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Almost every business needs a website, and Web design is one of many jobs that a small business owner can easily outsource.
But with an army of potential Web designers vying for the job, you'll want to keep these five tips in mind when drafting a Web design contract:
One of the key features of any contract is what kind of work it actually calls upon the contract worker to perform. Don't be general about the Web design job, make sure to specifically include:
A properly drafted Web design contract will also make it clear that your chosen Web designer is considered an independent contractor and not an employee.
One payment arrangement that can work well for small businesses is to set payments in terms of performance milestones (e.g., drafts, the website going live, etc.). Also be sure to budget a set amount of hours for edits and revisions.
Payment for any changes or revisions that need to be made past the budgeted time can be negotiated as you and the designer see fit.
In designing your company's website, your contract worker may be privy to data or information you don't want being shared. A non-disclosure agreement (NDA) can be easily attached to a Web design contract to make sure your designer keeps his or her lips sealed even after the contract is complete.
A design contract should make it clear that the website and all its elements and copy are work "made for hire." This distinction will cement that the designer has no legal copyright claim over your business' website.
Your business doesn't run on your Web designer's schedule, so you'll want to spell out what happens if the website is not yet finished or abandoned by the time you need it. If your designer flakes or misses a deadline, you can have a liquidated damages provision that will reduce any future payments -- as long as it is reasonable.
If you need any help finalizing your Web design agreement, contact an experienced contracts attorney today.
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