Look for clarity, not jargon

A good developer explains what you will get, when, and what it costs in plain language. If the proposal is full of technical terms with no clear deliverables, ask for it in writing in words you understand.

You should receive a fixed quote or a clear hourly rate, a timeline, and a list of what is included — before any work starts.

Ask what happens after launch

Websites need small fixes and updates after they go live. Ask who handles that, how quickly they reply, and what it costs. A builder who disappears on launch day leaves you stuck.

Also ask who owns the domain, the hosting account and the content. The answer should always be: you.

Red flags

No written quote, no timeline, prices that change mid-project, or a portfolio you cannot verify. Any one of these is a reason to keep looking.

The right choice is usually not the cheapest or the fanciest — it is the one who communicates clearly and puts everything in writing.