by The Computing Australia Group | How to Choose the Right
Web Developer for Your Business
A website is the backbone of any modern digital marketing strategy. It’s your brand’s digital storefront, a lead-generation engine, a business credibility booster, and-if you run an eCommerce brand-your primary sales channel. But not just any website can achieve all that. You need a site that is well-designed, technically sound, user-friendly, secure, scalable, and optimised for conversions.
This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know-including the right questions to ask-so you can confidently select a developer who can bring your digital vision to life.
Why the Right Web Developer Matters
- SEO & visibility – Google rewards technically strong, fast, mobile-friendly websites.
- User experience & conversions – A well-structured site leads to more sales, leads, and engagement.
- Brand credibility – Poorly designed or broken websites instantly erode trust.
- Marketing performance – All digital campaigns-from SEO to paid ads-depend on your site’s quality.
- Security & compliance – Especially important for eCommerce and data-driven businesses.
Your website is more than a digital brochure. It impacts:
The 11 Must-Ask Questions Before Hiring a Web Developer
Below are the essential questions, updated with deeper explanations and expanded insights to help you evaluate any web development company, especially in Perth’s competitive digital landscape.
1. What Projects Have You Worked on Before?
A developer’s portfolio will show you their technical range, design quality, industry experience, and creativity. Strong portfolios often include:
- Links to completed websites
- Client testimonials
- Case studies
- Before-and-after redesigns
- Industry-specific builds (e.g., real estate, health, retail, trades, SaaS)
What to look for:
- Do their previous projects match your desired style?
- Have they built websites for your industry?
- Is their design modern, clean, fast, and user-friendly?
- Do the websites rank well or load quickly?
Pro tip:
Visit the developer’s own website. If their site isn’t modern, responsive, or optimised, that’s a red flag.
2. Which CMS Platform Do You Use to Build Websites?
Choosing the right CMS affects your website’s performance, scalability, security, and ease of editing. Popular options include:
- WordPress – Most flexible and widely used
- Shopify – Ideal for eCommerce
- WooCommerce – WordPress-based eCommerce
- Squarespace – Simple sites, limited scalability
- Wix – Easy for beginners but limited long-term
- Drupal – Powerful but requires advanced skill
Your developer should be able to explain:
- Why they recommend a particular CMS
- How easy it will be for you to edit content
- What plugins or integrations are required
- Long-term maintenance expectations
- Security risks and how they mitigate them
A reputable developer avoids platforms that lock you in or limit your growth unless they are genuinely the best fit for your business.
3. How Can I Contact You and How Established Is Your Business?
Before investing, check:
- How long they have been operating
- Whether they have a physical office
- If they have an ABN and proper business details
- Whether they're active on LinkedIn and other platforms
- Whether they provide transparent contact methods, including phone, email, and support systems
This helps ensure you’re partnering with a legitimate, stable, long-term provider.
4. What Will You Do to Ensure the Website Is SEO-Friendly?
SEO is not an optional add-on-it must be embedded in the website from day one.
- Mobile-first responsive design
- Fast page load speed
- Clean URL structures
- Schema markup
- SSL security (HTTPS)
- SEO-friendly content formatting and heading structure
- Image compression and naming conventions
- Technical SEO foundations
Ask specifically:
- Do you conduct keyword research?
- Will you handle on-page optimisation?
- What tools do you use for SEO checks?
- Will the site be tested with tools like Google PageSpeed Insights, GTmetrix, and Screaming Frog?
A good foundation is built during development.
5. Can You Guarantee That My Website Will Be Mobile-Friendly?
Your developer should guarantee:
- Fully responsive layouts
- Touch-friendly navigation
- Fast mobile loading
- Mobile-friendly typography
- Optimised images for small screens
Request mobile mock-ups or prototypes before development begins.
6. Will Social Media Be Integrated Into My Website?
Ask your developer if they can include:
- Social icons
- Social sharing tools
- Embedded social feeds
- Social login for eCommerce or membership sites
- Tracking pixels for Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok ads
While integration isn’t mandatory, it’s a major value-add for businesses aiming to scale online.
