How to choose a good web developer?

Find the right partner for your website without wasting time or money

Anyone can promise to create a website.
Creating a reliable, fast, optimized, and profitable site is another story.

If you're looking for a web developer for your project, you've probably come across dozens of different profiles: freelancers, agencies, platforms, juniors, seniors... at all price ranges.
But how do you know who is genuinely good—and most importantly, the right fit for your needs?

Here is a clear method to filter, ask the right questions, and choose a web developer who will help you achieve your goals.

1. Web Developer: What are we really talking about?

A web developer designs, builds, and launches websites or web applications.
But beware: not all do the same thing.

• Front-end: They handle the visible part of the site (design, structure, interactions).

• Back-end: They develop server-side functions (database, business logic).

• Fullstack: They do both, from A to Z.

Some are also UX/UI designers, others are not. Some manage SEO, others do not. Some deliver a turnkey site, while others stop at the code.

You get it: “web developer” is a generic term. Before choosing, precisely define what you expect.

2. A Good Web Developer Does More Than Code

The best developers don't just code.
They understand your business objectives, target audience, and constraints. And they translate that into a coherent, fast, reliable, and scalable site.

Here are the qualities to look for:

• Clarity in communication: A good developer can explain simply what they do.

• Work methodology: audit, plan, mockups, tests, follow-up. No improvisation.

• Global vision: design, technical, SEO, performance. Not just an executor.

• Autonomy: They take initiatives and save you time.

• Reliability: They meet deadlines, document their work, and remain available after delivery.

3. How to Evaluate a Web Developer Before Signing?

Here are 5 concrete elements to check:

1. Their Portfolio

Look at their past projects. Are they clear, well-built, fast? Do you like the style? Have they worked on similar projects to yours?

2. Client Feedback

Authentic, precise testimonials that speak of concrete results. Avoid the “great experience, very nice” comments.

3. Their Methodology

Ask how they work. Do they conduct a brief? Do they involve you in decision-making? Do they propose a testing phase?

4. Additional Skills

A site is useless if it's invisible. A good developer understands SEO, responsiveness, accessibility, and performance. Even if they don't do everything themselves, they master the basics.

5. The Human Connection

You will collaborate for several weeks. Is the chemistry good? Do they really listen to you? Do they ask pertinent questions? Technical skills can be learned. Professionalism cannot.

4. Freelancer or Agency: Which to Choose?

The Agency:

• Larger force

• Multidisciplinary
  – High costs
  – Communication often diluted
  – Lack of flexibility for small projects

The Freelancer:

• Single point of contact

• Responsiveness

• Often more fair pricing
  – Depends on availability
  – Requires strong autonomy

My advice: for a showcase site, a simple e-commerce or a redesign, an experienced freelance developer is often the most pertinent choice.

5. What You Must Avoid at All Costs

• Profiles that say “yes” to everything without asking questions

• Vague estimates, without detail or framing

• Service providers that are unreachable 2 weeks after delivery

• Developers who ignore SEO or mobile

• Prices that are too low to be credible

A good site is an investment. Not a bargain expenditure.

Conclusion: Choosing a Web Developer is Choosing a Partner

A web developer doesn't just deliver code. They build the technical foundation of your online presence. It's a strategic partnership.
Take the time to choose carefully.

If you're looking for an independent web developer capable of managing a project from A to Z—design, development, SEO, optimization, follow-up—I can assist you.

Tell me about your project →