Hiring the right website developers is crucial for any business looking to create a professional, scalable, and results-driven online presence. Whether you run a homeware brand, a health and wellness business, or a retail company, the website is often the first point of contact with your customers. Unfortunately, many businesses make avoidable mistakes when selecting a developer, which can lead to wasted budgets, poorly performing websites, and frustration.
This guide highlights the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them, helping your business.
Focusing Solely on Price
One of the most frequent mistakes businesses make is choosing website developers purely based on cost. It is natural to consider budgets, especially for small and medium-sized businesses, but the cheapest option rarely delivers the best value. A low-cost developer may cut corners, resulting in a website that is slow, difficult to update, or not optimized for search engines.
Rather than focusing solely on price, evaluate the developer’s experience, portfolio, and client reviews. Ask questions about their workflow, timelines, and how they approach problem-solving. A slightly higher upfront investment can save you significant costs down the line by avoiding redesigns, fixes, or even re-hiring a new developer. Investing in quality ensures your website performs well, remains secure, and meets your long-term business goals.
Additionally, businesses should consider the future scalability of their site. A cheaper developer might deliver a simple website that works now, but if your business grows, it may not be able to handle increased traffic or additional features. This makes choosing a reliable developer an investment in your business’s ongoing success.
Not Checking the Developer’s Portfolio or References
Another common mistake is hiring web developers without reviewing their previous work or seeking references. A developer’s portfolio provides insight into their style, technical skills, and ability to deliver results. If a business fails to assess past projects, they risk hiring someone whose expertise does not match their needs.
For businesses considering a freelance web developer, it is essential to examine completed projects and ask for client testimonials. Freelancers can be highly skilled, but quality varies widely. Ensure they have experience with websites similar to your business type. A strong portfolio demonstrates not only design capability but also a proven ability to meet deadlines and produce websites that are both functional and visually appealing.
Asking for references is equally important. Speaking directly with past clients can reveal how responsive and reliable the developer is, and whether they can handle challenges effectively. This step might take time, but it prevents costly mistakes and ensures your website is built by someone who understands your business goals.
Ignoring Long-Term Support and Maintenance
Many businesses make the mistake of viewing web developers purely as one-off project providers, forgetting that websites require ongoing care. Launching a site is just the beginning; updates, security patches, and maintenance are essential to keep it running smoothly. Neglecting long-term support can result in slow performance, broken links, and even security vulnerabilities that damage your brand’s reputation.
Working with a website development company can help address these concerns. A professional company typically offers support packages, maintenance plans, and ongoing advice to ensure your website remains optimised for performance and user experience. Choosing a developer who considers long-term sustainability ensures your business continues to benefit from a strong online presence well beyond the launch phase.
Consider discussing maintenance options during the initial consultation. Clarify what is included in post-launch support and how updates or technical issues are handled. This approach ensures you avoid the stress of managing website problems alone, leaving you free to focus on growing your business.
Overcomplicating the Brief or Expectations
Businesses often fall into the trap of asking for overly complex websites or setting unrealistic expectations. While it’s important to have a clear vision, overcomplicating your brief can overwhelm developers and result in delays, miscommunication, or a final product that fails to meet your needs.
Clear, concise, and structured briefs lead to better outcomes. Define your core objectives, target audience, and essential features, but leave room for professional guidance. Skilled web development services can advise on user experience, responsive design, and technical optimisation, translating your ideas into a practical and effective website.
It’s also important to prioritise functionality over unnecessary features. Many businesses request numerous plugins or flashy design elements that ultimately slow the site down and confuse users. By focusing on the essentials and trusting the developer’s expertise, your website will deliver better results for your customers while remaining easy to manage and update.
Failing to Communicate Clearly
Effective communication is vital when working with web developers. Misunderstandings about design preferences, timelines, or functionality can lead to frustration and delays. Businesses that fail to establish regular communication channels risk ending up with a website that does not reflect their brand or meet their objectives.
Schedule regular check-ins, provide feedback promptly, and keep clear documentation of all requirements and changes. This ensures both parties stay aligned throughout the website development process. Developers who feel supported and informed are better equipped to deliver a high-quality website that meets your business goals.
Remember, communication is a two-way street. Be open to suggestions from the developer, as they bring technical expertise that can improve your website beyond your initial ideas. A collaborative approach produces a final product that is not only visually appealing but also functional, scalable, and optimised for business growth.
Hiring the right
website developers requires careful consideration, clear communication, and realistic expectations. Avoid focusing solely on cost, neglecting portfolios, ignoring maintenance, overcomplicating the brief, or failing to communicate. By prioritising quality, long-term support, and collaboration, your business can achieve a professional website that engages customers, supports growth, and enhances your brand’s online presence.
At
ETA Web Design Burnley, we understand the challenges businesses face when selecting a developer. Our team delivers professional, scalable, and results-driven solutions tailored to homeware, health and wellness, and retail businesses.
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Website developer hiring mistakes businesses should avoid!
