Professional Website Checklist Before Hiring a Developer
Before you sign with a Malta web developer, work through this 20-point checklist covering design, tech, SEO, content and post-launch — and you'll get a vastly better outcome.
Answer first: use this before any contract
Tick every box below before signing with a developer. Anything missing is either a gap in your brief or a red flag in the developer's process. Either way, fixing it now saves €5,000+ later.
Brief essentials (5)
✓ Clear business goals (leads, sales, bookings, brand).
✓ Target audience defined.
✓ Top 3 competitor sites identified.
✓ Brand assets ready (logo, colours, fonts).
✓ Budget and timeline agreed in writing.
Tech and SEO (5)
✓ Mobile-first responsive design.
✓ Core Web Vitals passing on launch.
✓ Schema markup (Organization, LocalBusiness).
✓ XML sitemap and robots.txt configured.
✓ HTTPS with valid SSL.
Conversion (5)
✓ Clear CTA on every page.
✓ Forms tied to CRM or email.
✓ Click-to-call and click-to-WhatsApp on mobile.
✓ Trust signals (reviews, case studies).
✓ Speed-optimised images.
Content and ownership (5)
✓ Content written (or copywriting in scope).
✓ All accounts in your name (domain, hosting, CMS).
✓ Editable CMS so you don't depend on developer for text changes.
✓ GDPR-compliant cookie banner and privacy policy.
✓ Maintenance plan agreed.
Frequently asked questions
What should I prepare before hiring a Malta web developer?+
Define business goals, target audience, competitor benchmarks, brand assets and budget. Bring this brief to any agency meeting.
Who should own my Malta website's hosting and domain?+
You. Always. Anything else is a red flag — it means the developer can hold your site hostage.
Should I be able to edit my website myself?+
Yes — for text and image updates. Structural changes will still need a developer, but day-to-day content should be in your control.
Get this implemented for your Maltese business
Free 30-minute strategy call — we'll map exactly how to apply this guide to your business, with realistic timelines and budgets.