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How to choose a freelance web developer in Brussels (2026 guide)

Published on 13 May 20263 min read
freelance web developer brusselschoose web agency belgiumfreelance web brussels priceweb provider brussels

"He took the deposit and disappeared." "The site was never delivered." "I paid €3,000 for a Wix template." These are real stories from Belgian entrepreneurs. Here's how to avoid them.

The 5 criteria for choosing the right provider

1
A portfolio with real live sites

Not Figma mockups, not screenshots. Real URLs you can visit, test on mobile, and measure speed. Ask for the URLs and check them yourself on PageSpeed Insights (score > 80 on mobile = good sign).

2
Clearly displayed prices

A serious provider isn't afraid to show their rates. If the quote arrives after 3 calls and contains 15 vague lines, that's a red flag. You need to know exactly what's included: number of pages, revisions, launch, training.

3
A precise, contractual delivery date

"Takes about 4 to 6 weeks" is not a deadline. A good provider gives you a delivery date and puts it in the contract. If the deadline slips, you have recourse. Without a date, you don't.

4
You own the code and the domain

Some providers keep the source code or domain in their name. If you leave, you lose everything. Demand in writing: code ownership, domain in your name, access to all accounts.

5
Communication that responds within 24h

Pre-sale behaviour predicts post-sale behaviour. If the provider takes 3 days to answer your first email, imagine when the site has a bug on Friday night. Test responsiveness from day one.

Red flags to run from

  • No contract, or contract with no delivery date
  • Deposit > 50% before any mock-up
  • Portfolio only in images (no verifiable URLs)
  • Guaranteed SEO results promised in 30 days
  • Abnormally low price for a "professional" site (< €300)
  • Refusal to give you access to your own hosting
  • Communication only via WhatsApp, never by email

5 questions to ask before signing

  1. "Can I see sites you've recently delivered, with their URLs?"
  2. "Who will own the source code and the domain name?"
  3. "What is the contractual delivery date?"
  4. "What's included in the price — and what's extra?"
  5. "What happens if I'm not satisfied with the mock-up?"

Frequently asked questions

What's a normal price for a website in Brussels?
For a professional brochure site: €500–1,500 from a serious freelancer, €2,000–8,000 from a traditional agency. Below €300, it's a template or a scam. Above €5,000 for a simple site, you're paying the agency's overhead.
Belgian freelancer or cheaper foreign provider?
Language, time zone, and knowledge of the Belgian context (VAT, local market, FR/NL specifics) are worth the premium. A foreign provider can be excellent — but check the same criteria, and make sure you have a proper contract.

Looking for a serious web developer in Brussels?

Displayed price, free mock-up before payment, 7-day delivery. Check our transparent pricing or get your free mock-up in 24h.

LanceTonSite

Your website in under 2 weeks

Free mockup in 24h. If it doesn't suit you, you pay nothing.

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