A potential client spoke to me last week about the different problems he’d had with various web designers.  Of course I wanted to reassure him that I was not like them.

Some of how I am different is listed on my web site under my biography and web design philosophy, but I realized that I didn’t state the standards I work to.  Basically, there wasn’t any promise that would reassure the prospect that I wasn’t like all the rest who had treated web design and Search Engine Optimization like inconvenient tasks they had to do for money between creative graphic gigs.

I am serious about serving clients and want to let them know what to expect. I want them to know they’re not going to be surprised.  Here’s a list of commitments and expectations I have for my work.

Does this list cover enough fears? Let me know what changes or additions you think would help clients know that I’m the low-risk choice for web design and Internet promotion!

Commitments to My Clients

Communications. I will respond to phone calls and emails within one business day.  The exception to this schedule will be announced vacation times when I am away from the Internet.  These off-the-grid vacations have occurred on the average of less than two weeks per year since Ozdachs Consulting started operating nine years ago.

Cost estimates. I will provide you with a cost estimate for clearly-defined jobs and will not overrun that estimate by more than 5%.  If the costs appear to be greater than initially estimated, I will advise you as soon as I see the potential for growth.  When the scope of work has changed we will agree either on a revised estimate or a mitigation plan to control the costs.

Schedule. I will provide a schedule for the work before you engage me.

Ownership.  You will own the text and graphics you provide for the website.  You will own the text and graphics I create for you, including photographs I take and edit for you.  If I use third-party stock photos or other tools, we both are subject  to the licensing agreements of the third parties;  I will not select any tools which require on-going payment for their use without getting your approval. The components of the web site design coding  such as style sheets and scripts will be owned by me or whoever I licensed them from. You will have a perpetual right to use these components on your web site without additional compensation.

On-going Support. I will be available to maintain or enhance your web site for the foreseeable future.  I enjoy updating sites. My professional plans are to continue to develop Ozdachs Consulting, and I am not seeking other employment.

References. I will provide contact information of past or current Ozdachs clients on request.  I will also give you links to their sites so you can ask detailed questions about my work.