We have all heard the horror stories.
"I paid €2,000 and he ghosted me."
"I can't access my own domain because the designer won't reply to emails."
"The site broke after a week and I have to pay to fix it."
Hiring a web developer is an investment of trust. You are handing over your brand's reputation to a stranger. Whether you are in Cork, Dublin, or Galway, the principles of hiring a reliable partner remain the same.
Here is how to spot the professionals, avoid the cowboys, and make sure you place that trust in the right person.
The #1 Red Flag: "I'll Buy the Domain for You"
Never allow a developer to do this.
Your domain name (yourbusiness.ie) is your digital property. It is as important as the deed to your house.
- The Trap: If the developer registers it in their name or their personal account, they legally own it.
- The Risk: If you have a disagreement later, they can hold your website hostage, redirect it to a blank page, or simply refuse to transfer it.
The Rule: You buy the domain yourself. It takes 5 minutes on Irish registrars like Blacknight or Hosting Ireland. You then give the developer technical access (DNS access) to connect the site. You remain the legal owner at all times.
5 Critical Questions to Ask Before Signing
1. "What happens if we break up?"
This is the uncomfortable question you must ask.
- The Professional Answer: "You own everything. I will give you a zip file of the code, database, and all credentials. You can take this to any other developer tomorrow and they can carry on the work."
- The Cowboy Answer: "Oh, the site only works on my proprietary platform," or "You are licensing the design from me." (Run away. This is a trap).
2. "Who is responsible for updates and security?"
Websites are not statues; they are living software. They need maintenance (especially WordPress).
Ask Specifically: "If the site gets hacked in 6 months, is fixing it included in the price?"
3. "Is Technical SEO included?"
Many developers just paste your text into a template and walk away. A pretty site that Google can't read is useless.
Ask: "Will you write the Meta Titles and Descriptions? Will you set up Google Search Console and submit the XML sitemap?"
4. "Can I see live examples (not screenshots)?"
Photoshop mockups always look perfect. Code is different. Ask for links to 3 sites they built in the last year and visit them on your phone.
- Do they load fast?
- Does the menu work correctly?
- Are there broken links?
5. "What is the payment schedule?"
- Standard Practice: 50% Upfront (Deposit), 50% on Completion (before go-live).
- Warning Sign: 100% upfront. This gives you zero leverage if the project drags on for months.
Agency vs. Freelancer vs. DIY: The Comparison
Who should you hire? It depends on your budget and your needs.
| Feature | The Big Agency | The Freelancer (Me) | The "Offshore" Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | €5,000 - €50,000+ | Starts from €599 | €200 - €500 |
| Team | Full team (Designer, Dev, PM) | One Expert Partner | Anonymous Worker |
| Communication | Professional, lots of meetings | Direct WhatsApp/Phone | Email only / Timezone lag |
| Speed | Slow (Weeks/Months) | Fast (Days/Weeks) | Variable |
| Quality | Excellent | Excellent | "Roulette" (Hit or Miss) |
My Promise to You
I operate on a simple principle: Transparency.
- You Own It: I build it, you own it. Code, content, domain, and hosting accounts are in your name.
- Dublin Based: I am right here in Ireland. You call me, I answer. No account managers, no jargon.
- No Hidden Fees: I explain hosting and maintenance costs in plain English before you sign anything.
Choosing a developer is about finding a long-term partner, not just a one-off vendor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Should I pay by the hour or a fixed price?
For a new website project, always agree on a Fixed Price. "Hourly" billing rewards slow work. A fixed price ensures you know exactly what the budget is, regardless of how long it takes the developer.
Do I need to write the content myself?
Usually, yes. A web developer builds the "house"; you provide the "furniture" (text and photos). However, I can recommend excellent Irish copywriters if you need help selling your story.
What is a "CMS" and do I need one?
CMS stands for Content Management System (like WordPress). It allows you to log in and edit text yourself. If you want to change your own prices or news, you absolutely need a CMS. Ensure your developer trains you on how to use it before they leave.
