It is very vital to have a proper contract for every web design job you undertake. Contracts are important for ensuring that there is a consensus between you and your client regarding different facets of the project. This document is especially useful for reference whenever proof of the transaction is required.
The following are some of the things that you need to look out for in your web design contract.
1. Revisions
Revisions are very vital for any project and should be included in the contract. Make sure you limit the number of revisions required. Deliberate with your client and put down your agreement in the contract. This will protect you from having to revise your design severally. In addition, it will require the client to be very clear about what they want from the onset.
2. Scope of work
The scope of work shows exactly what needs to be done for a particular project. This includes things such as the kind of graphics required, scripts, programs to be built, the number of pages, and the amount of content required. All these details need to agreed upon and included in the contract.
3. Project dates
The contract needs to mention the exact dates for the project. This includes the start or work, content due dates, completion of design, final review date, approval of design, and launch of site. You need to agree with your client on all these dates.
4. Payment dates
Besides the project dates, it is also very important to show the dates when payment is due. In addition, the contract needs to indicate how much is to be paid on a specific date. This way, your client will know exactly what is required from them and you will be assured of receiving your payment on time.
5. Method of payment
Besides stating the amount of payment and the due dates, the contract should also state the method which will be used for payment. You could offer several payment options for your client to choose from. This enables payments to be made easily and fast in a way which is convenient to you and your client.
6. Credits
Even if you get paid for the web design job, it is still important to get credit for the work. Discuss with the client on how this will be done. One of the best ways of doing this is having a small link pointing to your site. The contract should mention exactly where the credit will be positioned, as well as how long the credit will stay on the site.
7. Copyright issues
It is very important to agree on project copyright matters from the onset. You could give full rights to the client or keep specific rights for yourself. On the other hand, you could design a website for a client but still retain the full copyright for the project. This is especially in the case where there are specific aspects which are uniquely yours. Having clear copyright agreements will help prevent legal disputes in future.
8. Confidentiality clause
A confidentiality clause is a very important element in a contract. You might want to keep your business practices confidential as you work on the project. At the same time, some clients would want to keep their identity confidential, especially if you intend to use the project to promote your business. All these things need to be agreed upon.
Charles Mburugu has a great passion for sharing blogging and web development tips. At the moment, he is writing for http://www.motocms.com/.
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