Tips for Working With a Website Developer

Finding the right website developer can be challenging — there are hundreds online, each promising to bring your vision to life. But the real question is: which developer is the right fit for your business?

If you’re planning to hire a website developer and don’t know where to begin, here are some practical tips to help you navigate the process with confidence.

Before You Reach Out to Developers

Before contacting potential website developers, gather these key details to make your search easier:

• Preferred website builder platform (e.g., WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, Webflow, etc.)
• Basic wireframe or layout of your website (if you’re not sure what a wireframe is, read this quick guide)

Having these ready helps developers provide accurate quotes and recommendations.

Tip 1: Understand the Different Types of Website Developers

Not all website developers offer the same level of service or expertise. Prices vary based on experience, technical skills, and how deeply they understand your business. Here’s a simple way to think about the levels of developers you may encounter:

Level 1: The Budget Developer

These developers typically focus only on converting a design file into a live website. They’ll give you the lowest quote but expect you to know your platform, hosting, and structure in advance. Great for simple sites, but limited in strategy or technical support.

Level 2: The Experienced Developer

This developer goes beyond design files. They’ll ask about your goals, preferred platform, and long-term needs. They can also suggest the right website builder for your situation and are often more reliable with communication and troubleshooting.

Level 3: The Strategic or “Legendary” Developer

These are highly experienced professionals who not only build websites but also consider your team’s technical ability, your business model, and future scalability. They’ll make proactive recommendations you might not have thought of — like SEO structure, automation, or performance improvements.

💡 Pro Tip: To evaluate a developer’s quality, check their previous work for:

• Mobile responsiveness
• Page speed performance (you can use Google PageSpeed Insights)

Tip 2: Know Your Budget and Timeline

Before hiring a developer, be clear about:

• Your total budget
• The complexity of your website
• Your timeline for launch

These details help the developer determine their scope and pricing. If a quote exceeds your budget, ask if they can adjust the scope or split the project into phases — for example, launching with essential pages first, then adding advanced features later.

Breaking your website into stages can make development more affordable while still getting your site online faster.

Tip 3: Set Clear Expectations and Communication

Website projects can take weeks or even months, depending on complexity. To avoid misunderstandings, set up a clear communication plan from the start. This might include:

• Regular check-in meetings or progress updates
• Shared project timelines or dashboards
• Defined milestones for each phase

Good communication ensures your project stays on schedule and reduces costly revisions later.

Final Thoughts

Working with a website developer is more than just hiring someone to code — it’s a collaboration that brings your business vision online. By understanding the types of developers, planning your budget, and setting clear expectations, you’ll be able to find the right partner to create a website that truly represents your brand.