Red Flags When Choosing Your Website Developer

Here are some red flags to watch out for when choosing your website developer:

🚩 Overpromising SEO magic
If a developer tells you they’ll guarantee #1 rankings just by adding pages or keyword stuffing, beware. SEO is about smart, consistent strategy — not tricks.

🚩 Relying on drag-and-drop builders or bloated themes
They tend to bloat your site with extra plugins and cookie-cutter designs that won’t help you stand out. Usually, it means the developer doesn’t really know how to code — though there are rare exceptions.

🚩 Lack of mobile optimization
More than half of web traffic is mobile. Your developer should prioritize mobile-first and accessible design.

🚩 No clear focus on site speed
Slow-loading sites lose visitors quickly. Google rewards fast, smooth performance — in fact, speed is the one factor that all top-performing websites share.

🚩 Poor communication and vague timelines
Good communication and clear timelines are essential for a smooth project. On the other hand you should beware of those that feel a little... too organized. You don't need 5 different websites and two-hundred "is this ok for the look?" check-ins for on-boarding or communicating with clients.

🚩 Below market pricing
Web development isn’t a ‘quick fix’ job — it’s a craft that requires coding, design expertise, an understanding of user psychology, clear writing, and years of hands-on experience. I’ve been building websites since I was a kid, starting with web design platforms in the late '90s and early 2000s and later diving into forums and custom designs. As I got older, my passion was rekindled, I formally studied it in college and learned from battle-hardened professors and developers online. That’s when I truly began to take a deep dive into programming, constantly honing my skills and learning new techniques.

So when you see a developer offering prices that seem too good to be true, it’s time to ask some hard questions:

• Are they up to date on current trends and best practices?
• Do they have the expertise to deliver quality work?
• Are they using store-bought templates and themes?
• Is this a side hustle for them, or are they fully committed to your business’s success?

If their prices are rock-bottom, you might be getting exactly what you pay for: a site that doesn’t meet modern standards, lacks real strategy, or just isn’t built with care. Your website is often your first impression. Don’t let a bargain developer risk that.

🚩 Overcomplicating your site
More pages don’t always mean better results. Focused, clear sites that convert outperform cluttered ones.

🚩 Claiming web-builders match hand-coded websites
Think about it: Can a microwave meal compete with a sous chef’s dinner?

Choosing the right developer is an investment. Avoid these red flags and get a website that truly works — fast, focused, and designed to convert.

Want help building a website that puts your business first? Let’s talk.