If you search “web developer Calgary”, you’ll find hundreds of options — and it’s hard to tell who can actually deliver a website that’s fast, trustworthy, and built to generate leads.
Key takeaways:
- Hire for outcomes + process + ownership, not buzzwords.
- The #1 hiring mistake is signing a quote with a vague scope (“a few pages, modern design”).
- Before you pay the final invoice, you should own the domain, hosting, admin access, and content.
Table of contents:
- What “good” looks like in 2026
- Where to find Calgary web developers
- Freelancer vs agency vs in-house
- 12 questions to ask (with what a good answer sounds like)
- Portfolio review checklist
- Contract + ownership terms Canadians should insist on
- How to compare quotes fairly (apples-to-apples)
- FAQs
What “good” looks like in 2026
A good Calgary web developer doesn’t just “make a site.” They deliver:
- A website that loads fast (Core Web Vitals baseline)
- Clear conversion path (headline → proof → CTA)
- Proper tracking (so you can measure leads)
- A maintainable system (so updates don’t break the site)
If a developer can’t explain how your website will generate leads and how you’ll measure success, they’re building a brochure — not a growth asset.
Where to find Calgary web developers (and what each channel gets you)
- Referrals from businesses like yours
- Best for trust, but still verify the fit.
- Local agencies and small studios
- Strong processes, better support, often higher upfront cost.
- Freelancers (local or remote)
- Can be great for a tight scope; evaluate availability and breadth of skills.
- Marketplaces
- High volume, mixed quality. Treat portfolios with extra skepticism.
Freelancer vs agency vs in-house (quick decision guide)
Choose a freelancer if:
- You have a simple scope, clear content, and want direct communication.
Choose an agency/studio if:
- You need strategy, conversion design, content support, and ongoing reliability.
Choose in-house if:
- Your website is a core product, and you need continuous feature delivery.
12 questions to ask before you hire (with “good answer” examples)
Use these questions on discovery calls. A strong developer answers clearly without getting defensive.
- “What’s your process from kickoff to launch?”
Good answer: clear steps, milestones, review points, and launch checklist.
- “What do you need from me to keep the project moving?”
Good answer: content checklist, approvals, deadlines.
- “How will you handle mobile-first design?”
Good answer: mobile layouts are designed intentionally (not just “it scales down”).
- “How do you make sure the site is fast?”
Good answer: image optimization, font strategy, performance budget, CWV checks.
- “What’s included in SEO foundations?”
Good answer: metadata, indexability, sitemap, internal links, basic schema.
- “Who writes the website copy?”
Good answer: they either provide copywriting or they give you an outline and editing support.
- “What’s included in the quote — and what’s not?”
Good answer: a line-item breakdown and assumptions.
- “How many revisions are included?”
Good answer: a clear number and what counts as a revision.
- “Who owns the domain and hosting?”
Good answer: you do. They help set it up, but ownership stays with you. (Registrants’ rights overview: https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/benefits-2013-09-16-en)
- “What happens after launch?”
Good answer: maintenance options, update plan, response times.
- “Can I talk to 1–2 past clients?”
Good answer: yes.
- “If we stop working together, what do I keep?”
Good answer: domain, hosting access, admin accounts, content, and clear handoff.
Portfolio review checklist (green flags and red flags)
Green flags:
- Projects in your industry (or similar complexity)
- Proof of results (lead volume, conversion improvements, speed improvements)
- Consistent quality across mobile
- Clear navigation and content hierarchy
Red flags:
- Only Dribbble-style visuals, no live sites
- No performance discussion
- Generic templates used for every client
- They can’t explain what they did and what the client owned
Contract + ownership terms Canadians should insist on
A simple contract can prevent expensive headaches. At minimum, insist on:
- Scope of work (pages, features, integrations)
- Timeline + milestones
- Payment schedule tied to milestones
- Acceptance criteria (what “done” means)
- Revision rounds
- Warranty window (bug fixes after launch)
- Ownership and access:
- You are the domain registrant - You control hosting or have admin access - You get admin access to analytics, Search Console, ad accounts - You keep the source code (or have a clear license) and content
How to compare quotes fairly (apples-to-apples)
If you compare a “$2,000 website” quote with a “$8,000 website” quote, you often compare different products.
Use this checklist:
- Do both include copywriting support?
- Do both include performance optimization?
- Do both include SEO foundations?
- Do both include analytics setup?
- Do both include a launch + redirect plan?
- Do both include post-launch support?
Related guide (Calgary cost ranges):
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I verify a Calgary web developer’s past work?
Ask for 3–5 recent projects, then check the live sites on mobile, speed, and clarity. If possible, talk to at least one past client.
What should be included in a web development contract?
A clear scope, timeline, milestones, revision limits, acceptance criteria, and ownership/access terms.
Who should own the domain and hosting?
You should. The developer can manage it, but you need registrant/admin ownership and access.
How long does a typical small business website take?
Common timelines range from a few weeks to a few months depending on content readiness, revisions, and integrations.