HOW TO CHOOSE A WEB DEVELOPER IN SOUTH AFRICA
Anyone can call themselves a web developer. Here's what actually separates someone who'll deliver a site that performs from someone who'll hand you a slow template and disappear after launch.
Check real, live sites — not screenshots
Ask for links to three sites they've built that are currently live, and open them on your phone. Screenshots in a portfolio can hide a slow, broken, or since-abandoned site. Run each through Google PageSpeed Insights (free) — a score consistently under 70 on mobile is a red flag for a developer who prioritises visuals over performance.
Ask what happens after launch
Who owns the domain and hosting account — you, or them? Can you get full access and move to another developer later if needed? A developer who keeps your domain or hosting locked to their own account is a serious risk — you should own your own assets outright.
Ask specifically about SEO, not just design
'Do you include SEO' isn't specific enough — ask what that actually means: proper metadata, schema markup, mobile optimisation, page speed work, and a Google Business Profile setup. A developer who can't answer specifically is likely reselling a template with no real SEO work behind it.
Compare quotes on scope, not just price
A quote for R1,500 and a quote for R8,000 aren't the same product. Ask exactly what's included: number of pages, mobile optimisation, SEO setup, revisions, hosting, and post-launch support period. The cheapest quote is often the most expensive once you account for a slow site that never ranks and needs rebuilding in a year.
Freelancer vs. studio — the real trade-off
A freelancer can be cheaper and faster for a simple site, but reliability varies and there's no backup if they become unavailable. A small studio costs more but typically means more accountability, a real process, and continuity if the person you spoke to isn't the only one who understands your project.
FAQ
- What's a fair price for a small business website in South Africa?
- R4,500–R15,000 for a properly built local business website including SEO setup and Google Business Profile configuration, depending on scope. Custom platforms or booking systems run higher, from around R12,000.
- Should I choose the cheapest quote?
- Only if the scope is genuinely identical to the more expensive options — compare what's included, not just the number. A cheap site with no SEO work often costs more in lost customers than the difference in price.
- How do I know if a developer's claimed PageSpeed scores are real?
- Don't take their word for it — run their portfolio links through Google PageSpeed Insights yourself. It's free and takes 30 seconds per site.
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KAHNYA is based in George — working across the Garden Route and South Africa. Typical response within 24 hours.