When businesses come to us at Vibrandt Websites, we hear the same frustrations over and over again:
๐ฉ “Our web developer disappeared after launch.”
๐ฉ “They took our money and now we canโt get a response.”
๐ฉ “The website looks nice, but it doesnโt actually work.”
๐ฉ “Nothing moves forward unless we chase them down.”
Sound familiar? Youโre not alone.
Hiring the wrong web developer can be a costly mistake. Whether they ghost you, delay the project indefinitely, or fail to deliver a site that actually functions, a bad developer can leave you feeling stuck and frustrated.
Here are some red flags to watch for when hiring a web developer so you can avoid the frustration and get the website (and support) you actually need.
๐ฉ Red Flags of a Bad Web Developer
1. They Disappear After Launch (or Offer No Support)
Many developers are only focused on the big-ticket invoice from the initial build. Once the project is done, they disappearโno follow-up, no ongoing support, and no one to call when something breaks. A website is not a one-and-done projectโit requires updates, maintenance, and troubleshooting over time.
๐น What to Look For: Before hiring a developer, ask about post-launch support and how they handle maintenance. A reliable developer will offer a clear plan for ongoing support, hosting, and troubleshooting after the site goes live.
2. They Donโt Specialize in Web
Many agencies “offer” web development as part of a larger service package, but it’s not their specialty. If your website is just an add-on to their SEO, branding, or marketing services, you wonโt get deep expertise.
๐น What to Look For: Choose a developer or agency that focuses on web development, rather than one that treats it as an afterthought.
3. They Wonโt Take Initiative
Some developers refuse to keep projects moving. They wait for you to provide every last detail instead of helping guide the process, leading to endless delays.
๐น What to Look For: A great developer should be proactive, guiding you through the process and keeping the project on track.
4. They Overpromise and Underdeliver
They tell you the site will be done in two weeks, but two months later, you’re still waiting. If deadlines keep getting pushed with vague excuses, itโs a sign of poor project management.
๐น What to Look For: A developer should provide clear timelines and expectations before the project begins, with regular updates along the way.
5. The Site Looks Greatโฆ But Doesnโt Work
A bad developer focuses only on aesthetics and ignores performance, speed, mobile responsiveness, and functionality. The result? A pretty site thatโs slow, glitchy, or unusable.
๐น What to Look For: Ask about site performance, loading speed, mobile-friendliness, and user experienceโnot just the design.
6. The Back End Is a Mess
If updating your website is confusing, requires a developer for every tiny change, or is overloaded with unnecessary plugins, it’s a sign of poor craftsmanship.
๐น What to Look For: Your website should have a clean, well-structured backend that allows you to easily make edits when needed.
7. They Donโt Ask Questions
A bad developer just builds what you tell themโwithout asking about your business goals, audience, or functionality needs.
๐น What to Look For: A strong developer will ask the right questions and build a site that actually aligns with your business objectives.
How to Find a Developer Who Wonโt Let You Down
Finding the right web developer isnโt just about skillโitโs about accountability, communication, and long-term support.
If youโve been burned before, you know how important it is to work with someone who understands your business, follows through, and builds a site that actually works.
A great developer will:
โ๏ธ Communicate clearly and provide regular updates.
โ๏ธ Guide the project rather than waiting on you for everything.
โ๏ธ Deliver a site thatโs functional, fast, and user-friendly.
โ๏ธ Offer support after launch to keep things running smoothly.
Your website is an investment. Choosing the right developer makes all the difference in whether that investment pays offโor becomes a frustrating, expensive mistake.
