These days, having a solid online presence is a must, no matter if you're running a small startup, a growing business, or a big enterprise. And let’s be real — hiring the right web developer is a game-changer. They make sure your website or app works smoothly, looks good, and gives users a great experience. But finding the perfect developer that checks all your boxes? Yeah, that can be a bit tricky.
Whether you're after a freelance web developer for a quick project or need a whole web development team for something bigger, it's more than just sifting through resumes. You have to think about their technical chops, how well they communicate, and if they fit with your team's vibe. If you're wondering how to outsource software development for startups, we'll guide you through the process. We’re here to walk you through everything you need to know about hiring web developers and point you to the best places to find them — from freelance platforms to web development companies.
A web developer is basically a person who makes websites and web apps work. They're the ones who build, maintain, and improve everything behind the scenes to make sure the site is not only functional but also looks good and is easy to use. Web developers can focus on the front-end (the visual stuff you see) or the back-end (all the techy stuff that makes it run smoothly). Some are even full-stack, meaning they dabble with both. If you're working on something that requires complex back-end functionality, you might want to hire a Python developer, as Python is a powerful language often used for web applications.
But web developers do more than just write code. They’re part of the bigger picture, working with designers, content creators, and project managers to make sure everything fits together seamlessly.
They also make sure websites work well on all kinds of devices and platforms. Plus, they handle things like performance, security, and making sure the site can handle growth. By understanding what the business and its users need, web developers create digital solutions that work now and can grow with the company in the future.
Whether it’s building a basic site or a more complex app, a web developer turns ideas into functional, interactive experiences. They’re the bridge between concept and reality.
If you're a business owner looking to hire a website developer or web designer, finding the right platform can save you time and resources. Below are five of the best websites where you can find skilled web developers to meet your project needs, whether you're working on a small website project or a large, complex web application.
Empat is a Ukraine-based company that’s all about creating products people truly care about. They don’t just offer web development services — they invest in your success. Empat is known for being flexible, whether you need web developers, web designers, or even a full development team. You can bring them on board full-time or part-time, depending on your needs.
What really sets Empat apart is how they prioritize empathy and communication. They take the time to understand your business and goals, ensuring they’re not just delivering code but helping you succeed in the long run. They’ve worked with clients across industries like finance, healthcare, and entertainment, so they know how to adapt to different needs. They deliver results among different industries and use tech-for-tech to keep their clients satisfied.
One of the best things about Empat? You can hand-pick the specialists you need for your project. Whether you’re looking for a full-stack developer to build something from scratch or a web designer to refresh your site, Empat makes the whole process seamless. Their dedicated teams integrate smoothly with your existing setup, providing high-quality work at a cost-effective rate.
Toptal is a platform known for connecting businesses with experienced tech freelancers. They have a rigorous vetting process that ensures only the top 3% of freelancers are listed, which can be helpful if you're seeking specialized web developers for specific web development projects. Typically, Toptal is used for medium-sized projects requiring a high level of technical expertise. They also offer full-stack development services if your project demands more comprehensive work.
However, one potential downside of hiring through freelance marketplaces like Toptal is that it may be challenging to predict the flexibility or reliability of a freelancer in terms of compensation or documentation. If you're looking for more control over how to hire remote developers, this unpredictability can be a concern. That said, Toptal offers client testimonials and past client feedback to help guide your hiring decision.
Gigster helps businesses by connecting them with development teams to tackle large and complex web applications. They offer full-stack development services, creating a custom team of developers, designers, and project managers specifically tailored to your project needs. This service works well for businesses with significant projects that involve mobile platforms or cloud services integration.
While Gigster provides a fully outsourced team for web development, this approach can limit flexibility if you need more direct control over your project or if you're looking for more personal interaction with individual team members. It's a structured service, which might not suit businesses preferring a more hands-on or adaptable approach. In this case you can look into Gigster alternatives.
Guru is another freelance marketplace that gives businesses access to a broad range of web developers and designers. With flexible pricing plans, businesses can choose freelancers based on their budget, making Guru a viable option for short-term or specialized tasks. The platform also helps to ensure clear project expectations through detailed contracts, helping teams manage their web development tasks efficiently.
The flexibility of Guru's pricing and freelance options can sometimes lead to varying quality levels in the talent pool. This means businesses may need to spend extra time sorting through candidates to find the right fit, especially for more complex projects. For instance, if you're looking to hire React Native developers, you might need to dig deeper to ensure the candidates have the specific expertise required for mobile app development.
Upwork is one of the largest freelance marketplaces globally, offering businesses access to a wide range of web developers and web designers. It’s versatile, catering to businesses of all sizes with flexible pricing plans that suit both small budgets and more significant projects. Upwork provides built-in tools for tracking project progress, managing payments, and maintaining communication between clients and the development team, making it easy to manage a variety of web development projects.
