So, you’ve got a business idea. Maybe you’re launching an app, upgrading your website, or building software for internal use. The problem? You’re not a tech person. Not even close. But now you’re tasked with hiring developers to bring your idea to life.
Sounds a bit intimidating? You’re not alone.
A lot of non-technical founders, business owners, and managers face this same challenge. The good news? You can hire dedicated developers without having a tech background. You just need to approach it the right way, ask the right questions, and avoid a few common mistakes.
Let’s break it down in simple terms. No tech talk. No fluff. Just the essentials.
First, Understand What You Actually Need
Before you start looking for developers, you need some clarity. You don’t need to write code or understand how databases work—but you do need a basic idea of what your project requires.
Start by answering a few simple questions:
- What do I want to build?
- Is it a website, mobile app, or desktop software?
- Does it need to connect to other platforms or tools?
- Should it support user logins or process payments?
- When do I need it done?
You don’t need a 40-page requirement doc. A few bullet points with a rough vision is enough to get things moving.
What Does “Dedicated Developer” Actually Mean?
A dedicated developer is someone (or a team) who works only on your project, for an agreed period of time. You’re not hiring them full-time as an employee—you’re usually working with a software agency or outsourcing company who assigns developers to your project.
Why go this route?
Because it’s way more flexible. You can scale up or down. You avoid HR headaches. And you get access to developers with actual experience, without having to go through a long hiring cycle.
When you hire dedicated developers, you’re not just filling a job role—you’re getting committed time and focus on your project. That’s a big deal.
Skip the Fancy Resumes—Look at Real Projects
One mistake non-tech folks make? They get too hung up on resumes and jargon. A developer might list a dozen programming languages on their profile—but that doesn’t mean they’re the right fit for your project.
Instead, ask to see:
- Past work or projects similar to yours
- Screenshots, links, or demos
- What part of the project they actually worked on
If you’re hiring through an agency, they should be able to show you relevant case studies or samples. You’re looking for patterns: have they done similar stuff before? Can they explain it in simple terms?
Get Someone Technical (Even Briefly) to Vet Them
You don’t need to fully understand the tech—but you can bring someone in to help. Even if it’s just for a quick chat or interview.
This is where using an ai interview platform can be a game-changer. These platforms help evaluate technical skills in a structured, unbiased way. They simulate real coding environments and assess how a developer thinks, solves problems, and writes code.
That way, even if you can’t read code, you can still compare candidates fairly.
Don’t have access to a tech friend or consultant? Look for hiring partners who offer screening as part of their service. Just don’t wing it solo—guesswork is a shortcut to disappointment.
Know the Difference: Freelancers vs Dedicated Teams
Freelancers are usually solo operators. They’re good for small tasks or quick fixes. But if you’re building something complex, they may not be enough.
A dedicated team, on the other hand, can include:
- Front-end and back-end developers
- Designers
- QA testers
- Project managers
The benefit? Everything works together. You don’t need to juggle 5 people across 3 time zones.
That said, you can still hire dedicated developers as individuals if your project is manageable. Just be realistic about timelines and communication.
Ask These Questions Before You Hire
You don’t need to speak code. Just ask practical, direct questions like:
- Have you worked on something similar before?
- How do you usually manage communication?
- What tools do you use for progress tracking?
- Can you walk me through your typical workflow?
- How do you handle bugs or issues that pop up later?
If they can’t explain things clearly, or if their answers feel vague, trust your gut.
Also, ask how they plan to handle handoffs. If your project grows, or if you switch providers later, you’ll need documentation and access to code. Make sure that’s baked into the plan from day one.
Set Expectations Clearly
You’d be surprised how many projects go off track just because expectations weren’t set properly.
Lay out:
- Deadlines
- Communication schedule (daily, weekly updates?)
- Milestones
- Payment structure (hourly, fixed, monthly?)
Get it all in writing. Not just in emails—ask for a proper scope of work document. It keeps everyone on the same page and reduces drama down the line.
Don’t Fall for the Lowest Price
Yes, price matters. But going cheap usually costs more later. If a developer quotes way below market rates, there’s probably a reason. Missed deadlines, poor quality, or ghosting are all common side effects of bargain hunting.
You don’t need to break the bank, but aim for a healthy balance between cost and reliability.
If you’re not sure what fair pricing looks like, get a few quotes and compare. See what’s included. Does one team include project management while another doesn’t? That alone can change the whole experience.
Communication Is Everything
The best developers aren’t just good coders—they’re good communicators. They should be able to:
- Update you regularly
- Explain tech decisions simply
- Ask questions to clarify instead of assuming things
Even if English isn’t their first language, they should still be able to communicate clearly and confidently.
It’s okay if they use technical terms now and then. Just ask for a plain-language version if you don’t understand. A good developer won’t make you feel dumb for asking.
Use Tools That Keep You in the Loop
You don’t need to micromanage, but you do need visibility.
Use tools like:
- Trello or Jira for task tracking
- Slack or Skype for messaging
- Google Docs or Notion for shared documentation
- GitHub or Bitbucket for code access
Most agencies or devs already use these. Just make sure you’re added in and not left out of the loop.
Trust Takes Time—Start Small if You’re Unsure
Still feeling unsure? Start with a small test task or a short-term contract. It lets you see how they work before you fully commit. You’ll learn a lot from how they handle the little things:
- Do they meet the deadline?
- Do they ask the right questions?
- Is the quality there?
If it works out, then you can scale things up.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need to Know Tech—Just People
Hiring developers when you’re not technical doesn’t mean flying blind. It just means focusing on what you can control:
- Clear goals
- Good communication
- Asking the right questions
- Having some backup for tech evaluations
When you find the right person or team, the process gets a lot smoother. You’ll actually enjoy seeing your idea take shape.
So if you’re thinking it’s time to hire dedicated developers—go for it. You don’t need to be a coder to make smart hiring decisions.
