How to Choose the Right Developer for Your Business

So, you're thinking about bringing in a developer to help your business run smoother, automate some headaches, or finally get all those systems talking to each other? That's a big step - and honestly, it can feel overwhelming if you don't know where to start. Let's have a chat about what actually matters when you're picking a developer, especially if you're an SME owner or project manager in the Netherlands (or anywhere, really). I've worked with a bunch of businesses like yours, and I've seen what works - and what doesn't.

1. Start With Your Real Problem, Not the Tech

Before you even look for a developer, ask yourself:

"What's the actual process or pain point I want to fix?"

Maybe you're tired of copying info from your booking system to your CRM, or you're losing track of leads because your data's scattered all over the place. The clearer you are about your workflow and where things get messy, the easier it'll be for any developer to help. If you're not sure, that's totally fine. A good developer will ask you a bunch of questions to figure it out together. (Honestly, if they don't, that's a red flag.)

2. Don't Get Distracted by Jargon

You don't need to be a tech expert. What you do need is someone who can explain things in plain language and actually listens to how your business works.

If a developer jumps straight into talking about frameworks, cloud platforms, or fancy acronyms without first asking about your day-to-day, they might not be the right fit. Look for someone who says things like:

• "How does your team use this system today?"
• "Who needs access to this info, and when?"
• "What's the most annoying part of your current process?"

3. Flexibility Matters

Every business is different. Maybe you want to pay as you go, or maybe you prefer a project price. Maybe you need ongoing support, or just a one-off project. Make sure the developer is open to working the way that suits you best.

And don't worry if you think you'll want to add features later - almost every client does! The important thing is to talk about how those changes will be handled up front.

4. Check Their Track Record (and Ask for Stories)

Experience counts, but not just years in the business. Ask about projects similar to yours, or even better - ask for stories.

• "Can you tell me about a time you helped a business like mine connect their systems?"
• "What's a project you're proud of, and why?"

You want someone who's seen a few messes and knows how to clean them up - without breaking what already works.

5. Watch for These Green and Red Flags

Green Flags:

• They ask a lot of questions about your business, not just your tech stack.
• They talk about mapping out your workflow before touching any code.
• They're happy to explain things simply and keep you in the loop.

Red Flags:

• They push you to change your whole process to fit their favorite tool.
• They seem annoyed by your questions or don't explain things clearly.
• They can't give you a rough idea of cost or how they'll handle changes.

6. Price Is Important, But Not Everything

You'll see rates all over the place. For experienced freelancers, something like € 100/hour is pretty normal here. What's more important is transparency - how do they handle extra requests, scope changes, and support after launch? Make sure you're both clear before you start.

7. The Discovery Phase Is Where the Magic Happens

This is the part where you and the developer really get on the same page. They should dig into your processes, ask about who does what, and get a map of how info flows through your business. If they skip this step, you're probably not going to get a solution that actually fits.

Bottom Line:

You don't need to have all the answers or speak "developer." You just need someone who's willing to learn about your business and build something that makes your life easier - not harder. If you want to chat about what's possible, or just need a sounding board for your ideas, I'm always happy to have a conversation - no strings attached.

I streamline your business with software that actually fits the way you work.

Ready to streamline your business? Let’s chat.

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