Table of Contents
Why Choosing the Right Web Developer Matters
Your website is your digital storefront. Choosing the wrong web developer in Patiala can result in wasted money, missed deadlines, poor quality work, and a website that doesn't convert visitors into customers.
The good news? With the right evaluation process, you can find a skilled, reliable developer who delivers quality work on time and within budget. This guide provides a proven checklist to make the right choice.
⚠️ Cost of Wrong Choice:
- Average lost investment: ₹10,000-30,000
- Wasted time: 2-6 months
- Missed business opportunities
- Damage to your brand reputation
- Need to start over with new developer
20-Point Web Developer Selection Checklist
✅ Technical Skills (Score: /25 points)
Uses current frameworks: React, Next.js, Vue.js (not outdated PHP/WordPress)
Designs for mobile first, ensures perfect mobile experience
Delivers fast websites (under 3 seconds load time, 90+ PageSpeed score)
Understands SEO basics: meta tags, sitemaps, schema markup, proper HTML structure
Implements SSL, secure forms, regular backups, follows security best practices
✅ Portfolio & Experience (Score: /20 points)
Shows 5+ similar projects to what you need
Portfolio sites look modern, professional, work smoothly
At least 3-5 years in web development
Can visit and test actual live client websites (not just screenshots)
✅ Communication & Process (Score: /20 points)
Responds within 24 hours to initial inquiry
Explains technical concepts simply, asks good questions about your needs
Has clear workflow: requirements → design → development → testing → launch
Commits to weekly progress updates and milestone reviews
✅ Pricing & Terms (Score: /15 points)
Provides detailed breakdown, no hidden costs
Milestone-based payments (not 100% upfront), typically 30-40-30%
Provides formal agreement with scope, timeline, deliverables, terms
✅ Support & Reliability (Score: /20 points)
Offers at least 1 month free support after launch
Based in Patiala or nearby, available for in-person meetings
Provides 2-3 references you can contact
Has positive Google reviews or testimonials (4+ stars)
Scoring Guide:
- 90-100 points: Excellent choice - hire confidently
- 70-89 points: Good choice - minor concerns to discuss
- 50-69 points: Risky - significant concerns
- Below 50: Avoid - too many red flags
🚩 10 Red Flags to Avoid
Run away if developer shows any of these:
-
1. Demands 100% Payment Upfront
Legitimate developers work on milestones. Never pay everything before work starts.
-
2. No Portfolio or Fake Screenshots
Can't show real, working websites. Claims "confidential clients" for everything.
-
3. Too Cheap to Be True
Offers complete website for ₹500-1500. Quality work costs minimum ₹2500-3000.
-
4. Unrealistic Timelines
Promises complete e-commerce site in 2-3 days. Quality takes time.
-
5. Poor Communication
Takes days to respond, doesn't answer questions clearly, always unavailable.
-
6. No Contract or Agreement
"Trust me, we don't need paperwork." Always get written terms.
-
7. Uses Outdated Technologies
Still building with old PHP, jQuery, or outdated WordPress themes.
-
8. Can't Explain Their Process
Vague about how they work, no clear timeline or milestones.
-
9. No Support After Launch
"Website done, we're finished." Vanishes after taking payment.
-
10. Negative Reviews or No Online Presence
Bad Google reviews, complaints about not delivering, no social media presence.
Essential Questions to Ask (Before Hiring)
About Their Work
- Can you show me 3 live websites similar to what I need?
- What technologies will you use and why?
- Will the website be mobile-responsive?
- What's the typical load time for your websites?
- Do you follow SEO best practices?
About Process & Timeline
- What's your development process?
- How long will my project take?
- How often will you provide updates?
- Can I see progress during development?
- What happens if the deadline is missed?
About Cost & Payment
- What's included in the quoted price?
- Are there any additional costs?
- What's your payment schedule?
- Do you offer a warranty or guarantee?
- What if I need changes after launch?
About Support
- What support do you provide after launch?
- How do I report bugs or issues?
- What's your typical response time?
- Do you offer training on managing the site?
- Can you provide 2-3 client references?
How to Evaluate Proposals
When comparing proposals from multiple developers:
| Factor | Weight | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Technical Skills | 30% | Modern tech, performance, SEO knowledge |
| Portfolio Quality | 25% | Similar projects, live sites, visual quality |
| Pricing & Value | 20% | Fair price, clear breakdown, included features |
| Communication | 15% | Response time, clarity, professionalism |
| Support & Reliability | 10% | Post-launch support, reviews, references |
💡 Pro Tip:
Don't automatically choose the cheapest option. A developer charging ₹5,000 who delivers on time and provides good support is better value than one charging ₹3,000 who misses deadlines, delivers poor quality, and vanishes after payment.
Making the Final Decision
After evaluating all candidates, make your decision based on:
- Trust Your Gut: If something feels off, it probably is. Choose someone you feel comfortable working with.
- Don't Rush: Take 2-3 days to evaluate proposals. Rushed decisions often lead to regrets.
- Verify Claims: Check their portfolio sites, call references, read reviews. Don't just trust what they say.
- Start Small: If unsure, start with a smaller project to test their work before committing to something bigger.
- Get Everything in Writing: Scope, timeline, cost, deliverables, payment terms, support - document everything.
✅ Recommended Choice for Patiala:
Based on this checklist, EaseBuilds scores 95/100:
- Uses modern tech (Next.js, React) - modern & fast
- Strong portfolio with 50+ live projects
- Transparent pricing from ₹2,999
- Local Patiala-based with office visits
- 1-3 months free support included
- Positive client reviews and references available
📞 Schedule consultation: +91 6283380110
Ready to Find Your Perfect Web Developer?
Use this checklist to evaluate developers. Or save time and work with our recommended choice!
Get Free ConsultationTags
Senior web developer with 8+ years experience building websites for Patiala businesses.
