Hiring a web developer is a significant decision for any business. A website impacts visibility, credibility, and how easily potential customers can take the next step. While many business owners know to ask about pricing and timelines, fewer know the deeper questions that reveal whether a developer is truly thinking about the long-term health of the site.
The questions below go beyond surface-level details. They’re designed to help business owners understand how a developer approaches structure, usability, and visibility — and whether those considerations are built into the work from the start.
If you’re evaluating providers, these are some of the most important questions to ask your web developer before committing to a project.
How Will the Website Support My Business Goals?
A website isn’t just a design project but a business tool.
A strong developer should be able to explain how the site will support goals such as:
- generating inquiries
- improving visibility in search
- building trust with visitors
- making it easy for customers to take action
If the conversation focuses only on aesthetics or templates, that’s often a sign that strategy isn’t being considered.
How Will the Site Be Structured for Usability and Growth?
Structure matters more than most people realize.
This includes:
- clear navigation
- logical page hierarchy
- intuitive content organization
- room to grow as the business evolves
When structure is overlooked, websites often become cluttered, confusing, or difficult to update over time. Asking about structure reveals whether a developer is thinking beyond launch day.
How Is SEO Addressed During the Build?
SEO isn’t something that should be “added later.”
A thoughtful developer considers SEO foundations during the build itself, including:
- page structure
- headings and content hierarchy
- internal linking
- page speed considerations
When SEO is treated as an afterthought, it usually results in rework — or missed opportunities entirely.
How Will the Website Perform on Mobile Devices?
Mobile usability is critical, especially for service-based and local businesses.
Rather than asking whether a site is “mobile-friendly,” it’s more helpful to ask how the mobile experience is evaluated and tested. A well-built site should be easy to navigate, read, and interact with on smaller screens — not just resized to fit.
What Happens After the Website Launches?
Many business owners are surprised to learn that launch is only the beginning.
It’s worth asking:
- how updates are handled
- what ongoing support looks like
- how issues are addressed over time
- whether performance and usability are reviewed post-launch
Clear answers here indicate professionalism and long-term thinking.
How Are Design Decisions Made?
Design choices should be intentional, not arbitrary.
This includes decisions around:
- layout
- typography
- spacing
- visual hierarchy
Good developers can explain why certain design decisions are made and how they support clarity, readability, and user experience — rather than relying on trends or personal preference alone.
Why These Questions Matter
These questions aren’t meant to interrogate a developer but to clarify how thoughtfully your website will be built.
A professional web developer will already be considering these elements. In many cases, the answers reveal more through how they’re explained than the specifics themselves. Asking the right questions early helps prevent costly revisions later and ensures the website is strategically built to meet your business goals from the start.