When I first started my business I created a ‘mock up’ version of the website that I wanted in PowerPoint, and included all the features that I needed. The website was critical to my business as it was where customers would come to set up their accounts and pay for their online advertising – basically the website was the very core of my business and critical to cash flow and profitability.

I found a local website designer who convinced me that he could do the job, for the price that I could afford and in the time frame that I needed it.  I showed him my PowerPoint and he agreed verbally that all the features I had in my PowerPoint would be included for the price and he could get started straight away.  My biggest mistake was not getting all of this in writing in some formal agreement.  My second biggest mistake was not including a time ‘penalty’ for not supplying the website on the date agreed.

In the end, the website cost me 5 times the original quote, it was delivered months after the deadline, and only included about 50% of the features that I originally wanted.  It took me almost a year to recover from this disaster and left a very bitter taste in my mouth regarding the so called professionals that operate in the information technology sector.

On the bright side, it has taught me a valuable lesson in business – always get it in writing and make sure you include a penalty for a breach of any agreement that is made.  Since then, I have created over 72 websites that make up my network, and have been able to bring each one under within budget and on time.

Smart Cookie provide a Web Design Agreement Template that can help you to lock down the terms if you are thinking about hiring a Web Designer to create you a business website.  I highly recommend that you use this document, it will help to clarify your own needs and force your web designer to stick to commitments made.

Andrew Withall
Founder – Courses Directory
Australia’s Largest Network Of Education And Training Directories

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