Your right as the client of a web developer- Digitalization is a 21st Century trend that has come to stay and in today’s world where digitalization has taken over the traditional way of doing things not having an online presence is as good as not having a business.
The dangers of not owning your website are numerous, you could firstly suffer significant economic loss, now imagine a situation where numerous clients are unable to access your website for several days because you did not own your website and you can’t lay legal claim to it. This can happen if you sign a disputable web development contract.
Also, as gaining SEO traction gets harder by the day when you lose your website, you lose its SEO rankings and authority with it. That way, you will struggle to get the attention of potential clients.
On a final note, (as one cannot exhaust the list of these numerous dangers) business without a web site will most definitely Lose its analytical data, data got through analytics are of many benefits to the business. They help in directing the business path and evaluating goals. Without reference to the previously collated data, you will lose valuable insight needed to move forward.
Meanwhile, for those trying to acquire a website as a business owner, you need to avoid contracting your web development project to just “anyhow” web developer to avoid an ambiguous clause on contract papers and even before you agree to a deal, you need to properly digest your contract papers and clear the air about who “owns” the website and content before agreeing to the deal.
But if the developer agrees to build your business website for free (please bear in mind that a free website also comes at a cost), the contract should be clear about the following:
- The cost of the service: In truth, the cost of acquiring a website isn’t one time; there will always be a need to spend a few bucks every once in a while. However, your web developer should be able to say in clear terms, the cost of the service that will be offered, mode of payment and if there will be additional payments for extra features in the future.
- The domain name: What is a domain name? A Domain name can be simply defined as the address to your website (e.g. https://leadwebpraxis.com/) this is what people type in the browser URL bar to visit your website.In whose name is the domain name registered? A domain name can be purchased with the developer’s account but the client’s email should be added as a secondary email address to enable access to the account at any point and other technical notifications that require immediate attention
- The hosting package: What is Domain hosting? Domain Hosting can be seen as a bank were your website information and files are kept online. Websites must be hosted on a remote server before it can be accessed by users. You should know the hosting platform chosen by your developer and the cost. Be wary of free hosting plans because it’s almost impossible to move your data from a free hosting plan in one piece if you ever decide to leave the hosting company. It is important that the developer handles the hosting process to enable active actions during downtime and all other necessary updates (e.g. PHP upgrade etc) but let it be stated clearly in the agreement that all credentials are transferable to the client at any time as long as the client has paid fully for his services. The client should also ensure that his website is SSL enabled (secured socket layer)
- The visuals and design: If your contract clause includes payment for custom interface design, this intellectual property should also be yours. However, you can’t claim ownership if your website design is modeled after a free template.
- The Website content: Ownership must also be clear about the videos, images, text, infographics and other types of content on your website.
- The source code: Aside from the open-source software used in building your website, you should own and have the right to alter the codes (the front and back end codes) used in developing your website.
- Read the contract: The key to not getting screwed by your developer greatly lies in your ability to read and understand the contract papers. If you aren’t a reader, hire a competent lawyer to go through the content for you.
- Project duration: the duration of this project must be clearly stated and agreed on before the commencement of the project to avoid prolonged stay on the project.
At contract expiration, the web developer is expected to prepare a proper handover email with all necessary details of the client’s online credentials in their possession and instruct the client to effect changes to the login details as soon as possible.
Undoubtedly, websites have become the biggest assets for most businesses. They generate enough data to profile clients and personalize content for them. Websites are
- The sales representatives that don’t go on break
- The customer care representatives that are always polite
- The store that never runs out of space
- The flexible brand promoting tools
- The cheap and highly-effective mechanism for advert
- The medium to reach clients that are outside your geographical location.
- A pack of many more benefits.
The dangers of losing a business website are as critical as losing the business. Hence, who owns what and what should be clear before pen is put to paper in a web development contract. At Lead Web Praxis Media Limited, our website development contract is as clear as day. We build and transfer the full ownership to our clients upon completion. However, we can assist you with maintenance services at your request.
If you will like to explore new website options or learn more about how we can be of help to your business, contact us via any of the contact options contained on our contact page.
YOUR RIGHT AS THE CLIENT OF A WEB DEVELOPER