Guide · Updated November 2026
How to choose
a web developer in Melbourne
The right developer makes a website or system easy; the wrong one makes it expensive twice. These are the questions we would ask if we were hiring, and the warning signs we see when businesses come to us to fix a project.
In short
Choose a developer who has built something close to what you need, can show it live, explains clearly what is and isn’t included in a fixed price, and will be around to support it after launch. Compare what each quote includes, not just the total.
Questions to ask every developer
- Can you show live projects like ours, and what did you do on each?
- Is the design custom, or a theme we could buy ourselves?
- Which platform do you recommend, and why for us?
- What exactly is included in the price, and what costs extra?
- Who owns the site, the code and the accounts at the end?
- How do you protect our Google rankings if we are replacing a site?
- How will our CRM, accounting or booking systems connect?
- What does support cost after launch, and how fast do you respond?
Red flags
Guaranteed rankings
Nobody controls Google’s rankings. Promises of “page one in 30 days” usually mean shortcuts that hurt you later.
No live work
Screenshots only, or projects you can’t find online, make it hard to check quality.
You won’t own it
Some providers keep the domain, hosting or code. Make ownership part of the agreement.
Vague scope
A single line item for “website” leads to disputes. Ask for templates, features and integrations to be listed.
No plan for content
If nobody owns copy and images, launches slip for months.
No support plan
Sites need updates and security patches. Ask who does them and what it costs.
Freelancer, studio or large agency?
Freelancers are often the cheapest and best for small, simple sites. Large agencies bring big teams and big overheads. A senior studio sits between: one team for strategy, design and development, with direct access to the people doing the work. Whichever you choose, match the provider to the size and risk of the project.
Budgeting? Read how much a website costs in Australia or what custom software costs.
More questions about choosing a developer
Should I hire a freelancer or an agency?
A freelancer suits a small, well-defined site. An agency or studio suits projects that need strategy, design, development and integrations together, or ongoing support when one person is unavailable.
What should I have ready before talking to developers?
Your goals, a rough budget range, examples of sites you like, the systems the site must connect to, and who will supply content. A clear brief gets you comparable quotes.
How do I check a developer’s experience?
Ask for live projects similar to yours, what they did on each, and a client you can speak to. Check the sites load fast on your phone and that the developer can explain how they would handle your integrations.
Do I need a Melbourne developer?
Not necessarily, but a local team makes workshops, reviews and support easier, and understands Australian payment, shipping and accounting systems.
Talk to us about your project
Tell us what you need and we’ll tell you honestly whether we’re the right fit. We reply within one business day.
- Call me1300 533 604
- Email memail@massamedia.com
- Visit the studio425 Smith Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065 ↗