smart to ask.
If something goes wrong, what’s the process?
Will they fix it? Offer a refund? Or will you be stuck?
A good company will have a clear answer. They’ll want to make sure you’re satisfied.
Now that you have your list, here’s how to make it work:
● Ask the same questions to every company. It helps you compare fairly.
● Take notes. You’ll forget details later, so jot them down.
● Listen to how they explain things. Do they sound confident or rushed?
● Notice their attitude. A good company listens, not just talks.
● Don’t be afraid to walk away. If something feels off, trust your gut.
These are some signs you’ve hired the wrong web development agency — and you can spot them early if you know what to look for.
A few warning signs to look out for:
● They can’t show real examples of their work.
● They promise a huge website in one week.
● They use confusing language to sound smart.
● They avoid giving clear costs or timelines.
● They ask for full payment up front.
If any of these happen — move on. There are plenty of better options.
Finding a web development company is not about getting someone who can code. It is all about seeking individuals who share your objectives and interests in your business.
By posing these questions, you are not being challenging; you are being clever. You are safeguarding your money, your time, and your brand.
Remember:
Robert Kevin is a versatile content writer known for captivating storytelling and impactful writing. His well-researched articles and compelling blog posts leave a lasting impression on readers.
