Hiring a web developer is a big decision. Your website is often the first impression customers have of your business, and a poorly built site can drive them away before they even get to know what you offer. The wrong developer can cost you time, money, and patience. So how can you tell if you’re about to hire someone who will leave you with a broken, unusable website and a headache to match?
Here are the warning signs to watch for when hiring a web developer.
1) They Can’t Show You a Portfolio of Real Work
A web developer without a portfolio is like a chef without a menu. If they can’t provide real examples of sites they’ve built, that’s a huge red flag.
What to look for:
- A solid portfolio with real, working websites.
- Variety in design and functionality, showing they can adapt to different needs.
- Examples that align with what you want for your own site.
2) Their Communication is Slow or Confusing
If a developer takes days to respond to your emails before you’ve even hired them, imagine what it will be like when they’re deep into your project. Web development requires constant communication, and if they’re hard to reach now, that won’t change later.
Warning signs:
- They take forever to reply to emails or calls.
- Their responses are vague or confusing.
- They dodge questions about timelines, costs, or deliverables.
3) They Can’t Explain Things in Simple Terms
You don’t need to be a web expert, but a good developer should be able to explain technical concepts in a way that makes sense to you. If they throw jargon at you without helping you understand, that’s a sign they may not have your best interests in mind.
Ask them to explain:
- How they plan to build your website.
- What platform or technology they recommend and why.
- How ongoing maintenance and updates will work.
If their answers make your head spin, they might not be the right fit.
4) They Promise the World for Cheap
Everyone loves a good deal, but if a developer is promising a custom-built website for a few hundred bucks, something’s off. Web development takes time, skill, and effort. A dirt-cheap price often means corners will be cut.
Be cautious of:
- Prices that seem too good to be true.
- Vague contracts or no contract at all.
- Promises of a fully functional website in an unrealistically short timeframe.
5) They Don’t Have a Clear Process
A professional developer should have a clear process for how they work, from the initial consultation to the final launch. If they don’t have a structured approach, your project may become disorganized and chaotic.
Ask them about:
- Their development timeline.
- Milestones and checkpoints.
- How they handle revisions and feedback.
If they can’t outline a structured process, that’s a warning sign.
6) They Refuse to Give You Access to Your Website
Your website is YOURS, not the developer’s. Some bad developers will hold your site hostage, refusing to give you access or control over key aspects like hosting, domain registration, or admin logins.
Protect yourself by ensuring:
- You have full access to your hosting account and domain.
- You own all the website files and content.
- They don’t use proprietary systems that make it impossible to switch developers later.
7) They Lack SEO and Performance Knowledge
A good developer understands the basics of SEO (search engine optimization) and website performance. If they build you a site that loads slowly, isn’t mobile-friendly, or lacks proper meta tags, you’ll struggle to rank on Google.
Ask them about:
- Mobile responsiveness.
- Page speed optimization.
- Basic SEO best practices.
If they don’t have clear answers, they may not be experienced enough.
8) They Use Outdated Technologies
Web development changes fast. If a developer is still using outdated techniques or platforms, your site may be vulnerable to security risks and performance issues.
Red flags include:
- Using Flash (which is obsolete and not supported by major browsers).
- Recommending platforms or plugins that haven’t been updated in years.
- Building sites that don’t work well on mobile.
9) They Overpromise and Underdeliver
A common trait of bad developers is promising things they can’t actually deliver. If a developer says they can create a world-class e-commerce site with all the bells and whistles in just a week, be skeptical.
Watch out for:
- Vague commitments with no specifics.
- Missed deadlines without clear explanations.
- Excuses when things don’t go as planned.
10) They Don’t Offer Ongoing Support
Websites require maintenance, updates, and occasional fixes. If a developer disappears after launching your site, you’ll be left scrambling when something goes wrong.
A reliable developer will:
- Offer ongoing support options.
- Provide documentation or training on how to manage your site.
- Be available for updates and troubleshooting.
How to Find a Good Web Developer
Now that you know the warning signs of a bad developer, here’s how to find a good one:
- Check Reviews and Testimonials: Look for client feedback and case studies.
- Ask for References: A reputable developer should be able to provide past clients you can speak with.
- Start with a Small Project: Test their skills and reliability before committing to a large project.
- Ensure They Listen to Your Needs: A great developer will ask questions and tailor their approach to your business.
- Get Everything in Writing: Clear contracts help avoid misunderstandings.
Making the Right Choice
A bad web developer can turn your website project into a nightmare, but by spotting the warning signs early, you can save yourself the stress and financial loss. Take the time to vet potential developers, ask the right questions, and trust your instincts. A great website is an investment in your business, and the right developer will make sure it’s built to last.
