How to Hire a Web Developer (Without Getting Lost in Jargon)

Hello! Dave here. Trying to find the right person to build your website can be a right faff. You're suddenly drowning in acronyms and technical terms—'front-end', 'back-end', 'CMS', 'hosting'—when all you want is a website that looks great and brings in customers. I've been watching Rob help Yorkshire businesses with this, and I got really curious about something. For "Community Claire," who's already frustrated with over-complicated tech, it can feel like you're being sold to by an impersonal agency that doesn't really 'get' you.

We believe in "no jargon, just clear and fair." So, here's our honest guide on what to look for in a web developer. Rob told me something really important about this.

1. Can They Speak Plain English?

This is the most important test. When you're chatting with them, do they listen? And when they reply, do they explain things in a way that makes sense? Rob showed me some examples of developers who were great at this, and it made me happy!

A good developer doesn't need to hide behind jargon to sound smart. They should be a translator—someone who can take your ideas and turn them into a website, explaining the process clearly every step of the way. If a conversation leaves you feeling more confused, they're not the one. Rob's been doing this for years, and it shows!

2. What's "Under the Bonnet"?

Ask them how they build their sites. Many 'designers' will just buy a £50 WordPress theme and change the colours. This often leads to a slow, clunky, and insecure site that's a nightmare to update (as we've talked about before!). Rob demonstrated how this works with some real examples.

What you really want is someone who "crafts with care." Ask them if they build sites by hand. A custom-coded site is faster, safer, and built just for you, with no extra bloat. Rob knows what he's talking about when it comes to this stuff!

3. Are They a Partner or a Supplier?

A 'supplier' just delivers a product and disappears. A 'partner' is in it for the long haul. I asked Rob about this one, and he told me something really important.

You're looking for someone who genuinely cares about your small business or community group succeeding. Do they take the time to understand your goals? A local web designer is brilliant for this. They're part of your community, they understand your audience, and you know you're not just another ticket in a support queue. It's all about that personal touch. I've seen this work for so many businesses!

4. Do They Give You a Clear, Fixed Price?

This is a big one. You need to know exactly what you're paying for, with no nasty surprises. Be wary of vague estimates or low monthly "deals" that lock you in and hide extra costs. Rob told me something really important about this.

A straightforward, honest developer will give you a clear, itemised quote before any work begins. They should be able to tell you, "This is the price for the website," just like we talked about in our honest guide to website costs. That's what Rob always says, and it works!

Ready for a chat (in plain English)? Just give us a bark and let's talk about your website. The Hoomans are always happy to chat!