When you get bids on Craigslist for your project, you're getting them from people with a range of experience.... from real developers that know how to code anything from scratch - to lowlife people that are basically scamming you. These scammers claim to be developers because they know how to install, setup, and pick options in a CMS. Sometimes they're knowledgeable enough to use WordPress. Many times they will want to use WIX, SquareSpace, Web.com, Shopify, or other 'free & no coding needed' systems. Also, be aware if they're offering do create your e-commerce store or event management website for only a couple hundred dollars. If you think your site will cost 1000s and they're offering to do it for 100s, beware.
Many of the projects I come across are people like you that have already hired someone to create their site, but they couldn't finish it or fine tune details that you wanted. Usually there are bugs that need fixed with these systems and those type of 'so-called developers' won't know how to fix them. They'll post on Craigslist and find me to clean up their mess.
How Can You Tell?
Ask questions. Here's a list of questions I would ask...
- How familiar are you with HTML, CSS, PHP, MySQL, and Javscript libraries?
- Do you have a portfolio I can see?
- Do you have references from previous clients?
- What CMS do you use?
They should be familiar with at least a few of the languages I mentioned (HTML, CSS, PHP). They should have their own website with a portfolio. They shouldn't be reluctant to provide references (I usually mention that you can contact ANY clients in my portfolio for references). When you ask what CMS systems they prefer, if they say WIX, Web.com, SquareSpace, or Godaddy Website Builder, RUN! If you want a real developer, their answer should be something like 'WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, or hard-coded/hand-coded development.
I've actually seen full-blown 'web development companies' that bid very high on projects on CL (like over $10000). Then they repost the project on CL and hire someone like me for a fraction of that price.
Last, but not least, you'll probably want to hire someone in the U.S. Every time I talk to a client that has used someone outside the continental U.S. they say it was a nightmare dealing with the language barrier and the time zone. Not to mention, the coding is usually sub-par, but you get what you pay for. On a side note, if you work the typical 9-5 and want to communicate with your developer outside of work hours, sometimes a 3 hour time difference is a good thing when you live on the East Coast and work with a developer on the West Coast.
You can find a life-long partnership with a good developer on Craigslist, but just be careful when hiring there.