The web development market is crowded. From schoolchildren who make websites for 1,000 UAH to premium studios with checks starting at $10,000. And the worst thing is that a nice package or a high price does not always guarantee quality.
Clients often come to me with pain:"The previous programmer disappeared after the advance payment", or"The website was created, but it takes 10 seconds to load and it's not on Google"To prevent you from becoming the hero of such a story, I have compiled a list of 10 awkward questions. Ask them to your contractor (freelancer or studio)BEFORE you transfer the advance payment.
10 questions to ask a developer before ordering a website
1What system (CMS) will the site run on?
Why is this important:Some studios develop websites using their own "self-written" systems (to tie you to them forever) or offer designers with a lifetime subscription fee (Wix, Tilda).
Correct answer:"We use popular open systems such as WordPress (WooCommerce) or OpenCart. You will be free to manage the site or change the contractor in the future."
2Who will the domain and hosting be registered to?
Why is this important:This is a matter of your ownership. A domain (website name) is virtual real estate. If a developer registers it with their passport or email, legally the site belongs to them, not you.
Correct answer:"We will help you register hosting and a domain with your passport details and your personal email. You will be the sole owner."
3Will the site be adapted for mobile devices?
Why is this important:In 2026, over 75% of traffic will come from smartphones. If there is no mobile version, or if you are asked to "pay extra" for it, it is unprofessional.
Correct answer:"Mobile adaptation is standard. It's included in the price by default."
4What basic SEO optimization is included in the price?
Why is this important:It's not enough to make a beautiful website. If the code inside is "dirty", there is no micro-markup (Schema) and Title/Description tags, Google simply won't see your website.
Correct answer:"We set up the correct H1-H3 heading structure, install an SEO plugin (e.g. Rank Math), generate a Sitemap, connect an SSL certificate, and set up basic micro-markup."
5What loading speed is expected (Core Web Vitals)?
Why is this important:If a site takes longer than 3 seconds to load, half of your customers will close the tab. Speed directly affects your sales.
Correct answer:"We optimize images (WebP format), configure caching, and minify code. The site will be in the "green" or confident "yellow" zone according to Google PageSpeed tests."
6Will you show real working projects?
Why is this important:Beautiful images in a portfolio on Behance are great. But you need to click on the live site, check how it works on your phone and how quickly the page loads.
Correct answer:The developer must provide links to 3-5 relevant sites that he has developed and that are currently online.
7What happens if I don't like the design?
Why is this important:Design is subjective. You need to know the limits of your edits so you don't end up paying extra for every "shifted pixel."
Correct answer:"We first approve the concept of the main page. The price includes 2-3 rounds of free edits. If the concept is categorically not suitable, we make another option or return the advance payment (according to the contract)."
8How will I add news or change prices?
Why is this important:You don't have to pay a developer 500 UAH every time you need to change your phone number or add a new photo to your portfolio.
Correct answer:"You will receive a convenient admin panel. After submitting the project, I will provide you with a short video instruction on how to edit texts, prices, and add articles yourself."
9What additional (hidden) costs await me?
Why is this important:Sometimes you are quoted a price for the "bare" code, and a separate bill is issued for transferring to hosting, purchasing premium plugins, or setting up security.
Correct answer:You should be clearly informed: X amount for turnkey work, Y amount for hosting/domain (payment to the provider), Z amount for plugin licenses (if needed).
10Is there warranty support after launch?
Why is this important:Bugs sometimes "pop up" a week after launch (for example, the form does not send emails to a certain email address).
Correct answer:"We provide free technical support and critical bug fixes within 1-3 months after project delivery."
🚩 Red flags: when to run away from a contractor
- They promise "TOP 1 in Google in a week."This is a lie. SEO takes 3 to 6 months of hard work.
- They can't explain the process.If they tell you, "just give us the money, we'll do everything ourselves," you'll get a pig in a poke.
- Price too low.A website for 1,000 UAH is a template downloaded from pirated sites with viruses that will never bring sales.
My approach to working at izum Studio
I have been working in the market for more than 10 years. My principle isfull transparencyYou always know what you are paying for.
- Sites are registered exclusively to you.
- We work on reliable and open WordPress.
- Basic SEO and mobile adaptation are already included in the price.
- I am recording video instructions for you on how to manage the site.
Looking for a reliable website development contractor? Write to me atTelegram @izumofor oninfo@izumof.in.uaWe will discuss your project and calculate the exact cost.
