In this guide
- 1. Look at live work, not just screenshots
- 2. Check they understand your business goal
- 3. Get a written scope
- 4. Confirm you will own everything
- 5. Ask about the technology choice
- 6. Make sure SEO is built in
- 7. Ask about speed, security and accessibility
- 8. Understand the process and communication
- 9. Compare total cost, not just the build price
- 10. Check support after launch
- Red flags
- Talk to us
Hiring the wrong developer is one of the most expensive mistakes a business can make with its website or app: missed deadlines, a site that is slow or hard to update, or losing access to your own code. This checklist helps you compare website and app development companies with confidence.
Quick answer: choose a company with relevant live work you can test, a written scope and fixed milestones, clear ownership of your code and accounts, built-in SEO, speed and security, and a support plan after launch.
1. Look at live work, not just screenshots
Ask for links to websites or apps similar to yours. Open them on your phone, check how fast they load and try the forms. A good portfolio shows results, not only attractive designs.
2. Check they understand your business goal
A good partner asks about leads, sales, bookings and your customers before talking about colours and features. If the first conversation is only about design, be cautious.
3. Get a written scope
The proposal should list pages or screens, features, integrations, content responsibilities, timeline, payment milestones and what is not included. Vague proposals lead to disputes and extra costs.
4. Confirm you will own everything
You should own your domain, hosting account, source code, design files, content and any app store accounts. Avoid arrangements where the developer controls the only login.
5. Ask about the technology choice
WordPress, Shopify, a custom framework or a mobile app framework? The company should explain why its recommendation fits your needs and budget. See WordPress vs custom website.
6. Make sure SEO is built in
Clean URLs, page titles, headings, sitemaps, structured data, speed and redirects from old pages should be part of the build, not an expensive extra later. Ask how they protect existing rankings during a redesign.
7. Ask about speed, security and accessibility
Expect SSL, backups, updates, spam protection, optimised images and attention to accessibility basics such as contrast and keyboard navigation.
8. Understand the process and communication
Who is your point of contact? How often will you see progress? Is there a staging site for feedback? Clear communication matters as much as technical skill.
9. Compare total cost, not just the build price
Include hosting, licences, maintenance, content updates and future features. Our guide to website costs and app development costs explains typical ranges.
10. Check support after launch
Websites and apps need updates, monitoring and improvements. Ask what support plans exist, response times and how small changes are billed.
Red flags
- Guaranteed #1 Google rankings or unrealistically low prices.
- No written contract or scope.
- Refusal to give you admin access or the source code.
- No examples you can visit and test.
Talk to us
Softonic Solution provides website development and mobile app development with fixed, written quotes and full ownership for our clients. Get a free estimate.
Frequently asked questions
What questions should I ask a web development company?
Ask to see similar live work, who will own the code and accounts, what is included in the scope and price, how SEO and security are handled, what the timeline and payment milestones are, and what support is available after launch.
Should I hire a freelancer or an agency?
A freelancer can suit smaller, well-defined projects. An agency is usually better when you need design, development, SEO and ongoing support from one team with backup if someone is unavailable.
How long does it take to build a website?
A small business website typically takes 3 to 6 weeks once content is ready. Larger sites, online stores and web applications often take 2 to 4 months or more.
Is the cheapest quote a good idea?
Not usually. Very low quotes often leave out SEO, security, content entry, testing or support, which cost more to fix later. Compare what is included, not just the price.
Who should own my website code?
You should. Make sure the contract states that you own the domain, hosting, source code, designs and content once the project is paid for.
Want a straight answer for your project?
Tell us what you’re planning. We’ll reply within one business day with honest advice, a timeline and a free, itemised estimate.