Freelancers Promised a Full App. You Got a Landing Page. Now what?

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By:

Rida Jauhar

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Published Date:

July 31, 2025

LAUNCHBOX 2022 incomplete website showing error messages and 'LANDING PAGE' text

Introduction:

Think about hiring a freelancer to build a fully functioning Saas platform, only so that it can receive a landing page with no backend functionality. Tragically, such types of scenarios are also quite common. Even many business owners and the founders of the enterprises usually fall victim to incomplete websites, which leaves them with an unfinished project and wasted resources. According to the Upwork study, 30% of freelance projects experience delays and incomplete deliveries, primarily due to miscommunication, a lack of expertise, and many scams that lead to these issues. If you are stuck with a website that is broken, then take some actionable measures to recover the investment so that the project can get back on track.

This guide will further help you navigate the aftereffects of the incomplete website and avoid them. It is essential to find trustworthy developers who will bring your vision to life. Whether you are a startup founder or a business owner, it is crucial to know how to handle the project to avoid further problems. Keep reading the blog to have your further queries answered. 

What is an Incomplete Website?

Image asking 'WHAT IS AN INCOMPLETE WEBSITE?' with bold text about website development issues

The incomplete website refers to the project in which the developer fails to deliver the functionalities. Instead of the fully operational App, you can receive a static landing page, a non-functional prototype, and a partially coded system.

Many of the startup founders can face this issue while working with inexperienced or unreliable freelancers. Some of the common signs of an unfinished project include: 

  • Missing the core features (e.g.,  the user authentication or the payment gateways)
  • Or the poorly optimized performance 
  • The Lack of backend integration 
  • Undelivered revisions or bug fixes 

If your developer promised the full App but delivered a broken website, it’s time to look through the other options. Like hiring a professional for mobile app development to get the high-quality product that you imagined.

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When does a project become unfinished?

Image asking 'WHEN DOES A PROJECT BECOME UNFINISHED?' about incomplete website development stages

The project crosses into the unfinished territory when the freelancers stop responding and miss the deadline or might be delivering the project which could mostly not match with initial agreements. Many of the startup founders mostly go through this problem when the developers leave the project in mid, which leaves behind the incomplete website with no path with the completion. The most important red flags include the vague communication, or the constant excuses for the delays and also the deliverables that are half made which don’t match the scope of the project.  

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 How to Evaluate the damage:

Image showing an incomplete website with 'LAUNCH BOX CLOAK' text and question 'How to evaluate the DAMAGE?

Before taking the critical step of hiring the new developer, the developer must evaluate the current state of the broken website. Start with the contract, which will decide if the freelancer violated any terms. Check whether they delivered the features requested or if the project remains incomplete with the critical gaps. Test the functionality to look for missing components, bugs, or performance issues that show the product is not in use. 

And to avoid this, keep the complete documentation, invoices, emails, and screenshots for proof. And if that unfinished project cannot be repaired, then you might need a professional developer or to have the complete work done. And the damage evaluation can help you make informed decisions for the next steps. 

The Best Alternative for the broken website:

If the freelancer fails to deliver the complete product, then you may have legal options to cover your investments. Many of the startup founders overlook the aspect, but taking action can prevent further losses. Now start by checking if the freelancers can operate the platform like Upwork or Fiverr, which also provide resolution services. If the negotiation fails, then you may need to escalate the matter legally. 

The small claims court is the option for recovering the payments if the freelancers refuse to refund or complete the unfinished project. The contract strengthens the case, so ensure the contract outlines an explicit agreement that includes the deal, deliverables, timelines, and penalties. Consulting a legal expert can help navigate the process. Meanwhile, the legal action can take time; it is also necessary to resolve the issues of the incomplete website.

Finding the reliable Developers:

To avoid another incomplete website, it is essential to take a strategic approach while hiring a new developer. Start by going through the portfolios and client testimonials to get a perfect hands-on experience. Many startup founders make the blunder by choosing freelancers who prioritize cost over quality, which can lead to unfinished projects and wasted resources. Instead, it is essential to have prior experience and strong communication skills with a proven record while delivering small projects. 

It clearly defines milestones and the tie payments to completed deliverables that ensure accountability. By using the services, it can also protect the person’s funds until the work meets the standards. If you are looking for a trustworthy developer, consider partnering with a professional agency that specializes in custom software development services. A reliable developer can bond with the incomplete website, which can later transform into a fully functional product that aligns with your vision. 

Conclusion:

Dealing with the incomplete website could be highly frustrating, but it’s not the end of your project. By identifying the issues, exploring the other legal options, and hiring the developer, the unfinished project can turn into a successful product. Many of the startup founders face different setbacks, but the people who take the proper steps can also recover and move forward. Either you need to re-discuss with the freelancers, seek legal possibilities, or look for a new developer, it is vital to act decisively. Such a website can impact your business by helping you approach goals effectively.

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FAQs:

What is an example of a broken website?

An example of a broken webpage is when the user clicks on a hyperlink and encounters, for instance, a 404 Not Found error. It tells about the link page missing or the URL might be incorrect. The 410 response code could also be an example of a broken page.

What is an Incomplete website?

Sites without an SSL certificate cannot encrypt the data that is sent to them, e.g., while logging in or providing the contact details. Entering any sort of data on such a site is associated with the risk of leakage.

What are three examples of Incomplete websites?

We’ve looked at the different types of websites, including blogs, online stores, learning platforms, and portfolios.

Which website is not secure?

Websites that use HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) are not considered secure. HTTP sites do not encrypt the data exchange between the browser and the web server, leaving personal information vulnerable to interception by third parties.

What is a broken website called?

The broken link is the web page that can’t be found or accessed by users for several reasons. Web servers will often return an error message if the user tries to log in to the broken link. Broken links are usually known as dead links or link rot. 

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