How to choose a web developer: a practical guide

Freelancer vs. agency

Both options have their advantages. The choice comes down to budget, complexity and preference.

A freelancer — ideal for small and medium projects. Direct communication, more accessible pricing, flexibility. The downside: one person, so capacity is limited.

An agency — a good fit for large projects or corporations. A dedicated team, standardised processes. The downside: higher prices, communication through a project manager, and sometimes a slower pace.

For most small and medium businesses in Moldova and Romania, an experienced freelancer is the best value for money.

WordPress or custom code?

WordPress is a good call when:

• You need to update content frequently
• The budget is limited
• You want an active blog
• You need standard functionality (a form, a gallery, a portfolio)

Custom code (Astro, Next.js, HTML/CSS) is better when:

• Performance is critical (PageSpeed 95+)
• You want a 100% unique design
• Security is a priority
• The site doesn’t need frequent content updates

What to ask before hiring

1. Do you have a portfolio? — Ask for examples of projects similar to yours.
2. Which technologies do you use? — Make sure they are modern and appropriate.
3. What does the price include? — Design, development, hosting, basic SEO?
4. How long will it take? — A presentation website: 2-4 weeks. Something complex: 1-3 months.
5. Do you offer post-launch support? — Bugs, updates, small changes.

Red flags

Watch out for:

• Suspiciously low prices (under €100 for a “professional” website)
• No portfolio and no references
• Promises like “page 1 on Google, guaranteed”
• Working exclusively with page builders (Elementor, Divi) with no knowledge of code
• No mention of performance, SEO or mobile

Conclusion

Pick someone who understands not just the code, but your business too. A good web developer doesn’t just build a website — they help you reach your business goals.