Choose a developer by examining how they work as well as what their portfolio looks like. A screenshot can demonstrate visual direction, but it cannot establish who built every part, how the system performs or whether the client owns the necessary accounts.

Ask what the example represents

For each relevant project, ask whether it is a live production site, a public preview or an interface study. Clarify the developer's role, the version shown and which outcomes were measured. A client's current website may have changed after a handover, so a live link and an archived capture can show different work.

Our NORDflam project and other selected projects provide interfaces and scope to discuss. They should be assessed as evidence of the described work, not as an implied endorsement from every brand or a guarantee of business results.

Ask for a written scope

  • What content and assets must you supply?
  • Which pages, workflows and integrations are included?
  • How are revisions, approvals and change requests handled?
  • What tests determine whether the work is ready to launch?
  • Which recurring charges and support responsibilities remain afterward?

For a redesign, ask how useful existing URLs and content will be handled. For ecommerce, ask about real test orders and failure scenarios. For a custom application, ask about permissions, backups and deployment ownership.

Keep control of the essentials

Agree ownership of the domain, hosting, source code and third-party accounts. Ask what documentation and training accompany the handover. A supplier should explain what another competent developer would need to continue the work.

Look for clear answers about limitations as well as capabilities. Guaranteed rankings, unsupported revenue claims or unexplained ownership restrictions deserve further questions.

Compare like for like

Use the budgeting guide to separate scope from price. Then discuss your most important customer journey with the person responsible for delivery. You can meet Pixaloom and review our website design process before deciding whether the studio is a fit.