7. What Are the Options for Web Hosting?
Hosting affects performance, security, and uptime. Not all hosting is equal.
- Whether they offer their own hosting
- If they use a third-party provider like SiteGround, GoDaddy, WP Engine, or Cloudways
- Whether hosting includes backups, SSL, speed optimisation, and security
- How much hosting costs annually
- Whether migration is included
Good hosting = faster load times, stronger SEO, and better security.
8. What Is Your Fee Structure?
- Complexity
- Number of pages
- Ecommerce requirements
- Custom design vs templates
- Additional services (SEO, content writing, hosting, maintenance)
Ask for transparency:
- What’s included in the package?
- Are revisions included?
- Do they charge hourly for extra work?
- Is ongoing maintenance included?
- What additional costs should you expect in year 2 or 3?
If they cannot clearly explain costs, reconsider.
9. How Long Will the Web Development Process Take?
- Simple business website: 3–6 weeks
- Medium-sized site: 6–10 weeks
- Large or custom-built site: 3–12 months
Your developer should provide a roadmap including:
- Design phase
- Content phase
- Development phase
- Testing phase
- Revision period
- Launch timeline
Always ensure the schedule aligns with your business goals or launch plans.
10. Do You Have In-House Designers or Photographers?
Strong visuals improve conversions and credibility. Depending on your site needs, you may require:
- Custom graphics
- Branding elements
- Product photography
- Team headshots
- Banner designs
- Infographics
Ask if these services are:
- In-house (faster, more consistent)
- Outsourced (may cost more)
- Optional add-ons
High-quality images can make or break your website’s professional appeal.
11. Will I Own the Website Once Completed?
If you cancel the subscription-you lose your entire site.
Confirm:
- Will you own the website and the code?
- Will you receive admin access?
- Will you get backups of your files?
- Will the developer provide the source code if the contract ends?
A trustworthy developer will always allow you full ownership.
Choosing the Right Developer: What to Look For
Beyond the 11 questions, here are additional indicators of a good web development partner:
- Clear communication
- Transparent pricing
- Experience across industries
- Positive Google reviews
- Long-term support plans
- A structured, documented process
- Strong understanding of SEO and UX
- Ability to scale your website with your business
Don’t settle for the cheapest option-your website is a long-term investment.
The website building process is exciting but often stressful. The success of your website will be in the hands of the developer or designer you hire. So, it’s important to spend time understanding your requirements and find a developer who can promise you a quality website that meets all your business needs. Are you looking for a reliable web building team? Would you like to ask a few more questions? We are happy to answer. Contact us or email us at sales@computingaustralia.group to set up an obligation-free chat.
Jargon Buster
CMS– A content management system (CMS) is an application that allows users to create, modify, publish, and store content in the digital space.
Fly-by-night A fly-by-night business is one that does not have a strong, established reputation.
SEO – Search engine optimisation (SEO) is a group of techniques used to make websites rank higher in the search engine result pages (SERPs).
FAQ
How do I know if a web developer is good?
Look for a solid portfolio, clear communication, relevant experience, and a defined process. Strong SEO and UX knowledge, plus real client reviews, are good signs.
Should I choose a freelancer or a web development agency?
Freelancers can be cost-effective and flexible, while agencies offer full-service support and long-term reliability. Choose based on your project size and ongoing needs.
How much does a professional website cost?
Costs vary depending on features and complexity. Small business sites may cost a few thousand dollars, while advanced or eCommerce sites are higher. Always request a clear breakdown.
How long does website development take?
Simple sites may take 3–6 weeks, medium sites 6–10 weeks, and complex builds several months. Timelines depend on scope and developer workflow.
Do I need a custom-built website?
Not always. Templates work for many businesses, but custom builds are better for advanced features or unique requirements. Your developer can guide the best option.
