Website Design and Web Development Contract Template

June 2, 2009 - PRLog -- Most problems between web designer and client are cause by a simple lack of understanding of what services will be provided and how the project will be managed. Managing your job properly from the beginning will save you from the headaches of a project that has spiraled out of control. In our experience this is especially true with web projects. Many of your potential web clients will have very little understanding of what designing a website actually entails. They will have even less understanding of search engine optimization and what it takes to get their website found, and they probably won't truly know what their own needs are until the project has been started. These factors can often contribute to an unrealistic view of the scope of the project and the time needed to complete the project. This can be a deadly combination if you didn't secure a deposit up front. Anyone who has specified "payment due upon completion" can attest to this.

Using a web design contract will help you set up clear specifications for the web design process as well as establishing a payment plan that works for you. The purpose of a contract isn't to restrict the client, it's more of a way to allow you to have the flexibility to adapt to changes when they arise and then be compensated for them accordingly. Here are some key points to include in your web contract and we also provide links to download our website design and development contract template.

You should always specify who is providing the copy and you may even want to establish a timeline for receiving it.

Also specify if you or the client is providing the photography. For instance, if a client is relying on our company to provide all imagery, then we specify a budget for stock photography unless they specifically request custom photography. If a client does want custom photography then we always provide a separate estimate for the photo shoot.

Establish good payment terms that work for you right from the beginning. A good example of a standard and acceptable payment arrangement is 33% to start the job, 33% upon approval of direction, and 34% due upon completion.

The work flow can then be dictated by the clients payments. Once the first deposit is received by the Developer, a basic site design concept should be made available for the Client's viewing and approval within a reasonable timeframe. Usually we provide 3 concepts for the client to review. Communication between the Developer and the Client is crucial during this phase to ensure that the ultimate publication will match the Client's taste and needs.

Upon completion of this stage, the Client will be asked to confirm acceptance for the basic site design via e-mail or by signing a printed copy of the design. Once this acceptance is received from the Client, the work necessary to complete the project will begin, and the second third (33%) of the total amount will be paid.

Once the website is completed some clients will want to independently edit or update their web pages as a way to control costs and avoid the expense of a Maintenance Agreement. This is always an option for Clients of the Developer.

One last point that you may want to stipulate in your web contract is a design credit. Something that says the client agrees that the Developer may put a byline on the bottom of their web site establishing design and development credit with an active html hyperlink to the developers website. Client also agrees that the web site created for the Client may be included in the Developer's portfolio.

Since websites have such a variance in complexity and design you should have a standard contract that covers the main points and allows you to easily edit and ad each specific detail you need to. We hope that some of these suggestions help you when negotiating your next web design project. We also have available for download a web design and development contract template on our website under the "news" section and also on our graphic designer's blog.

http://www.pixelproductionsinc.com/news.php
http://www.pixelproductionsinc.com/blog/

Please keep in mind that any legally binding agreement that you enter into should be reviewed by you and your attorney prior to enacting said agreement. This material is a reference for you, but we are not responsible for any legal agreement you enter into.

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Because we are a graphic design company that specializes in brand identity we know how important it is to provide solutions for all of our clients design needs including web design and e-commerce site development. Today, a well designed website is one of the greatest assets your company can have. You will be able to rest easy knowing our expert web designers have the creative talent and technical training to turn your business into a successful web presence.