Your website is more than just an online presence; it’s the face of your business, the hub of your marketing efforts, and often the primary point of contact with your customers. Choosing a web developer is a significant decision that can have long-lasting effects on your business. However, once you’ve made your choice, how can you be sure your web developer is working with your best interests in mind rather than prioritising their own? Here are some critical aspects you should consider.
1. Hosting: Do You Have Full Access?
When it comes to web hosting, transparency and access are crucial. Some developers offer hosting as part of their package, but this can lead to potential issues:
- Access: Do you have full access to the hosting account? This includes control over files, databases, and settings. If your developer is the only one with access, you might find yourself locked out if the relationship sours.
- Shared Hosting: Is your website hosted on a shared server with other clients? While shared hosting can be cost-effective, it can also pose risks, including slower site performance and security vulnerabilities. Ensure you understand the hosting environment your site is in.
- Ownership: Who owns the hosting account? Ideally, the hosting should be in your name, giving you complete control. If your developer owns it, they could potentially hold your website hostage in case of a dispute.
2. Domain and Website Ownership: Who Really Owns Your Digital Assets?
Your domain name and website are critical assets for your business. Understanding who owns them is vital:
- Domain Ownership: The domain should always be registered in your name or your business’s name. If your developer registers it in their name, transferring it later can be complicated and potentially expensive.
- Website Ownership: Who owns the intellectual property (IP) of the website? Ensure there is a clear agreement that once the website is developed and paid for, you own the design, code, and content. Without this, your developer might retain ownership rights, which can create problems down the road.
3. Login Details: What Level of Access Do You Have?
Having full access to your website’s backend is non-negotiable. This includes:
- Admin Access: Ensure you have admin access to your website, allowing you to manage users, plugins, themes, and content. If your developer only provides you with limited access, you’re at their mercy for even minor updates.
- Backup Access: Do you have access to backup systems? Regular backups are crucial for disaster recovery, and you should have access to them independently of your developer.
4. Plugin Updates: Who Manages This Critical Task?
Plugins are essential for adding functionality to your website, but they require regular updates to maintain security and compatibility:
- Update Management: Who is responsible for updating plugins? If your developer manages this, are they doing it regularly? Outdated plugins can expose your site to security vulnerabilities and affect performance.
- Backup Before Updates: Ensure that backups are made before any updates. Updates can sometimes break your site, and having a backup ensures you can quickly revert if something goes wrong.
5. Theme and Plugin Ownership: Are They Properly Licensed?
Themes and plugins are often licensed, and proper licensing is crucial for receiving updates and support:
- Licensing: Ensure that any themes or plugins used on your site are properly licensed. Using unlicensed or pirated software can lead to legal issues and prevent you from receiving important updates.
- Ownership: If your developer uses premium themes or plugins, who owns the licenses? Ideally, the licenses should be in your name to ensure you have full control and can receive support directly from the vendor.
6. Contingency Planning: What Happens if the Relationship Deteriorates?
No one wants to think about a relationship going south, but it’s essential to be prepared:
- Exit Strategy: If the relationship with your developer deteriorates, do you have a clear exit strategy? This includes access to all accounts, files, and documentation needed to hand over to a new developer.
- Hand-Over Process: Is there a clear hand-over process in place? This should include the transfer of all credentials, licenses, and a full backup of the site.
7. Disaster Contingency: Are They Prepared for the Worst?
Websites can go down, data can be lost, and security breaches can happen. How prepared is your developer?
- Disaster Recovery Plan: Does your developer have a disaster recovery plan in place? This includes regular backups, a plan for restoring the site, and measures to protect against data loss.
- Security Protocols: What security measures are in place? This includes regular updates, secure hosting, and protection against common threats like DDoS attacks and hacking attempts.
8. Legal Obligations: Are Yours Explained and Covered?
Running a website comes with legal responsibilities, especially regarding user data:
- GDPR Compliance: If your site collects data from users in the EU, it must comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Is your developer knowledgeable about GDPR, and have they implemented necessary measures like consent forms and data protection practices?
- Privacy Policies: Does your website include a privacy policy that outlines how user data is collected, used, and stored? This is not only a legal requirement but also builds trust with your users.
Final Thoughts: Ask the Right Questions
Choosing a web developer is not just about finding someone who can build a good-looking website; it’s about finding a partner who prioritizes your business’s needs and protects your interests. Here’s a list of questions you should ask any potential web developer:
Questions to Ask Your Web Developer:
- Hosting:
- Who will own the hosting account, and will I have full access?
- Is the hosting shared, and what are the implications for my site’s performance and security?
- Domain and Website Ownership:
- Who will own the domain name and website?
- How will ownership be transferred to me upon project completion?
- Login Details:
- What level of access will I have to the website backend?
- Will I have access to backups and security settings?
- Plugin Updates:
- Who is responsible for updating plugins, and how often will this be done?
- What is the process for backing up the site before updates?
- Theme and Plugin Ownership:
- Are all themes and plugins used on my site properly licensed?
- Will the licenses be in my name, and can I renew them independently?
- Contingency Planning:
- What is the process if our working relationship deteriorates?
- How will the site and all related accounts be transferred to me or a new developer?
- Disaster Contingency:
- What disaster recovery measures are in place?
- What happens if you get hit by a bus?
- How often are backups taken, and where are they stored?
- Legal Obligations:
- How will you ensure my website is GDPR compliant?
- Will my website include a privacy policy, and who will draft it?
By asking these questions and carefully considering the answers, you can ensure that your web developer is truly looking out for your interests, not just their own. Protecting your digital assets and ensuring your business’s continuity is too important to leave to chance. Choose a partner who values transparency, ownership, and security as much as you do.
