Who owns your website? It's a question you need to ask before signing with any web design company. The answer may seem obvious, but it's not always as straightforward as you might think. In many cases, the web design company retains ownership of the site's code and design elements – even after you've paid them in full. This can create problems down the line if you want to switch to a new provider or make major changes to your website. To avoid these issues, ask yourself these seven questions before signing on the dotted line:
Who owns the site's code and design elements? This is the most important question of all. Make sure that you retain full ownership of everything on your website – from the images to the text to the code itself. If the web design company claims ownership over any part of your site, walk away immediately.
Can you make changes without asking for permission? Once your website is live, you should be able to make changes without having to ask for permission from your web design company. This includes adding new pages, changing images, and updating text. If the company insists on reviewing and approving all changes before they go live, they are likely retaining too much control over your site.
Can you transfer your website to another provider? You should be able to transfer your website to another provider at any time without incurring additional fees or penalties. If the web design company makes it difficult or expensive to switch providers, they are likely retaining too much control over your site.
Do you have full access to your site's analytics? You should have full access to your website's analytics so that you can track its performance and make data-driven decisions about future changes. If the web design company withholds this information or charges extra for it, they are likely retaining too much control over your site.
Is your website mobile-responsive? In today's world, having a mobile-responsive website is essential. Make sure that your web design company creates a website that looks great on all devices – from smartphones to tablets to desktop computers. If the company doesn't prioritize mobile-friendliness, they are likely retaining too much control over your site.
Does your website load quickly? Slow loading times can hurt your website's performance and drive away potential customers. Make sure that your web design company creates a website that loads quickly on all devices – from smartphones to tablets to desktop computers. If the company doesn't prioritize fast loading times, they are likely retaining too much control over your site.
Does your website have clear calls-to-action? Your website should have clear calls-to-action that guide visitors towards taking the actions you want them to take – whether that's making a purchase or filling out a contact form. If the web design company doesn't prioritize clear calls-to-action, they are likely retaining too much control over your site.
