Hiring a website developer can either make your business launch easier or turn a simple project into months of frustration. I have learned that the biggest mistake is focusing only on how much the developer charges. The better question is whether the person actually understands what you need, what they are promising to deliver and when you can expect the finished website.

Before discussing colours, layouts or fancy features, I would start with the most basic question: “Have you built websites similar to what I need before?” A developer's experience should match the type of website being requested. Someone who mainly creates simple business websites may not be the right choice for a complex online store, booking platform or membership website.

I also want to see actual examples of previous work. A portfolio tells me much more than a long list of claims. Looking at previous projects gives me an idea of the developer's design style, attention to detail, mobile responsiveness and ability to create something that feels appropriate for a real business.

The next question is about the scope: “Exactly what will you deliver?”

This is where many misunderstandings begin. A quotation might simply say “professional website” without explaining what that means. How many pages are included? Will the site work properly on phones? Are contact forms included? Is basic SEO part of the project? What happens if something needs to be changed?

I prefer having those details written down before work starts. For businesses considering a rapid project, understanding what a 72-hour website package includes can also help when discussing deliverables with a developer.

Another important question is: “How long will the project actually take?”

There is a major difference between a developer saying they will start next week and giving a clear completion target. If time matters to the business, the expected finish date should be discussed before payment.

A properly organised project can have a very different timeline from the traditional website process. A 72-hour website, for example, is built around a specific objective: the agreed professional website is completed and ready within 72 hours. Can you really build a professional website in 72 hours? is worth reading if you are comparing a rapid development process with a longer traditional approach.

I would also ask, “What do you need from me before you begin?”

This question is easy to overlook, but it can determine whether the project moves smoothly. If the developer needs a logo, photographs, service descriptions, company information, contact details and other materials, knowing that in advance gives the business owner time to prepare everything.

A 72-hour completion target becomes much easier to manage when the required materials are already available. What you need to provide to get your website in 72 hours explains the preparation side of a fast website project.

Then comes the money.

Instead of asking only, “How much is the website?”, I think a better question is, “What exactly is included in that price?”

A developer might quote a low amount and later charge separately for additional pages, revisions, hosting, integrations or other requirements. Another might provide a more complete package from the beginning. Without knowing the details, comparing the two prices does not tell you much.

For anyone considering a 72-hour build, how much does a website built in 72 hours cost can provide useful context before discussing a budget.

There is also the question of design. “Will the website be customised for my business, or am I getting a standard template?” is something I would want answered clearly.

Using an existing framework does not automatically make a website poor. What matters is whether the finished site represents the business properly and gives visitors a professional experience. At the same time, some businesses may genuinely require more extensive customisation. Are 72-hour websites custom designed? explores this difference in greater detail.

One question that can save a lot of trouble later is: “How many revisions are included?”

Nobody wants to discover after the first design review that every small adjustment comes with another bill. At the same time, unlimited changes can make a project drag on indefinitely. A clear revision policy gives everyone a better understanding of what happens when the first version is presented.

I would also ask who owns the website after completion. Will the business have access to its domain, hosting account and website administration? Can the owner update basic information later? What happens if the relationship with the developer ends?

These details may seem less exciting than choosing a homepage design, but they matter considerably once the website becomes part of the business.

The developer should also be able to explain how the website will be made ready for customers. A beautiful design that is difficult to navigate or performs poorly on mobile devices is not much use to a business. The website should make it easy for visitors to understand what the company offers and take the next step.

For businesses that need an online presence without waiting through a lengthy development cycle, how to build an online presence for your business quickly provides another useful perspective.

Finally, I would ask one question that brings everything together: “What happens after the website is completed?”

Will there be support if something stops working? Are future updates available? Is maintenance included or charged separately? Knowing the answer prevents the common situation where a business receives a website and is then left unsure about what to do next.

The right questions do not need to make the hiring process complicated. They simply help remove uncertainty before money changes hands. A good website project should have a clear purpose, defined deliverables, an understandable price and a realistic completion timeline.

For a business choosing a 72-hour website service, the completion goal should be equally straightforward: the agreed website should be completed and ready within 72 hours, provided the agreed requirements and materials are supplied for the project.

If you are ready to discuss your website requirements and want clear answers before starting, Auxi Sherpa can help you understand what your project needs.