How to Find a Good Web Developer

Finding the right web developer can make the difference between a smooth project and a stressful one. Whether you're a designer looking for a technical partner or a business owner hiring for your first website, choosing wisely ensures your project gets done on time, on budget, and exactly how you envisioned it.

At STL Web Development, we've helped hundreds of small businesses and entrepreneurs turn ideas into clean, high-performing websites — and we know what separates a good developer from a great one.

1. Start with Trusted Recommendations

Referrals are often the best starting point. Ask colleagues or business partners who they've worked with successfully. Look for developers with proven experience in similar industries or project types.

When browsing portfolios:

• Review live projects rather than just screenshots.
• Look for fast-loading, mobile-friendly sites.
• Read descriptions of what the developer contributed — it shows depth of experience.

2. Prioritize Communication Skills

A good developer doesn't just code — they communicate. Pay attention to how clearly they explain technical details and how responsive they are to questions.

Ask early questions such as:

• "How do you handle revisions?"
• "What's your process for project updates?"
• "How do you manage feedback or change requests?"

You'll quickly see whether communication will be smooth or frustrating.

3. Start Small to Test the Fit

If possible, begin with a small project — a landing page, simple feature, or content update. This helps you gauge:

• Reliability and follow-through
• Responsiveness
• Problem-solving and initiative

Small successes are the best way to build trust before a major investment.

4. Discuss Budget and Scope Early

Be transparent about your expectations and limitations from day one. A professional developer should help you balance your goals with realistic costs.

Clarify:

• Your budget range
• Your timeline
• Any ongoing support or hosting needs

Cheaper isn't always better — quality development includes reliability, maintenance, and future scalability.

5. Use the Right Collaboration Tools

Organization keeps projects on track. Before starting, agree on how you'll communicate and share work.

Helpful tools include:

• Figma or Zeplin for design handoff
• Trello, Asana, or ClickUp for project tracking
• Slack or email for communication
• Google Drive or Notion for shared resources

A clear workflow prevents miscommunication and keeps everyone aligned.

6. Define Roles and Responsibilities

Before development begins, outline exactly who handles what. Who's responsible for:

• Hosting and domains
• SEO setup or analytics
• Content entry and images
• Post-launch updates

When everyone understands their role, projects move smoothly and stay within scope.

7. Trust Experience and Transparency

A trustworthy developer is upfront about their strengths, limitations, and process. Be cautious of anyone who guarantees "instant results" or extremely low pricing — that often leads to corner-cutting.

A good developer should:

• Offer real examples of past work
• Communicate clearly and consistently
• Provide honest timelines and expectations

8. Build a Long-Term Partnership

The best projects come from ongoing collaboration. Once you find a developer who understands your brand and workflow, stay connected. Long-term partnerships save time, reduce costs, and lead to stronger results over time.

Key Takeaways

• Ask for referrals and check live examples
• Test compatibility with a small project
• Communicate openly and often
• Set expectations for budget and deliverables
• Use organized collaboration tools
• Build a relationship, not just a transaction

Finding a great web developer isn't luck — it's about communication, trust, and alignment.

Work with STL Web Development

If you're looking for a reliable, local web development partner in the St. Louis area, we'd love to help. At STL Web Development, we create fast, modern websites that perform — and we make the process simple, transparent, and stress-free.

Ready to get started?

👉 Contact STL Web Development to schedule a free consultation today.