Web Design / HTML

  1. Home
  2. Computing & Technology
  3. Web Design / HTML

5 Contract Must Haves for Web Designers

Don't Forget these Things When Writing Your Web Design Contract

By Jennifer Kyrnin, About.com

  1. Find out what type of site the client wants.
    You should always find out in your initial client interview what type of site they are expecting you to build. I find it best to ask them for examples of sites they like and would like you to emulate. This could be the design, the content, or the dynamic elements. I divide the types of sites I build into three types:
    • Static HTML. This is the "plain vanilla" website. Some people also refer to it as a "Web brochure". A static HTML site doesn't include any dynamic elements or database. Nor does it include Flash. It might include JavaScript or a CMS (or blogging system).
    • Dynamic site. This is a site that is driven by a database and uses some type of scripting language at the core such as PHP, ColdFusion, or ASP.Net. A dynamic site will include static HTML pages, but is a bit harder to build than a static HTML site.
    • Flash. This is a site that is built in Flash. It might use a database or scripting language on the back-end, but it is primarily a Flash/ActionScript site.
    Note: you might divide the sites you build differently, the key thing to remember is you need to find out before you agree to work on a project what type of site your customer wants you to build.
  2. Don't forget SEO
    Search engine optimization should be included in every deal that you do. Even if you're not an expert at SEO, you should create pages that will be found by your client. The only exception to this is if your client specifically says they don't want their pages to be found in search or they don't get customers through search and never plan to rely on that avenue. However, even if they say this, I recommend keeping SEO in mind when you're building the site. It won't hurt. You can always set up a robots.txt file to block the site from being indexed if they want it hidden.
  3. Agree on Pricing
    This is very difficult for most new designers to determine, but it's very important. Whether you charge an hourly rate for your work or you charge by the number of pages you have to build or some other method, you should have that pricing structure agreed upon in the contract. It's also a good idea to get some money ahead of time - to ensure that you and the client are serious.
  4. Don't work on spec
    It can be very tempting to create designs or content for sites "on spec". This means that you create the design and if the customer doesn't like it they don't pay. But there have been numerous situations where the client used the design or content anyway (usually with some slight changes), and it's very hard to fight.
  5. I strongly recommend you not do work for free
    Similar to doing spec work, doing work for free can be tempting to the new designer, but it ultimately hurts you and every other designer. Most free work is done without a contract, and even with a contract, free work can end up being more than you bargain for. Plus, free work diminishes your credibility and lets the clients treat you like an amateur. If you want to do charity work, then charge a nominal fee - say $25 or barter. Remember that offering free services often means more work.

Explore Web Design / HTML

More from About.com

Browse All About.com

Web Design / HTML

  1. Home
  2. Computing & Technology
  3. Web Design / HTML
  4. Working in Web Design
  5. Freelancing
  6. Contracts
  7. 5 Contract Must Haves for Web Designers - 5 Things to Remember When Writing a Web Design Contract

©2008 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.