How to choose a freelance web developer
Choosing a freelance web developer comes down to 5 verifiable checks that filter out 90% of mismatches: portfolio with live sites, response time under 24 hours, a stack you can maintain later, transparent scope-based pricing, and an explicit post-launch support arrangement. Skip any one and you're gambling on the other four.
Can they show you 3 live sites they've built?
Ask for 3 live URLs, not screenshots or portfolio case studies. Click through them on mobile. Check if the sites are still up, loading fast, and looking professional. A developer who can't produce 3 live examples has either not shipped much or is hiding something. 10-year veterans usually have 20+ live references.
How fast do they respond to emails?
Send a specific question before signing anything. If the first reply takes more than 24 hours, assume worse during the project. Freelancers juggle multiple clients. Slow initial response almost always means slow project response. You need someone who replies within a working day for anything non-urgent.
What stack do they use and can someone else maintain it?
Ask exactly what framework, CMS, and hosting they will use. If they reply with jargon you don't understand, ask for a plain explanation. Stay away from proprietary custom frameworks. Stick to widely-used tools like Next.js, WordPress, Shopify, or Astro that other developers can pick up later.
Is their pricing based on scope, not hours?
Scope-based pricing means you agree on a fixed price for a clearly defined list of deliverables. Hour-based pricing creates incentive to work slowly. Flat pricing with a change-request process is always better for clients. Any developer who can't define scope upfront either doesn't know the work or plans to upsell.
What happens after launch?
Your site will need updates, security patches, and small fixes within the first 3 months. Ask what the post-launch arrangement is. Options: included support window (30 days), a monthly retainer (€100 to €500), or pay per hour. Beware developers who vanish after delivery. 40% of freelance-built sites go unmaintained within a year.
Frequently asked questions
Should I hire a freelancer or an agency?
Agencies suit large projects needing multiple specialists. Freelancers suit focused scope under €20,000 where you want one accountable person. A freelancer is typically 30 to 50% cheaper than an equivalent agency for comparable scope, with faster iteration cycles.
How long should a freelance website project take?
A simple 5-page business site takes 2 to 4 weeks. A full platform with custom features takes 8 to 16 weeks. If a freelancer promises 3 days for something that should take 3 weeks, they will cut quality. Realistic timelines are a quality signal.
What should a freelance developer contract include?
Scope of work, payment schedule (usually 30% upfront, 40% at midpoint, 30% at delivery), ownership of code and assets, revision count, post-launch support terms, and a kill fee. If none of this is written down, do not sign.
Can I trust a freelancer with my business data?
Ask for references from their last 2 clients and verify. Established freelancers pass data protection clauses and sign NDAs without issue. Anyone hesitant about simple legal protections is not someone to trust with customer data.
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