However, due to the size of the platform, the quality of talent on Upwork can vary significantly. While there are many skilled professionals available, businesses may need to sift through a large number of applicants to find the right fit. This is especially true if you're looking to hire mobile app developers, as the wide range of experience levels can make it harder to find someone with the specific skills you need. Additionally, the lack of a stringent vetting process means that you may encounter inconsistencies in professionalism or project delivery timelines.
Now that you’ve got a good idea of where to find web developers, the next step is figuring out how to hire one without getting overwhelmed. It can feel like a lot, especially trying to balance technical skills, personality, and ensuring they fit in with the rest of your team. Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered. Whether you're looking to hire for an established business or you're learning how to start a tech startup, here's a simple step-by-step guide to help you find the right web developer for your needs.
Before you start searching Google or jumping onto freelance sites, take a moment to think about what you need. Are you building a basic website, setting up an e-commerce store, or working on something more complicated like a web application?
Once you know what you're looking for, it’ll be a lot easier to find someone with the right skill set. For example, if your project involves both front-end and back-end work, you might want to hire a full stack developer who can handle both. Plus, it helps you figure out whether you need a freelancer to tackle some short-term tasks or if you need a team that’ll be working with you for the long haul. Having a clear idea of your project upfront saves you a lot of headaches down the line.
Next, get specific about what you're asking for. What kind of experience do you need this developer to have? Are there certain programming languages they absolutely need to know? For example, if you're working on CRM software development, you'll want someone familiar with building tools for managing customer relationships. And don’t forget to think about how this site or app will look on mobile devices.
Also, consider things like time zones and how much you’re willing to pay. Figure out if you need a full-stack developer who can do it all, or if you need someone to just focus on one part of the project. Having these details nailed down will make sure you're attracting the right type of talent.
Now comes the fun part — looking through resumes and portfolios. Whether you’re using Upwork, Empat, or Toptal, take your time and really dive into their past work. For instance, if you're looking to hire a front end developer, pay close attention to their portfolio to see how well they handle visual design and user interaction. A good portfolio will show off both their technical skills and creative side. Look for projects that are similar to what you need, and check out client reviews. These will give you a good sense of how they handle feedback, deadlines, and any unexpected issues that might come up.
Once you've got your shortlist, it’s time to talk to them. Ask about their experience with projects similar to yours, how they solve problems, and how they’ve handled tricky situations in the past. Also, don’t underestimate how important communication is. You want to make sure you can easily work with them, especially if they’re part of a larger team. Use the interview to get a feel for their vibe and whether they’d be a good fit with you and the rest of your crew.
If you want to be 100% sure of their skills, ask them to complete a small test project. It doesn’t have to be anything too crazy, just enough to see if they can walk the walk. This is your chance to really see how they work and whether they can deliver on what they say they can do. For example, if you're looking to hire a backend developer, you could test their ability to handle database interactions or server logic. Look for how they handle feedback and revisions too — it’ll give you a good idea of how the bigger project will go.
Now that you’ve evaluated all your options, it’s time to pick the developer that feels right for your business. It’s not just about their technical skills — make sure they fit in with your style and team dynamic too. Once you’ve made your decision, set up a clear contract that lays out everyone’s responsibilities, the timeline, and what needs to be delivered. And make sure you're both on the same page about how you’ll communicate, give feedback, and track progress. That way, everything will run smoothly, and there won't be any surprises.
While hiring a web developer can be overwhelming, there are ways to use a cheat code. Hiring a contractor like Empat will eliminate the burden of hiring a specialist. They handle all of the hiring procedures for you.
Hiring the right web developer can make or break the success of your website or web application. Whether you're looking for someone to build a new platform or maintain an existing one, it's crucial to identify key skills that align with your project needs. Here's a breakdown of the essential technical and soft skills to look for when hiring a web developer:
A web developer's technical expertise is the foundation of their ability to build efficient, functional websites and web applications. When you’re figuring out how to find a web developer, consider the most essential technical skills required in web development projects. Here are some must-have skills for hiring web developers:
HTML/CSS: These are the core building blocks for every web project. HTML creates the content structure, and CSS adds the visual style, making a website visually appealing. Any website developer or web designer needs to be fluent in these tools to create the web pages we see across the internet. They’re vital to every web development and web design company as they make up the essential elements of every site’s web presence.
JavaScript: JavaScript enables web developers to add interactive features, making websites dynamic and engaging. It’s behind every form, animation, and real-time update. For any business owner or small business looking to hire web developers, JavaScript expertise is a must for a truly interactive website project.
Responsive design: An essential skill for a good web developer is making websites responsive across mobile, tablet, and desktop devices. As web designers focus on the visual aspects, web development teams make sure sites are optimized for all screen sizes, which is essential for user experience and helps create a strong online presence.
Front-end frameworks: Talented web developers are familiar with frameworks like React, Angular, or Vue, allowing for more streamlined and maintainable interfaces. These frameworks are commonly used in web development services by web development companies handling complex web applications. Using frameworks keeps project requirements organized, which is helpful for full stack developers managing both front and back ends.
Back-end knowledge: For full stack development, back-end skills like Node.js, Python, PHP, or Ruby help developers manage server logic and database interactions. If you’re aiming to hire a web developer for a web development project that involves handling complex data or user logins, back-end knowledge is essential.
