How to choose a software developer for your business (without getting burned)

Hiring a software developer is one of those decisions that feels impossible to get right. The work is invisible until it's finished, the quotes are all over the place, and if it goes wrong you can be left with a half-built mess and a lighter bank account.

I've been on the other end of plenty of rescue jobs, so here's an honest, plain-English guide to choosing the right developer — whether you need a website, a web app, a mobile app, or custom software for your business.

What to look for in a good developer

Before you compare quotes, get clear on the things that actually matter:

• They ask about your business, not just your features. A good developer wants to understand the problem you're solving and the outcome you want — not just tick off a feature list.
• They explain things in plain English. If someone can't explain what they're building without burying you in jargon, that's a warning sign, not a sign of expertise.
• They give you a fixed, written scope. You should know what you're getting, when, and for how much — before any work starts.
• You'll own everything. The code, the accounts, the domain. No lock-in, no hostage situations.

The questions to ask before you hire

Bring these to your first conversation. The answers tell you almost everything:

1. Who will actually do the work? Sometimes the person you talk to isn't the person writing the code. Make sure you know who is.
2. What happens after launch? Software needs maintenance. Ask how support, fixes and updates are handled once it's live.
3. Do I own the code and the IP? The answer should be an immediate yes.
4. Can you show me something you've built? Real, working examples beat a polished sales pitch every time.
5. What's not included? Knowing the boundaries of the quote up front saves a nasty surprise later.

Red flags to walk away from

• A quote with no detail. A single number with no scope is a recipe for "that'll be extra" later.
• No interest in your goals. If they jump straight to tech without asking why, they're building blind.
• Pressure and urgency. Good developers are happy for you to take your time.
• The cheapest bid by a mile. Cheap rebuilds are some of my most common jobs. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. (More on that in how much a website actually costs.)

Freelancer, agency, or one experienced developer?

Each has a place. Agencies offer scale but add layers, cost and account managers between you and the work. Cheap freelancers can be hit and miss. The sweet spot for most small and medium businesses is one experienced developer who owns your project end to end — senior-level work, a direct line to the person building it, and someone who treats your project like their own.

It's also worth thinking about whether you need something built from scratch at all. Often the smartest, cheapest option is connecting tools you already use — which I cover in custom software vs off-the-shelf.

Does location matter?

Less than it used to. I'm based on a small farm in the Riverland, South Australia, and I work with clients right across the country over video calls and email. What matters far more than postcode is whether you can actually talk to your developer, understand them, and trust them to do what they say.

The simplest way to protect yourself

Start with a conversation, not a contract. A good developer will happily jump on a free call, listen to what you're trying to do, and give you honest advice — even if that advice is "you don't need to build this."

That's exactly how I work. Tell me what you're trying to build or fix, and I'll give you a straight answer and a clear plan.

Book a free discovery call →