Building a website is a big investment in your brand. Whether you’re launching a new business, redesigning your current site, or expanding into eCommerce, asking the right questions can save you time, money, and frustration down the road.
Here are 15 important questions to ask your website developer before starting your project.
Downloadable Questionnaire to share with your developer: Click Here
1. What platform do you recommend and why?
Will your site be built on WordPress, Webflow, Shopify, or another platform? Your developer should recommend a CMS based on your needs (blogging, eCommerce, scalability, etc.), not just personal preference.
2. Will my website be fully responsive and mobile-friendly?
In 2025, over 60% of all web interactions are made from mobile devices. Make sure your developer follows mobile-first design principles.
3. How will the site be optimized for SEO?
A well-built website should be structured for search engines from the start—this includes clean code, fast load times, meta tags, image optimization, and proper heading hierarchy.
4. Who will own the domain and hosting?
You should always retain ownership of your domain name and hosting account. Ask your developer to set it up in your name.
5. What’s included in the price—and what’s not?
Clarify the full scope: does the cost include design, development, content population, SEO setup, training, or revisions? Get it in writing.
6. What’s your typical timeline for a project like this?
Understand how long each phase of the project will take and whether your timeline aligns with their availability.
7. Do you design custom sites or use templates?
There’s no wrong answer, but it affects cost, flexibility, and uniqueness. Custom sites offer more branding flexibility, while templates are often more affordable.
8. How many rounds of revisions are included?
Establish clear expectations for feedback and changes to avoid unexpected charges or delays.
9. Will my website be accessible (ADA compliant)?
Ask if they follow accessibility best practices like alt tags, keyboard navigation, color contrast, and screen reader compatibility.
10. How will content be handled?
Will you provide the copy and images, or will they help create or source it? Good content is just as critical as design. Wolfpaw Digital is highly experienced with creating both visual and written content at every step in the build process. We also work hand in hand with your personally selected team to confirm that your website captures best what you wish your clients to understand and interact with your business.
11. Can I easily update the site myself afterward?
Your site should be user-friendly enough for you to make basic edits. If needed, ask if they’ll provide a CMS tutorial or documentation.
12. What security measures will be in place?
SSL certificates, spam protection, and regular software updates are essential for protecting your site and your visitors.
13. What happens if something breaks after launch?
Ask about post-launch support, bug fixes, and how long they’ll be available for troubleshooting. We consider this to be of top importance and guarantee your site will be up and performing optimally.
14. Do you offer ongoing maintenance?
Some developers offer monthly care plans to handle backups, plugin updates, and performance checks. This can save you headaches long-term. Wolfpaw Digital offers monthly or annual affordable plans to ensure your site is performing at its best at all times.
15. Can you show me examples of past projects or client testimonials?
A reliable developer should have a portfolio of work and happy clients. This is one of the best indicators of what to expect.
Final Thoughts
Asking the right questions before hiring a web developer can prevent scope creep, miscommunication, and unmet expectations. The more clarity you have from the start, the smoother your website project will go.
Need a Developer Who Checks All These Boxes?
At Wolfpaw Digital, we specialize in custom, SEO-friendly websites that are responsive, fast, and easy to update.
Let’s talk about your next project!
