Inevitably, even technology businesses will require the services of a web designer.
No matter if it is for the customization of a website, the creation of illustrations, or any other graphical project.
If you are a technology business owner and need a web designer, you probably already know that most of the projects are temporary, and don’t require a permanent hire, but rather a temporary or freelance deal.
However, if you want to be sure the contractor’s work is done within the deadline and the payment is clear for both parties, or that the other party won’t publish or use content without your consent, you may have to stipulate a clear web design contract to protect both of you.
Besides protecting your company, an agreement can also provide many benefits to your technology business.
If you’re curious about discovering them, keep reading. This article explains what a web design contract agreement is, how to create one, and all the advantages it brings.
Let’s get right to it.
What is a web design contract agreement?
A web design contract agreement is an official document between a business or individual and a web designer.
The contract contains information about the parties, the payment terms (amount and method), the scope of work, the timelines for deliverables (such as wireframes or final designs), the intellectual property rights, and other relevant legal terms.
Typically, the parties stipulate this type of contract before the work begins.
By signing the contract, both parties agree to the work scope. As a result, the contract protects both parties from various aspects and potential issues that might arise.
How to create a web design contract template
Instead of creating a web design contract from scratch and wasting time on it, or hiring a lawyer and spending a lot of money, you can use a free ready-made template, such as the ones provided by Bonsai.
In this way, you can select a template that suits your needs, and then edit only the personal information and relevant details. Once you’re done editing it, you can directly send it out for electronic signature.
Tips for writing a great web design contract
Simplicity is key
In order for your contract to be clear for everyone, avoid writing complex sentences and minimize legal and technical jargon as much as possible. As a result, you and the other party will avoid any confusion or misinterpretation.
Ensure it is easy to read
You already know how important readability is. Use a clear and readable font, and avoid overuse of underlining, bolding, caps, and italicizing. Whenever possible, use white space and space lining to keep all information well organized and pertinent. Also, use subheadings to break information into logical sections.
Don’t be too generic
Be sure to include all the relevant information and specifications about the work and the parties involved. As a result, try to avoid creating a contract for every project in the hopes of changing only the counterpart’s name. Instead, include as many details as possible. This way, your business will appear professional and trustworthy, avoiding possible misunderstandings.
What to include in a web design contract agreement
Each web design agreement is subjective and varies according to the work to be done and the specifications.
However, there are some sections you do not want to miss. Below you’ll find a list of some of the most important that you absolutely need to include in your contract.
A detailed description of the project and its parties
In this section, you need to describe any relevant information about the parties and all the details of the work you expect your counterpart to accomplish. The suggestion is to be as specific as possible in order to avoid any confusion or misunderstandings.
Details of the payment
Every type of contract, including web design agreements, must include the payment details.
The counterpart will need to know everything about the amount you’ll pay, the method of payment you plan to use, and all the information about your company in order to provide a proper web design invoice.
Specifications about intellectual property and rights
You will no doubt want to ensure you own and control the rights to the intellectual property that the web designer creates for your company.
As a result, it is crucial that you specify this clause within your contract so that the designer won’t claim any tight once the work is done.
Information about the obligations
Include a section in your contract where you clearly outline your responsibilities and those of the web designer to whom you intend to entrust the work.
Among them may be payments, briefings, or access to documents, all aimed at getting the job done.
Change in specification
There can be edits for every type of project. However, it is worth setting some limitations on the number and the size of edits. In this manner, you will not end up with a project that does not meet your expectations.
It is also important to map out the process for changing the specification. Thus, make sure the counterpart is aware of this.
Confidentiality
Additionally, the web design agreement must include a data privacy clause. Designers must often access sensitive information to get the job done. By stating all the consequences of wrongdoing, you ensure that all your data is protected and remains private.
Termination of the contract
Terminations shouldn’t be mistaken for expirations, since the latter happens when the web design delivers all the work needed. Instead, the first occurs when there is a breach of the contract.
In this section, you will describe all the details and chances of termination of the agreement.
7 benefits of a web design contract for your technology company
In this section, you’ll find some of the key benefits of a web design contract for your technology company.
1. Make your business look professional
A contract is an essential component of running a professional business and building trust. By setting mutual expectations, you can show people who agree to work for you that you take your responsibilities seriously.
By doing so, your technology business will appear more professional, leading to improved public relations.
2. It protects both you and the client
This article has already mentioned several times that a web design contract agreement serves to protect both your business and the person or company providing the service.
By signing a contract, both parties know what to expect from each other in advance: payments, what type of work and how long it will take, clauses to respect, and so on.
As well, since your counterpart may need access to some sensitive information about your business, you can ensure that these data are protected by stating that in the contract and detailing the potential consequences.
3. It clearly describes the work you expect to receive
With a contract, you can clearly specify the work that you expect to receive and set a deadline.
In addition, you can stipulate that if the requirements are not followed, and the work doesn’t meet your expectations, then payment will not be made.
This way, you will avoid wasting resources if the project isn’t successful.
4. It allows you to avoid potential future misunderstandings
If you have managed deals, then you are aware of how misunderstandings happen easily and frequently.
Whenever this happens, a contract can serve as proof of what you both agreed on at the beginning.
Thus, having an agreement can save you time and protect you legally and commercially from unnecessary disputes.
5. It empowers you to build good working relationships
If everyone understands what the deal is from the very beginning, it will be easier to establish a transparent and long-lasting working relationship.
So, a contract is a great way to enhance transparency and professionalism, as well as making your company more well-recognized on the market and scaling up your business.
6. It may help clarify your status as an independent contractor
If you stipulate a contract for a project only, you can specifically state that it is a services contract and not an employment contract. This statement will not override a sham contract, but if there is any doubt regarding the nature of the relationship, the court would take it into account.
7. It helps you avoid costly litigation
In the event that one of the parties breaks the contract, it will be used as a reference to determine which party was at fault.
By having an easily accessible agreement, there is less chance of pending litigation or dragging out litigation beyond what is necessary, which could be time- and cost-consuming.
Final thoughts
Here’s the conclusion of this article on how having a web design contract can bring many benefits to your technology business.
You’ve learned what a web design contract is, how to create one, what elements you need to include, and how advantageous it can be.
Thanks for taking the time to read this article. I hope you find it useful and interesting.
For more information regarding contracts, visit Bonsai’s blog. It provides useful tips and insight.
Ingrid Maldine is a business writer, editor and management consultant with extensive experience writing and consulting for both start-ups and long established companies. She has ten years management and leadership experience gained at BSkyB in London and Viva Travel Guides in Quito, Ecuador, giving her a depth of insight into innovation in international business. With an MBA from the University of Hull and many years of experience running her own business consultancy, Ingrid’s background allows her to connect with a diverse range of clients, including cutting edge technology and web-based start-ups but also multinationals in need of assistance. Ingrid has played a defining role in shaping organizational strategy for a wide range of different organizations, including for-profit, NGOs and charities. Ingrid has also served on the Board of Directors for the South American Explorers Club in Quito, Ecuador.
