Red Flags When Hiring a Web Developer or Agency

In this post, we’ll walk you through the red flags to watch out for when evaluating web development agencies, so you can make smart choices that support your business goals.

1. No Real Portfolio to Show

A portfolio is one of the clearest indicators of a web designer or developer’s capabilities. It gives you a window into their past work, style, technical skills, and creativity. More importantly, it reveals how they handle user experience, functionality, and different types of client needs. So, if an agency or freelancer can’t show you a strong portfolio, that’s a major warning sign.

Look for diversity in their work. A quality portfolio should feature a range of projects across different industries, styles, and functions. If everything looks the same or they’ve only handled one type of website, they may lack the flexibility to meet your specific needs.

You should also check whether their designs look current and function well on all devices. If their work feels outdated or isn’t mobile-friendly, that’s a sign they’re not keeping up with today’s standards, and that can hurt your online presence.

Bottom line: a weak or missing portfolio means you can’t verify their skills. A well-documented, varied portfolio shows that they’ve done the work and know how to deliver.

2. Going with the Cheapest Option

Sure, everyone wants to save money, but when it comes to web development, the lowest bidder often costs you more in the long run. Choosing the cheapest agency is like buying a bargain car with no engine. It looks like a deal, but it won’t take you anywhere.

Here’s what usually happens:

• Poor design that looks amateurish and confuses visitors.

• Broken features that frustrate users and kill conversions.

• No support when things go wrong, if you can even get them to reply.

Many clients who try the budget route end up paying more to fix what was done wrong. That’s why it’s smarter to work with a professional agency from the start, like e9digital, so your site runs smoothly, looks great, and doesn’t become a future headache. And no, we won’t ghost you.

3. Bad Reviews and Unhappy Clients

Before signing on, do some digging. Check their reviews on multiple platforms like Google, LinkedIn, Clutch, and social media. Look for recurring complaints or red flags like missed deadlines, poor communication, or underdelivered results.

One or two bad reviews can happen. But if you see a pattern of negative feedback, it’s time to walk away. An agency with consistently positive reviews is far more likely to deliver the kind of results you're looking for.

4. Big Promises with No Proof

Be sceptical of agencies that promise overnight success, guaranteed rankings, or “unbeatable” results without showing how they’ll get there. A reliable agency won’t just throw out bold claims; they’ll explain their process and show examples of past work that back it up.

If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Look for transparency, clear expectations, and a proven track record. That’s how you separate real professionals from those just trying to land the sale.

5. Hidden Fees and Vague Pricing

If a web agency can’t give you clear, upfront pricing, that’s a red flag. You should always ask for a detailed breakdown of costs, including potential add-ons, so there are no surprises halfway through the project. Transparent agencies will walk you through each charge and explain what’s included, helping you budget with confidence.

Before signing any contract, read it carefully. Look out for fine print that might sneak in extra costs for revisions, maintenance, or features that weren’t discussed upfront. A trustworthy agency won’t try to hide fees or overcomplicate things; they’ll offer straightforward pricing and be open about any additional charges that could come up.

6. The Wrong CMS for Your Needs

The content management system (CMS) your website is built on can make or break its long-term success. Picking the wrong one is like choosing a toy car for a cross-country drive; it might look nice at first, but it won’t take you far.

Here’s a quick comparison of two common platforms:

Squarespace

• Runs about 1.7% of all websites

• Pros: Easy to use, great for basic websites or personal projects

• Cons: Limited flexibility, not built for complex business needs

WordPress

• Powers over 42% of all websites

• Pros: Highly customizable, scalable, and ideal for businesses that need e-commerce, advanced features, or future growth

• Cons: Requires more technical setup and regular maintenance

Some agencies push platforms like Squarespace because they’re quicker to build and look good out of the box. But for a business aiming to grow or needing more control over features, WordPress is usually the better bet. Make sure the agency you choose recommends a CMS based on your goals, not just their convenience.

7. Faking Company Age

Here’s a trick some shady agencies use: they claim to have years of experience when they’ve only just launched. You’ll rarely see a company say, “Founded in 2025,” even if that’s the truth. Instead, they stretch the truth to make themselves look more established than they are.

To fact-check their claims, use web.archive.org. This tool lets you see when their website first went live and track how it’s changed over time. You can also check domain registration dates through WHOIS tools. If they’re inflating their age, what else might they be hiding?