Database management: Knowing SQL and NoSQL databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, or MongoDB is key for handling data on any web project. Whether for a fully customized website or a basic e-commerce store, understanding databases is critical for website developers who are tasked with building web applications that involve constant data storage and retrieval.
Version control (Git): Git is an essential tool for web programmers to track code changes. It’s especially useful for large development teams or outsourced teams collaborating on multiple tasks. Version control helps maintain the project's progress and is important for any freelance web developer or freelance marketplace where teams frequently work together on client projects.
Testing and debugging: Good web developers are skilled in testing and debugging to keep projects secure, fast, and bug-free. Any web design company or web development team will prioritize this as part of the development process, helping clients build reliable platforms and ensuring client feedback is integrated smoothly.
APIs and integrations: Talented developers use APIs to connect a website with external services, adding features like social media integration, payment systems, or data fetching. Hiring web developers who know how to use APIs is crucial for creating a seamless experience for web applications that connect with third-party services.
SEO best practices: Familiarity with SEO best practices ensures a good web developer can build sites that are optimized for search engines like Google. This skill is essential for website development projects that need visibility and strong online presence. Whether for freelance developers or web development companies, SEO knowledge keeps web pages accessible and easily found, which is crucial for the tech industry and any business's success.
Mastering these specialized skills ensures web development teams can build websites that meet both the technical requirements and the client’s goals, making for a cost-effective solution in the hiring process for any business owner or tech startup looking to grow their web presence.
In addition to technical skills, web developers need strong soft skills to collaborate effectively and ensure smooth project execution:
Problem-solving: This is all about figuring out how to troubleshoot when something goes wrong, whether it's a bug in the code or a performance issue. Web developers need this skill every day, from fixing minor glitches to coming up with creative solutions for more complex problems. It’s what keeps a project moving forward when things don’t go as planned.
Attention to detail: It’s not just about making sure things work — it’s about making sure they work well. A developer with strong attention to detail ensures that every button, form, and element on a website functions perfectly and looks consistent. This is crucial for user experience because small mistakes can cause big problems down the road.
Communication: Web developers often work with people who don’t speak "tech." Being able to communicate clearly helps bridge the gap between what clients want and what’s technically feasible. It’s also key for collaborating with designers, content creators, and stakeholders to make sure everyone’s on the same page.
Time management: Deadlines are a big part of development. A good developer knows how to juggle multiple tasks, prioritize work, and meet deadlines, even in a fast-paced environment. This helps keep the project on track and ensures that everyone else can stay on schedule too.
Adaptability: Technology is always changing. Being adaptable means a developer is willing to learn new tools, frameworks, or programming languages as needed. It’s an essential skill for staying relevant in the industry and being able to handle evolving project requirements.
Teamwork: Building a website or application isn’t a one-person job. Web developers need to work smoothly with designers, project managers, and other developers. Teamwork makes it possible to collaborate on a shared vision, combining different skills to achieve the project’s goals.
Some additional skills can set a web developer apart, especially if you're looking for someone to take on more complex or specialized projects:
By focusing on these key skills, you can find a web developer who not only meets the technical requirements but also fits well with your team and project goals.
The cost of hiring a web developer varies based on their experience, location, and the complexity of your project. Freelancers might charge anywhere from $20 to $150 per hour, while agencies or dedicated professionals from companies like Empat may charge higher rates depending on the project's scale and requirements. The total cost for building a website can range from $1,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on the features and customizations needed.
Hiring the right web developer is a critical decision for any business looking to establish or expand their web presence. Whether you're seeking a freelance web developer for a short-term project or a dedicated development team for ongoing support, platforms like Empat, Upwork, and Toptal provide the top tech talent you need.
For a cost-effective solution that eliminates the burden of traditional hiring processes, consider Empat, which offers fully customized, flexible web development solutions tailored to your needs. Whether you need a team of developers or a single expert, Empat can provide the right web development services to take your project from concept to completion.
Ready to hire your next web developer? Contact Empat for all your web development needs.
To find a good web developer, start by identifying your project needs, such as the type of website or web application you want to build. Then, look for developers with a strong portfolio, relevant technical skills (like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, etc.), and good communication abilities. You can find web developers through platforms like Empat, Upwork, Toptal, and Guru, or through personal recommendations. Always review portfolios, conduct interviews, and test their technical knowledge before making a decision.
You can find a website developer by exploring freelance platforms such as Upwork, Guru, and Toptal, or by using specialized outsourcing companies like Empat, which helps businesses hire dedicated professionals. Other avenues include reaching out through professional networks, job boards, and referrals from trusted colleagues or friends.
The cost of hiring a web developer varies based on their experience, location, and the complexity of your project. Freelancers might charge anywhere from $20 to $150 per hour, while agencies or dedicated professionals from companies like Empat may charge higher rates depending on the project's scale and requirements. The total cost for building a website can range from $1,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on the features and customizations needed.
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