Hiring a freelance developer might seem like the easiest step toward launching your business website, but it’s far more complex than picking someone from a list. Your website isn’t just a digital address—it’s a vital piece of your business strategy. Get it wrong, and you risk wasting time, money, and opportunities.
Before you dive in, ask yourself: are you truly ready for this step? This article will help you rethink your approach, explore what you need to prepare, and ensure your chosen developer aligns with your business goals. Let’s make sure you build a website—and a business—that succeeds.
What Are You Actually After?
Before you hire a freelance developer, ask yourself a fundamental question: What do you really need from your website? A website isn’t just about design or functionality; it’s a tool to achieve your business goals. Start by defining those goals clearly. For example, are you launching a simple MVP landing page to validate an idea and capture leads, or are you building a full business website that serves as a hub for branding, marketing, and long-term growth?
Think of it this way: you wouldn’t buy a drill bit unless you knew what kind of hole you needed—or what shelf you planned to hang. Your website should serve a larger purpose, whether that’s driving sales, building authority, or supporting customer engagement. Here’s a quick checklist to clarify your needs:
- What is the primary purpose of your website? (e.g., lead generation, e-commerce, or portfolio showcase)
- What specific features will support that purpose? (e.g., contact forms, blog sections, or product pages)
- How does your website align with your long-term business goals?
Without this clarity, you risk investing in something that looks great but doesn’t deliver results. To ensure your website is more than just a digital placeholder, consider engaging with tools like Founderli’s Idea Tester, which helps validate your business goals before you commit to development.
Do You Know Everything You Need To?
Starting a website project without the right groundwork is like building a house on shaky foundations—it’s a recipe for failure. Before you hire a freelance developer, you need to ensure that every critical piece of your business is in place.
This includes having a validated business idea, a clear unique selling proposition (USP), and a defined value proposition. These elements not only clarify your vision but also ensure your website serves as a strategic extension of your business.
Your preparation doesn’t stop there. A comprehensive business strategy is essential to guide your project, as is full branding—complete with a memorable logo, cohesive visual identity, and consistent tone of voice. Without these, your website risks feeling generic or disjointed. Additionally, a solid marketing plan is non-negotiable. You need to know your target audience, their preferences, and how you’ll attract them with campaigns that resonate.
Skipping these steps can lead to poor outcomes, costly revisions, or even outright failure to meet your goals. Avoid the trap of rushing ahead unprepared. For those needing support, Founderli's Full Launch Services offer a structured approach to align these foundational elements, ensuring your website—and your business—are built to succeed.
Does the Developer Know What You Need?
When it comes to working with a freelance developer, clear communication is your most valuable tool. Without a detailed brief, even the most skilled developer can miss the mark, resulting in a website that doesn’t meet your needs.
A strong brief serves as a roadmap, outlining your business goals, design preferences, technical requirements, and key features. For example, if your website needs an e-commerce component, be explicit about product categories, payment gateways, and user experiences.
But preparation doesn’t end with the brief—it extends to the vetting process. Start by thoroughly reviewing portfolios and case studies to evaluate a developer’s experience and expertise. Look for projects in similar industries or on a comparable scale to ensure their skills align with your requirements. During consultations, ask targeted questions:
- Can they work within your timeline?
- How do they handle unforeseen challenges?
- What are their approaches to SEO optimisation and responsive design?
Ultimately, the success of your project hinges on finding a developer who understands your vision and has the capability to bring it to life.
Summary
Hiring a freelance developer is more than a technical decision—it’s a strategic one. This guide has highlighted the importance of defining your website’s goals, preparing the foundational elements of your business, and communicating clearly with your chosen developer.
By addressing these key steps, you’ll ensure your website aligns with your long-term business vision. Ready to take the next step? Explore Founderli’s tools and services to streamline your journey and build a website that delivers results.
Kieran Audsley
Founderli CEO, Founder
