In recent times it has become more prevalent that company owners are reaching out for help because they have lost control of their web site. In some cases, the owners have objected to paying the $150 fees attached to generating minor textual modifications to their web site. Other instances have revealed that the web site owner has been asked to pay $3,800 to release their web site from the individual who had created the site and hosted it on their hosting account. Whilst I believe that charging for time to update a web site is fair, careful selection of your web site designer and hosting service will assist you to steer clear of paying some fees for minor textual modifications and will assist you to retain control of your web site.
Use this web site requirements guide prior to you select your website design company.

Make sure you have access to your hosting account

Whilst there are many hosting solutions, I think website owners ought to have full access to their hosting account. This indicates that owners can move any time and still retain control of their web site and content. I prefer it that way. Customers ought to have control of their asset. Too numerous times we have seen clients alter suppliers because they haven’t had control of their website and are annoyed that they are locked in. With the massive growth of social media, negative word of mouth can spread like wildfire, and also the only word of mouth an agency ought to want is positive.

Ensure you can change text and images on your site

Numerous clients have lost control of their website and are being charged exorbitant fees just to make minor changes to their site. This may be fine if you have a static site which you believe will never need changing but occasionally laws change or you’ve new goods or services that you wish to add. I think you should have the ability to make text and image based modifications to your site.

If you want to edit your web site, make sure you have a system that allows you to edit ALL content, sections and pages. Some developers use fundamental systems that mean they’ll charge you later to add sections. You will only be able to edit in defined locations that they have previously specified. I think having access to make changes is essential.

Take a look at what content management program is being used

If they’re using their propriety content management program, this indicates you’ll be solely reliant on your website development business. It means you’re relying on them to preserve and update it. I’ve known 1 client whose website development business didn’t maintain the system they were using so it made it difficult for them to move their web site to a new hosting account.

Attempt to use open source platforms which are developed by a global community. This means that the systems are not reliant on proprietary systems, they’re reliant on community development. There are literally thousands of developers who contribute to the platform.

Have a Content Management Program that is Database Driven

If you want your web site to be dynamic, searchable and flexible – you need to make sure your websites Content Management Program is database driven (As opposed to static pages). Once more this will save you costs in any future development. Unless your web site is “Dynamic / Database driven” you won’t have the ability to serve your web site on various devices like the iPhone.

Make sure the program can be search engine optimized easily

Now this is really a tricky 1. I have discovered many website companies say that they understand search engine optimisation, but the reality is they don’t. Often they’ll create a site in “flash” which is not search engine friendly or offer you having a search engine friendly content management system. Your content management program should consist of fields exactly where you can alter your page titles, meta description and keywords. Ideally, you need to also be able to adjust the robots text. In 1 system I looked at recently, I could change the page titles and descriptions but was not able to prevent some pages being indexed in search engines that didn’t need to be indexed.

Ensure you retain ownership of Your Website

Some website developers attempt and lock you in and own the graphics and logo on your site. They do this by sending agreements which are assumed to be accepted on payment of your invoice. Often this means the graphic designer will lock you in for the logo or graphics that they used on your website. This indicates that in the event you ever wish to move suppliers, you will charged a fee to release their intellectual property.

Make sure you own the Code

Ask your developer / designer in the event you will own All the code inside your web site and that it’s hosted on your website. Otherwise, you can wind up with systems / services hosted by other companies that can not effortlessly be modified unless you pay.

Avoid Flash Based Website Systems

Flash based web sites appear pretty, but are much more challenging to rank in search engines. This is simply because they’ve extremely small text based content so search engines can’t tell what your web site is about. Flash isn’t iphone or ipad friendly. Using the growing number of individuals utilizing mobile phones for search, it is advisable to steer clear of flash based web sites.

Make sure your web site is scalable and future proof

So you are able to easily add additional functions like eCommerce & mailing list systems which are completely integrated and not a series of bolt-ons / patches and fixes. This once more will reduce future expenses.

You are able to Upgrade and Take control

We can help you get control of your website. Occasionally this means we can salvage parts of your website, occasionally this means your web site will need to be completely redeveloped. However the end result is which you will have control of your asset. We can provide custom web design solutions that you own. This is something you need to aim for.