How to find a good-fit web partner

Looking for a new website partner to develop and/or support your web-based projects? Whether you're a multinational corporation or a small business, choosing the right web partner is crucial. The wrong choice can lead to delays, added costs, and endless frustrations, while the right partner can bring your vision to life and provide the ongoing support your team needs to build, manage, and scale your online presence. Here’s a practical guide to help you make the right choice.

1. Start with Goals, Not Budget

Your budget is important, but don’t start there. The focus should be on what you want to achieve with your website. Think about the purpose, the goals, and the value it will bring to your business. A good partner will deliver a return on investment by aligning with what’s most important to you—whether it’s customer engagement, lead generation, or an innovative user experience. Aim to define these priorities before discussing costs.

2. Identify What Matters Most

Before you start shortlisting, consider the qualities that are non-negotiable for you in a web partner. Do you need specific skills, industry experience, a collaborative approach, or a focus on post-launch support? Maybe you value a track record with similar projects, a solid reputation, or even just the assurance that they’re a good cultural fit.

Tip: Write down your ideal partner qualities and rank them. This will help guide your search.

3. Clarify Your Technical Needs

Your website requirements might go far beyond content pages. Will it need e-commerce capabilities, member portals, integrations with other systems, or complex forms? Are there future scaling needs you should consider? Defining these technical needs early will help you find a developer with the right expertise and avoid any surprises down the line.

Action: Make a checklist of specific functionalities and integrations you expect for your website.

4. Choose the Right Content Management System (CMS)

If you’re fixed on a particular CMS (like WordPress, Drupal, or Craft CMS), ensure your developer has experience with it. However, if you’re open to options, allow potential partners to recommend a CMS that best fits your goals. A capable web partner can guide you through CMS choices, balancing ease of use, scalability, and functionality. Migrating platforms may be more cost-effective and beneficial in the long run, so don't be wedded to your current CMS. 

5. Consider Hosting and Hosting Support

Depending on your organisational needs, hosting may or may not be a major consideration. If your business has specific hosting requirements around governance, data location, or security, be sure to clarify these with potential partners from the start. Some web developers manage hosting, while others may work with third-party providers.

6. Web Specialist or Full-Service Agency?

Do you need a dedicated web specialist, or would a full-service digital agency be a better fit? Many creative agencies offer branding, marketing, and web development, but may outsource technical work. A dedicated web developer, on the other hand, will often have deep expertise in building custom solutions. Consider your needs, but remember that web specialists often work well with other agencies if you need a combined approach.

7. Shortlist Smartly

Ask around for referrals or look at the credits on websites that impress you. Explore each candidate's portfolio to assess their quality and the diversity of their work. Make a shortlist of developers who meet your “must-have” criteria. At this stage, you’re only looking at the surface, so don’t dive into specifics just yet—that’s for later.

8. Start with a Conversation

Your goal is a long-term partnership, so start with a chat to gauge compatibility. Be upfront about your goals, your current website, and why you’re looking for a new partner. This isn’t the time for a detailed breakdown; it’s about seeing if there’s a good fit and if they’re interested in working with you.

When you’re ready to discuss budget, be open and transparent. Mention your comfort range and listen to their feedback on what’s possible. Keep in mind that a “ballpark” estimate over the phone isn’t a fixed quote but should give you a realistic sense of alignment.

9. Schedule a Meeting

A face-to-face or virtual meeting lets you dig deeper into their process, expertise, and support structure. This is where you can discuss their project management methods, approach to design and development, and ongoing support options. If the budget was discussed on the call, check if it still seems realistic now that they have more context.

10. Request a Proposal

When you're ready, ask for a proposal. Some businesses opt for a formal Request for Proposal (RFP), while others prefer a simpler approach. Compare proposals based on their approach, level of detail, and alignment with your project needs. You don’t necessarily need multiple quotes if you’re confident in one provider, but organisational policies may require it.

11. Think Long-Term: Plan for Ongoing Support and Maintenance

A website isn’t “done” once it’s launched—it’s a long-term investment that requires ongoing updates, security patches, and new feature developments. Ensure your partner offers a plan for support, maintenance, and improvements. This ongoing partnership will help keep your website relevant and effective.

Final Thoughts

If your project is complex, consider breaking it into phases. This allows you to test the waters with your chosen partner and see how they handle each stage before committing long-term. Starting small also helps reduce risk and provides flexibility as your project evolves.

A good web developer will deliver a high-quality product that meets your needs today and scales with you tomorrow. By focusing on value, purpose, and long-term partnership, you’re far more likely to find a web partner who is a perfect fit for your business.