What level of Tailwind expertise do I need for building a typical business website versus a complex web application?
For basic business websites, intermediate Tailwind skills are sufficient - someone who can configure themes, build responsive layouts, and create reusable components. Complex web applications need advanced expertise including performance optimization, design system architecture, and framework integration experience.
How can I tell if a developer actually knows Tailwind well versus just listing it on their resume?
Ask them to walk through their configuration process, explain their component organization strategy, and describe how they handle responsive design patterns. A skilled developer will discuss build optimization, purging strategies, and can explain trade-offs between utility-first and traditional CSS approaches.
Can Tailwind handle complex enterprise-level applications or is it just for simple websites?
Tailwind scales excellently for enterprise applications. It's used by companies like Netflix and Shopify for complex interfaces. The key is having developers who understand design system architecture, performance optimization, and can create maintainable utility patterns at scale.
How well does Tailwind integrate with our existing tools like React, WordPress, or our current build process?
Tailwind integrates seamlessly with all modern frameworks and build tools. It works particularly well with React, Vue, and Next.js through official plugins. For WordPress, it can be integrated through custom themes, and it supports all major build systems like Webpack, Vite, and Parcel.
How long does it typically take to build a new website or migrate an existing one to Tailwind?
A new marketing website takes 2-4 weeks with proper Tailwind expertise, while complex applications range from 6-12 weeks. Migrations depend on existing codebase complexity but typically take 30-50% less time than rebuilding from scratch, assuming the developer understands both systems well.
What kind of ongoing maintenance or support will we need after a Tailwind project is completed?
Tailwind projects require minimal ongoing maintenance since it's just CSS utilities. You'll need periodic updates to the framework itself (quarterly), potential design system expansions as your product grows, and occasional build optimization. Most businesses need 5-10 hours monthly for maintenance and minor updates.