Seven questions to ask before you hire a web developer

Hiring someone to build your website or app is a big decision, and quotes can be hard to compare. These questions will tell you a lot about any developer, including us.

1. Will I own the website, the domain and the content?

The domain should be registered in your name, and you should have full access to the hosting and the code or content. Some providers keep the domain or lock the site to their own platform, which makes it painful to ever leave.

2. Exactly what is included in the price?

A good quote lists the pages and features, the number of revisions, and what is not included. Ask specifically about hosting, the domain, email addresses, photos and copywriting, which are often extra.

3. What will it cost to run each year?

Hosting, domain renewal, paid plugins and any monthly platform fees add up. Ask for the yearly running costs in writing, separately from the build price.

4. Can I see something you have built?

Look at real work and, if possible, try it on your phone. A new or small studio may have fewer examples, which is fine, as long as what they show you is real and they are honest about it.

5. How will we work together?

Who will you talk to? How often will you see progress? How are payments split? Paying in stages, tied to work you can see, protects both sides.

6. What happens after launch?

Who fixes things if they break? Who keeps the site updated and secure? Is support included for a period, and what does it cost after that?

7. Can I update it myself?

For most businesses, the answer should be yes for everyday changes: text, photos, prices, opening hours. Ask to see the editing screen.

Warning signs

• Prices that seem far too low for what is promised
• Promises of a guaranteed first place on Google (nobody can guarantee that)
• No written quote, or pressure to pay everything up front
• Reviews or portfolio items that turn out not to be real

How we answer these

Once it is paid for, you own your website, domain and content. Every project gets a written quote before any payment, with running costs listed separately. You can see how we work, try our concept demos and look at Party Room, a product we built and run ourselves. When you are ready, ask for a quote.