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.
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