10 Questions Before Hiring a Web Developer

Hiring a web developer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your business. Your website isn’t just a digital brochure—it’s your storefront, sales engine, and brand ambassador. Choosing the wrong developer can cost you time, money, and missed opportunities.

Before signing a contract, ask these 10 essential questions to ensure you’re making the right investment.

1. What Experience Do You Have With Businesses Like Mine?

Not all websites are created equal. A nonprofit, a local service business, and an eCommerce store all have different needs. Ask for relevant experience and examples of similar projects. A developer who understands your industry can anticipate challenges and build smarter solutions.

2. Will My Website Be Custom or Template-Based?

There’s nothing wrong with templates—but you should know what you’re paying for. A custom-built website offers flexibility and scalability, while template sites may limit future growth. Make sure the solution matches your business goals.

3. Is the Website Optimized for SEO?

A beautiful website is useless if no one can find it. Ask whether the developer builds websites with SEO best practices in mind, including fast load times, mobile responsiveness, proper heading structure, and metadata optimization.

4. Will My Website Be Mobile-Friendly?

More than half of all web traffic comes from mobile devices. If your site isn’t responsive, you’re losing potential customers. Confirm your developer prioritizes mobile design—not just desktop.

5. What Platform Will My Website Be Built On?

WordPress remains one of the most powerful and flexible website platforms available. Make sure you understand what system your site will use and why. The right platform ensures scalability, security, and ease of updates.

6. What’s Included in the Price?

Website pricing can vary widely. Clarify what’s included:

  • Design and development
  • Content migration
  • Basic SEO setup
  • Contact forms
  • Hosting
  • Maintenance

Transparency upfront prevents surprise costs later.

7. Who Handles Website Hosting and Maintenance?

Your website needs ongoing updates, backups, and security monitoring. Ask if they offer managed WordPress hosting or maintenance services. A website isn’t a one-time project—it’s an ongoing investment.

8. How Will You Ensure My Website Is Secure?

Cybersecurity is critical. Ask about SSL certificates, firewall protection, regular updates, and backups. A professional developer should have a clear security strategy in place to protect your business and customer data.

9. Will I Be Able to Update the Website Myself?

Even if you prefer full-service support, it’s important to know whether you’ll have access to make small changes. A user-friendly content management system empowers you while still allowing professional oversight when needed.

10. What Happens After Launch?

Launching your website is just the beginning. Ask about post-launch support, training, analytics setup, and ongoing optimization. A great web partner doesn’t disappear after go-live—they help your website grow with your business.

Why Asking the Right Questions Matters

Hiring a web developer isn’t just about design—it’s about strategy, functionality, security, and long-term growth. The right partner will take time to understand your business goals, guide you through the process, and build a website that works as hard as you do.

At Ask the Egghead, we believe your website should generate leads, build credibility, and support your business every day. That’s why we focus on performance, security, and ongoing support—not just launch day.

If you’re considering a new website or redesign, start with these 10 questions—and make sure you’re choosing a partner, not just a vendor.

Ready to build a website that works for you? Contact Ask the Egghead today and let’s create something powerful together.