In short
Hiring a web developer is risky when you cannot judge the work, and unclear scope, ownership and support are where most disputes begin.
Ten direct questions about scope, ownership, timeline, SEO, mobile, support and pricing reveal whether a developer is reliable before you commit.
Before hiring a web developer in India, ask about scope, ownership, timeline, mobile and SEO work, support after launch and exactly what is included in the price. Clear answers are a good sign; vague ones are a warning.
Can I see work similar to mine?#
Ask for live sites, not just screenshots, and open them on your phone.
Who will actually work on my project?#
Find out whether you are dealing with the person who builds it or a sales contact passing work on.
What exactly is included in the price?#
Get pages, revisions, content, images, integrations and hosting written down. Our guide on website cost in India explains what drives price.
Who owns the website, domain and hosting?#
The answer should be you. Ask for source files and account access at handover.
How long will it take, and what do you need from me?#
A real plan lists milestones and what content or approvals they need from you, and when.
Will it work well on mobile and load quickly?#
Ask how they test mobile layouts and speed. Compare with our tips on loading faster.
How do you handle SEO?#
Basics include page titles, headings, clean URLs, image optimisation and sitemap. Be cautious of anyone guaranteeing rankings.
How will I update the site myself?#
You should be able to change simple content without a developer. Ask to see how.
What support do you offer after launch?#
Clarify bug fixes, updates, backups and response times, and whether they cost extra.
How do we communicate and handle changes?#
Agree on a channel, update rhythm and how extra requests are priced, so surprises are rare.
save this checklist
- Saw similar live work
- Scope and price in writing
- You own domain and hosting
- Timeline with milestones
- Post-launch support agreed
Final check#
Ask for the answers in writing. If you want to talk through a project, see how we work and get in touch.
- hiring
- web-development
- india
- small-business
Common questions
Should I hire a freelancer or an agency?
A freelancer or small studio offers direct contact and flexibility. An agency offers more people and process. Choose based on project size, and judge the work and communication, not the label.
How much does a website cost in India?
It depends on scope. Our guide on website cost in India breaks down what drives the price.
Who should own the website?
You should. Domain, hosting accounts and source files should be in your name or handed over at the end.
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