5 QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE YOU PAY ANY WEB DEVELOPER
Hiring the wrong web developer is one of the most expensive mistakes a Kenyan business owner can make.
Not because developers are dishonest.
But because most clients do not know what to ask.
They see a portfolio.
They hear a price.
They say yes.
Then months later, they are stuck with:
❌ A broken website
❌ An unavailable developer
❌ No clear next steps
Before you pay anyone even a single shilling, ask these 5 questions:
1️⃣ Can I See Websites You Have Built That Are Still Live?
Do not accept screenshots or mockups.
Ask for real live websites you can open on your phone.
Then check:
✔ Speed
✔ Mobile responsiveness
✔ Ease of use
✔ Overall quality
A developer’s live work tells you far more than any proposal ever will.
2️⃣ Who Will Own the Website After It Is Completed?
This is a critical question many people forget to ask.
You need to clearly confirm:
✔ You own your domain
✔ You own your hosting
✔ You own your website files
Without ownership, you may end up dependent on the developer long-term for even small changes.
Always confirm ownership in writing before work begins.
3️⃣ What Happens After the Website Goes Live?
A website is not a one-time project.
Ask clearly:
✔ Who handles updates?
✔ Who fixes bugs?
✔ Is there ongoing support?
✔ Is maintenance included or separate?
You need to know what happens after launch, not just before it.
4️⃣ How Long Will It Take and What Is the Process?
A professional developer should clearly explain:
✔ Timeline
✔ Project stages
✔ Deliverables at each stage
✔ Approval process
If there is no clear structure, delays and confusion are almost guaranteed.
5️⃣ What Do I Need to Provide vs What Do You Handle?
Avoid misunderstandings by clearly defining responsibilities.
For example:
✔ Content (text)
✔ Images
✔ Logo
✔ Domain
✔ Hosting
Know exactly what is expected from you and what the developer will handle.
This alone prevents most project delays.
Here is the truth:
A good developer answers all five questions clearly and confidently.
A poor one avoids them or gives vague answers.
So before you pay anyone…
Ask the right questions first.
Because the quality of your website often depends on the quality of your questions.
© Bonnie Computer Hub
Empowering Through Technology
