Short answer: Check the footer for a "Website by…" credit; view the page source for a builder's name in the code or comments; run the domain through a WHOIS lookup for the registrant; use a technology detector like Wappalyzer or BuiltWith to see the platform and tools; and if you like the site, just email the owner and ask. The footer credit and a tech detector answer it most of the time.
1. Look at the footer
Many developers and agencies add a small "Website by [Name]" or "Designed by [Agency]" link in the footer. It's the fastest check, and it links straight to them.
2. View the page source
Right-click → "View page source" (or Ctrl/Cmd+U). Search for:
meta tags () — tells you the platform.- Comments like
. - Theme or template paths in the CSS/JS URLs (
).
3. WHOIS lookup
A WHOIS tool (whois.com, ICANN Lookup) shows who registered the domain and when. Often privacy-protected now, but the registration date and registrar can still be useful, and business domains sometimes list a real contact.
4. Technology detectors
Browser extensions like Wappalyzer or sites like BuiltWith reveal the CMS (WordPress, Shopify, Webflow, Wix), the theme or framework, hosting, analytics, and any page builder (Elementor, etc.). This tells you what built it, which narrows down who.
5. Ask
If you found the site because you want one like it, email or message the owner: "I really like your website — who built it?" Most people are happy to share, and it's the most reliable answer.
What each method actually tells you
| Method | Tells you |
|---|---|
| Footer credit | The exact developer/agency (when present) |
| Page source | The platform, theme, sometimes the builder |
| WHOIS | Who owns the domain, registration date |
| Tech detector | CMS, framework, hosting, tools |
| Asking | The developer, plus whether they're available |
Key takeaways
- Start with the footer and a tech detector (Wappalyzer/BuiltWith).
- Page source
tags and theme paths reveal the platform and often the builder. - WHOIS is hit-or-miss due to privacy protection.
- If you want a similar site, just ask the owner — it's the most direct route.
FAQ
Why can't I find who made a site?
Can I find out who hosts a website?
Is it OK to ask a business who built their site?
Alamin Sultan
Web developer for real estate and e‑commerce. WordPress · Next.js · MERN.