Underdeveloped ‘Developers’: Making Your Outcome Drive Their Income in 2025
(From someone who learned the hard way—and leveled up with AI)
A few years back, I took a deep dive into WordPress development, powered by AI tools like ChatGPT and GitHub Copilot. Why? Because I was done paying so-called developers premium rates for buggy sites that crashed and burned, costing me thousands in lost revenue. Viral posts that wouldn’t load? That was the last straw.
That self-taught month flipped the script. I realized most “complex” fixes are straightforward once you know where to look—and that many “developers” run a hustle designed to keep you dependent. They’re not true developers; they’re code dental hygienists, polishing the same tooth to keep you coming back for more.
Since then, I’ve consulted for businesses, opening databases, pointing out rookie mistakes, and arming owners with the right questions. Often, the “developer” plays dumb, not because they lack skills, but because I’m cutting into their recurring revenue streams. Here’s the kicker: many still get kickbacks from hosting companies or SaaS providers. They “recommend” a hosting plan or plugin, and you pay twice—once for the service, once for their cut.
If you’re hiring someone to manage your site in 2025, here’s what you need to know to avoid getting ripped off and start making your outcomes drive their income.
The 2025 Checklist: Red Flags and Smarter Moves
1. Beware the dependency trap.
If your site breaks again a week after a “fix,” it’s not bad luck—it’s a business model. True developers build stability, not recurring chaos.
2. Question hosting and plugin “recommendations.”
If your developer pushes a specific hosting provider or plugin without clear, transparent reasons, assume they’re pocketing a cut. Do your own research—there are plenty of AI-powered tools now that help you compare hosting costs and performance objectively.
3. Learn the basics yourself—with AI as your sidekick.
You don’t need to be a coding wizard, but understanding fundamentals lets you spot BS. AI assistants can troubleshoot 80% of “complex” issues, draft code snippets, or even generate documentation for you.
4. Demand transparency in writing.
Get clear explanations of what’s broken, how it will be fixed, and why it happened. If they can’t explain it in plain English, they either don’t know or don’t want you to know.
5. Compare hosting and service costs yourself.
Many businesses still overpay by 2-3x because their developer convinced them it’s “necessary.” With AI-driven price comparison tools and transparent platforms like Codeable, you can find vetted experts and fair pricing without the hidden fees.
6. Focus on niches that pay.
Clicks alone don’t pay the bills. In 2025, the highest RPMs are in education, finance, health, AI tools, and creator economy niches. If you want real returns, target profitable verticals, not just viral content for viral content’s sake.
The Bottom Line for 2025
Not all developers are crooks, but many run side hustles at your expense. Once you understand the game, you can stop bleeding money and start controlling your site’s destiny. AI tools have democratized coding knowledge—use them to call out nonsense and protect your business.
Remember, the fastest way to lose money online is to trust the wrong “expert.” In 2025, your best defense is knowledge, transparency, and leveraging AI to keep your developers honest and outcome-focused.
