What to Look for When Hiring a Web Developer

Hiring the right developer can determine whether your website becomes a growth engine or a costly rebuild waiting to happen. Businesses often rush the decision and end up with slow performance, poor UX, and systems that cannot scale.

Understanding what to look for when hiring a web developer ensures you choose a professional who can build a secure, high-performing, and conversion-focused website aligned with your business goals.

As a web app consultant, I’ve seen projects succeed not because of flashy design but because of solid architecture, clear communication, and strategic execution.

Why Hiring the Right Web Developer Matters

A professional developer does more than write code. They help you:

Build fast, scalable web applications
Create seamless user experiences
Improve search visibility and performance
Integrate tools that support growth
Protect data and ensure security compliance

Hiring the wrong developer often leads to delays, hidden costs, and a complete rebuild within 12–24 months.

Core Skills to Look For in a Web Developer

1. Strong Technical Expertise

A qualified developer should be proficient in:

HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript
Modern frameworks (React, Vue, Angular)
Backend technologies (Node.js, PHP, Python, .NET)
Database management (MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB)

Ask how they select technologies and why they fit your business needs.

2. Experience with Performance & Scalability

Your website must handle traffic growth and future expansion.

Look for experience with:

Cloud infrastructure (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
CDN and caching strategies
API architecture and microservices
Performance optimization techniques

3. UX & Conversion Awareness

Developers must understand user behavior, not just code.

A strong developer ensures:

Fast page load speeds
Mobile responsiveness
Clear navigation and accessibility
Conversion-focused layouts

This is critical for lead generation and revenue growth.

4. SEO & Core Web Vitals Knowledge

Technical SEO is essential for visibility.

Ensure they understand:

Site speed optimization
Clean URL structures
Schema markup implementation
Mobile-first performance
Core Web Vitals optimization

Without this, your site may struggle to rank.

5. Security & Compliance Practices

Security failures damage reputation and revenue.

Look for experience in:

SSL & secure authentication
Data encryption & protection
GDPR and privacy compliance
Protection against vulnerabilities (OWASP best practices)

What to Look for When Hiring a Remote Web Developer

Remote hiring expands talent access but requires additional evaluation.

Communication & Responsiveness

Clear updates and proactive communication prevent project delays.

Time Zone & Availability

Ensure overlapping working hours for collaboration.

Documentation & Workflow

Professional developers use project management tools and maintain documentation.

Proven Remote Work Experience

Developers familiar with remote workflows deliver more consistent results.

Understanding what to look for when hiring a remote web developer helps maintain productivity and accountability.

Portfolio & Case Studies: What to Evaluate

A portfolio should demonstrate real business results, not just design aesthetics.

Review:

Performance improvements achieved
Conversion or engagement improvements
Scalablility of applications
Industry relevance
Before-and-after results

Ask what challenges they solved and how.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring

Use these questions to assess expertise:

Technical

What technologies do you recommend and why?
How do you ensure performance and scalability?

Process

What is your development workflow?
How do you handle revisions and scope changes?

Security & Maintenance

How do you secure websites?
Do you offer ongoing maintenance and updates?

Business Alignment

How will this website support growth and conversions?
What metrics define success?

What to Look for When Hiring a Website Design Company

If you’re hiring an agency instead of an individual developer, evaluate their:

Strategic Approach

They should align design, development, and business goals.

Team Expertise

Look for specialists in UX, development, SEO, and integrations.

Process Transparency

Clear timelines, milestones, and deliverables reduce risk.

Post-Launch Support

Ongoing optimization and maintenance are essential.

Knowing what to look for when hiring a website design company ensures long-term value rather than a one-time project.

Common Red Flags to Avoid

Avoid developers or agencies that:

Cannot explain technical decisions clearly
Promise unrealistic timelines or pricing
Lack documented processes
Provide no maintenance or support plan
Have limited real-world project examples

These warning signs often lead to costly rebuilds.

Cost vs Value: Choosing the Right Partner

Choosing the cheapest option often results in higher long-term costs. A professional developer:

Builds scalable infrastructure
Prevents performance bottlenecks
Reduces future redevelopment expenses
Improves conversions and revenue

Companies such as Ohadtech focus on building growth-focused web applications that align technology with revenue outcomes.

Hiring Checklist: Quick Evaluation Guide

Before hiring, confirm the developer:

✔ Has proven technical expertise
✔ Understands UX, SEO, and performance
✔ Builds secure and scalable systems
✔ Communicates clearly and consistently
✔ Provides maintenance and support
✔ Aligns development with business goals

Final Thoughts

Knowing what to look for when hiring a web developer helps you avoid costly mistakes and build a website that supports long-term growth.

The right developer is not just a coder, they are a strategic partner who ensures your web application performs, scales, and converts.

Whether hiring locally, remotely, or through an agency, focus on expertise, process, communication, and business alignment. These factors determine whether your website becomes a competitive advantage or a technical liability.