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How to Find Out Who Developed a Website: 5 Simple Tips

October 16, 2024
By
Chris Andrade
Discover 5 easy ways to find out who developed a website, from checking the footer and source code to using Whois tools or simply asking the site owner!
Silhouette of a person wearing a hat and trench coat, standing under a streetlight in a misty, dark setting, evoking a detective theme. The blog post title 'How to Find Out Who Developed a Website: 5 Simple Tips' is overlaid on the image, adding a mysterious and investigative tone to the article about uncovering the creator of a website.

Ever stumbled across a beautifully designed website and wondered, "Who’s the genius behind this?" You’re not alone! Whether you’re looking for inspiration or want to hire the same developer, finding out who built a website isn’t as tricky as you might think. Here are 5 simple ways to uncover the mystery.

1. Check the Website’s Footer for Developer Credits

The easiest place to start is the website's footer. Some developers or agencies like to leave a little "designed by" tag at the bottom. It might be something like “Crafted by Pixelbricks” with a link to their site. It’s a quick and easy way to figure it out—just scroll down and see if they’ve signed their work.

2. Look at the HTML Source Code

If the footer’s a dead end, you can dig a little deeper. Right-click anywhere on the website and select “View Page Source” or press Ctrl + U on your keyboard. This brings up the website’s HTML code, and while it might look intimidating, you’re on the hunt for any developer comments or metadata. Sometimes, developers leave their name, agency, or even a link to their portfolio in the code. Keep an eye out for comments like <!-- Developed by Pixelbricks -->.

3. Use a ‘Whois’ Lookup Tool

If you want to go full detective mode, you can use a Whois lookup tool like Whois.net or ICANN Lookup. These tools can show you who registered the domain and sometimes reveal contact details. However, this isn’t always foolproof, as the developer’s info might be private, or it could just list the website owner, not the designer.

4. Check the Website's Blog or "About Us" Page

Many businesses or organisations love to talk about their website redesign in a blog post or "About Us" section. They might have an announcement that says, “We worked with XYZ agency to bring our new website to life,” or mention the designer by name. A quick scan of the blog or news section could give you what you're looking for.

5. Ask the Website Owner

When all else fails, just ask. Send a polite email or use the contact form to reach out to the website owner. You can say something like, “I love the design of your website! Could you tell me who developed it?” Most people are happy to share the details, especially if they’ve had a great experience with their developer.

Becoming a Website Detective

Finding out who developed a website isn’t as hard as you’d think. From footer credits to using a Whois lookup, there are plenty of ways to track down the designer or developer. Just keep an eye out, dig around, and if you’re still stuck, don’t be afraid to ask the website owner directly. You might find yourself working with the same talented crew!