9 things to consider when having a website designed

In today's fast-paced, technologically savvy world, where most consumers prefer to locate a phone number, address or even a menu online, there are many businesses that fail to capitalise on the competitive edge of owning a website.

Establishing an online presence is essential in competing in today's marketplace.

But not many businesses can afford to employ full-time web developers and administrators. Consequently, most businesses outsource for their web development needs. However, few are aware of the necessary considerations when contracting a web developer.

Below are nine things every business should consider when entering into a contract for web development.

1. Scope of Work

It is imperative that both parties know and understand what is being contracted. The agreement should detail the specifications and functionality of the finished product so that each party is clear as to what should be produced on delivery.

If the development is a shared project, then the agreement should outline each party's responsibilities as well as specify each party's final contribution. It is imperative not to overlook any integration that should take place and how that integration will be achieved.

2. Amendments and Revisions

Often, a business will hire a web developer to create a website using information that was current at the time of contract formation, but obsolete by the time development is complete. A business should ensure that the agreement specifies the number of amendments included and the time frame for such amendments to take place. Ad-ditionally, the business should ensure that there are no hidden fees for amendments or revisions and insist that there be some leeway for unexpected or late content.

3. Delays

This is often a sore point in any situation where money has been paid and a business is expecting its shiny new website, only to be kept waiting indefinitely for it to be published. Insist on terms that outline consequences for delays and how they should be handled.

It is wise to be cognizant, however, of the fact that the delay may be on the part of the business, and they may be held to the same standard. Accordingly, a business should allow sufficient timelines where it is possible that content or information may not be readily available or forthcoming.

4. Milestones and Project Completion

A shrewd way to manage costs and maintain the web developer's 'interest' in the project is to attach costs to milestones so that payments are apportioned to various tasks and deliverables. Web developers are sometimes notorious for requiring a large payment up front and a nominal balance on completion.

Insist, however, on smaller payments at the outset and larger payments nearer to project completion. This provides a business with an economical method of gauging the web developer's performance while minimizing their financial exposure.

5. Payment Terms

Payment terms are critical considerations when having a website developed. Ensure that the payment terms fit the budget and are flexible enough to accommodate cash-flow issues.

Remember, there is no return on investment while the website is in the development stage, and until it is published, it is a liability.

6. Maintenance and Technical Support

Ensure there is a clear understanding of how many maintenance tasks or technical support calls are included. Common issues that arise include setting up email accounts, training, host or server issues, and customer issues.

Specifying whether the web developer is responsible for configuring the email each time an

Employee is hired or leaves the company or merely just the initial configuration can save a lot of headache and money down the road.

7. Client or Third- Party Modifications

A proper web-development contract will take into consideration that the original web developer may not be available to work on emergency modifications. Provisions should be made for client or third- party modifications that go awry, and require the original creators' input in order for it to be repaired.

8. Liability for Errors or Omissions

If the web developer omits critical content or publishes erroneous information that causes the business to suffer damages, does the ability to recover against the developer exist?

Dealing with such a scenario can be complicated if there is no language that determines from the outset who is responsible for any errors and omissions, and the extent of that liability.

9. Ownership of the Website

Last but not least and certainly one of the most important considerations is ownership of the finished product. Contracting a web developer to provide a website for the business does not automatically vest ownership rights in the site or the source code.

In most cases, the question of ownership does not arise until the website is complete and the business requests the source code.

Specify in the agreement that the finished product, the associated code, and all related files are the property of the business and not the developer.

This list is by no means exhaustive and there are other factors that may have to be taken into consideration depending on the specific circumstances.

Tags: Untagged

What kind of website do you want?

Whether you are an individual needing a basic website of a few pages, a large or small business requiring a custom e-commerce shop or content management solution, Beytechinc Consultants has the experience to deliver just what you want for your e-business, on time and on budget.

Lots of professional website design companies can provide ‘cool’ web designs and website design services – but for a high price. There are also many companies that offer cheap web design – but the quality of the design is usually poor.

Beytechinc Consultants is a different kind of website design company: we have all the necessary web page design skills but we keep our web design prices extremely competitive.

Unlike with large web development companies, the fact we are a small business means that your project is not just a nine-to-five job for our website designers.

At Beytechinc Consultants you will experience an exceptional level of personal service and flexibility.
Following are our main website design services :
Professional Web Site Design
Brochure Website Design
Update/redesign of existing websites
Database driven web sites
Online shops / e-commerce web applications
Affordable Web Design Packages
Bespoke Content Management Solutions
Bespoke Web Design Solutions / Bespoke Web Application Development
Search Engine Optimisation / Search Engine Marketing
Maintenance service
Domain Names and Hosting
Internet consultancy
Intranet / Extranet Development
Custom Web Programming in PHP/ASP.NET
Flash animations
Logo Design
Custom Graphics and artwork
Email Template Designs
Banners and image creation

We always emphasize on creating influential and convincing web development and design.

Beytechinc Consultants


P.O. Box 18498 - 00500


Nairobi, Kenya


+254 720 789 254 / +254 208098338


This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
http://www.beytechinc.com/

Tags: Untagged

Website Design

If you are planning to launch a website for your business in recent future and work has already started for designing your site, you should be aware of the common website design mistakes so that you present your fully-functional website without any errors or glitches in the first place itself.

Flashy stuff on your website: The purpose behind a business website is to look professional and you should not let this purpose go defeated by emphasizing heavily on flash animation and graphics. Keep the site simple and friendly for navigation. Moreover, avoid interfering advertisements that are either placed in the middle of the text or disguised in such a way that they look like regular links.

Opening new browser windows: This is one of the most common mistakes committed by web designers. The purpose behind by such act is to wait for the site visitor to return but visitors do not like the control taken away from them and this is the reason this is a mistake and must be avoided. Most internet visitors still believe that the "back" button works just fine and site masters should remember it.

Music play: Unless you are creating a site for kids or greeting cards, including music should not be what you should be emphasizing on. It not only adds to the loading time of your site, it can also annoy the visitors.

Asking visitors to register before viewing site: Internet visitors are used to free things and want to have and exercise complete control. Moreover, they have endless options to choose from. So it is better that you avoid asking visitors to register before accessing content on your site. In addition to that, avoid sending unsolicited emails or newsletters to visitors without their consent-you can make enemies when all you wanted was to make friends.

Counter-intuitive Navigation: A good site should be easy to navigate and you should avoid embedding your site pages too far that makes it difficult and annoying for the visitors to search for the content. If visitors have to click link after link, they will close your site and will not return back--it is as simple as that. Moreover, you should create and maintain uniformity throughout the general aesthetics of pages of the site. In short, try to put yourself in the site visitors' shoes and then create a site.

If you are new to the world of custom website design, it is best to choose a reputed website consultancy or website designing company that also has proven expertise in the segment of database management services so that every need of yours can be completely satisfied. Tags: Untagged