2026-09-28 14:00 Marketing Articles

How to choose a website development contractor: criteria, red flags and questions

Choosing a web developer is a decision that affects sales for years to come. As we discussed in the article on the cost of a website, prices in Tashkent differ tenfold: from 500,000 soums with a freelancer to 50 million and up with large studios. And a bad website has to be rebuilt — meaning you pay twice.

Let's break down how to choose a contractor so the website sells rather than just exists: criteria, red flags and questions before you start.

Studio, freelancer or website builder

First decide on the type of contractor — each has its own logic:

Website builder (DIY). Cheap and fast for a simple landing page, but limited in capability and time-consuming.
Freelancer. Cheaper than a studio, suitable for simple tasks, but with risks around timelines, support and "disappearing".
Studio or agency. More expensive, but you get a team, processes, accountability and post-launch support.

The choice depends on the task and budget: for an online store or a site with integrations a lone freelancer is a risk, while for a simple landing page a large studio may be overkill.

Criteria for choosing a contractor

Portfolio. Real working websites, not just pretty pictures in a presentation. Open them, check speed and usability on a phone.
Focus on sales. Does the contractor think about conversion and leads, or only about "looking nice"? Structure sells, not decoration.
Mobile version and speed. Most traffic in Uzbekistan is mobile; a slow site loses both customers and Google rankings.
SEO and multilingualism. Whether basic optimisation and Russian and Uzbek versions are included.
Post-launch support. What happens to the site in a month: who edits, updates and helps.
Transparent estimate and timelines. It is clear what you pay for and when you get the result.

Red flags and questions before you start

Be wary if a contractor: quotes a price without asking about the task, does not show a portfolio, promises everything "in a couple of days and very cheap", never mentions the mobile version and SEO, or does not explain what happens with support.

Questions worth asking before the contract:

Will you show similar projects you have done?
What will the site be built on and will I be able to edit it later?
Are the mobile version, basic SEO and multilingualism included in the price?
Who owns the domain, hosting and access credentials?
What about support and edits after launch?
What are the timelines, what is included in the price and what is billed separately?

The question about the domain and access is underrated but critical: they should belong to you, not the contractor.

Conclusion

A good website is an investment in sales, not a line of expenses. Choose a contractor by a real portfolio, a focus on conversion, the mobile version and speed — not by the lowest price. A cheap website that brings no leads ends up more expensive: you pay first for the build, then for the rebuild.

And be sure to check that the domain, hosting and access credentials stay with you. You can discuss the task and get a transparent estimate from our team: web development at What I.F.

Frequently asked questions

Which is better — a freelancer or a studio?
It depends on the task. For a simple landing page a freelancer will do; for a store or a site with integrations a studio with a team, processes and support is safer.

What should you look at in a developer's portfolio?
Open real websites, check speed and usability on a phone, and whether the contractor thinks about sales and structure, not just appearance.

Why does it matter who owns the domain?
The domain, hosting and access should be registered to you. Otherwise, in a dispute with the contractor, you risk losing control of your own website.

Igor Fedorov