Not all web developers are equal. Before committing, ask these questions to make sure you’re making the right choice.

Can I see examples of your previous work? A portfolio tells you more than any sales pitch. Look for variety, quality, and sites that are actually live and working.

Do you have experience in my industry? Industry-specific experience isn’t essential, but it helps. A developer who’s built ecommerce sites before understands the challenges.

What’s included in your quote? Make sure you understand exactly what you’re getting. Design, development, content entry, training, hosting setup—clarify the scope.

Who will actually be doing the work? Some agencies subcontract to freelancers. That’s not necessarily bad, but you should know who you’re working with.

What happens after launch? Will they provide ongoing support? What are the costs for changes and updates? Who hosts the site and who controls the domain?

How do you handle communication? Will you have a dedicated point of contact? How quickly do they typically respond? Clear communication prevents most project problems.

Do I own everything when we’re done? You should own your domain, your content, and have full access to your site. Never be held hostage by a developer.