1. Look at websites they've actually built
Ask for links to live websites, not just screenshots. Open them on your phone. Do they load quickly? Are they easy to use? Would you trust that business if you were a customer?
2. Make sure you'll own your domain
Your domain name (like yourbusiness.com.ng) should be registered in your name or your company's name. If the developer owns it, you can lose your website address if you fall out with them.
3. Get the price and what's included in writing
A good developer will tell you clearly:
- The total price and how payment is split
- How many pages and which features are included
- Whether the domain, hosting and email are included, and for how long
- How long it will take
- How many rounds of changes you get
4. Ask how they handle Google and mobile
Ask: “Will my website work well on phones?” and “Will you set it up so Google can find it?” A good developer will explain how they handle page speed, mobile design and basic SEO without confusing jargon.
5. Watch out for these red flags
- They can't show you any live websites they've built
- They promise a guaranteed #1 position on Google
- They won't put the price or scope in writing
- They want to register the domain in their own name
- They go quiet for days when you ask questions
6. Think about what happens after launch
Websites need small updates over time. Ask who you'll contact if something breaks and whether they offer maintenance. A developer who disappears after launch can cost you more in the long run.