By Carolyn Campbell

Over the last few months, I have received a tremendous response to my articles about hiring and working with Web developers and designers. So, I’ve continued to research how business owners can stay savvy in the ever-changing and sometimes…well, shaky…land of the World Wide Web.

1. Always have a contract.
Your designer, coder or developer will probably have one. For the most part, I’ve been exceedingly lucky to work with some of the most honest folks on a handshake. According to the experts— ALWAYS have control of your Web presence. How? Make sure you have a contract that serves your and your business’ best interests.

I’ve been told that the following items probably won’t be in a developer or designer’s contract. Take time to read through their contract and make sure these are included. I’ve asked a number of respected designers about these suggestions, and all have agreed with them. Each has also stated the same thing: if a potential contractor balks or even flinches, go somewhere else.

*** Specify that you have full ownership of the content on the site.
That means you own all files and copyright to all materials in the site.

I heard about a woman who discovered, the hard way, that she didn’t own the copyright to her own tag line. Yes, folks. The contractor she hired claimed ownership. It was cheaper for her to create a new one than to pay the legal fees to get hers back. Most of the time these claims are bogus, but it can cost a lot of money (and headache) to make the scoundrels cease their attempts to hijack your hard-earned brand. By specifying your ownership in the contract, you save yourself the emotional and financial distress.

*** Specify that you own all the files and passwords for the site.
It is essential to become savvy to this very important side of business. A client shared how, after paying thousands of dollars for a Web site, her designer would not provide her with the files. If ownership is stipulated in the contract, it is clear.

*** You get to decide whether or not you ‘advertise’ them on your site.
You may notice that many Web developers post their name on their clients’ sites. They may also require that you let them ‘feature’ your site in their online portfolio. This may sound like a fabulous way to get your name out on the Web, but seasoned designers & developers advise against agreeing to this up front. Many respected businesses don’t ever post who designed their site. Why? Your brand is your integrity calling card. Don’t mistakenly give it away. Small business owners have been led to believe that these links are part of the ‘deal’, but it is simply free advertising for the developer. In the end, if you are pleased with their work and want to place their credits on your site, great! Stipulate in the contract that it is YOUR choice.

2. Be aware of referral fees.
A Web developer recently offered me a 30% referral fee if I sent along ‘primed’ clients. These are clients who’ve prepared the design and content and simply need someone to create their site. Wow! That is a chunk of change! Who really pays that cost? The client! How do you find out? I often ask the person who makes the referral if they are getting a fee to do so. It lets me know what ‘type’ of referral it is. Another way is to get multiple bids.

3. Always get multiple bids.
The best way to assess a designer or developer’s ‘real fees’ is to get multiple bids. By comparing bids, you can see where contractors charge for things that are typically free or lower cost. Something that seems complex to you, and therefore sounds like it should be costly, might be a very easy task for someone who is technically savvy.

In the end, as business owners we need to stay current to the ever-changing business landscape. A good designer or developer is not cheap. Nor should they be. However, you want to make sure you are spending your dollars wisely. Yes, it can be a headache. But trust me, it’s better to have the headache before you begin working with someone than face heartache when your site has been hijacked and your brand is compromised.

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Carolyn Campbell has more than 30 years’ experience working with non-profit and for-profit businesses. In creative and connecting ways, Carolyn melds her expertise in community outreach, education and business development to help clients expand their reach and increase their impact…using their unique approach to life. Her areas of specialty include leadership, visioning, outreach and community building.