Here are some frequently asked questions regarding web site design, which will hopefully help to avoid confusion during project development.
Does the client get to 'own' the source code and/or copyright?
In a word - no - but merely to say that would not be helpful! Firstly, ownership of the source code (for static web development) and of the copyright (the right to reproduce the source code) are two quite separate things; someone could own one or the other or both (or neither!). We sell the client a license to reproduce the work within named criteria - for example, for use on a web site, intranet or extranet. We do not sell copyright - ever - but so long as terms are drawn up to allow the desired usage of the source code, this should not restrict your proposed usage in the future.
If the client doesn't like what Powernet has produced, do they still have to pay?
Sometimes it can take time to achieve something that both parties are happy with - it is often difficult to communicate what exactly is required from the outset - so we hope that clients will persevere, if they are initially disappointed with work produced at the early stages.
If you do wish to terminate contracted work, we will require some compensation depending on the work we have carried out, and these are our terms:
- 25% of the agreed fee if the commission is cancelled/rejected before delivery of visuals
- 33% of the agreed fee if the commission is cancelled/rejected at the visual stage
- 100% of the agreed fee if the commission is cancelled/rejected on the delivery of the completed project pro rata if the commission is cancelled/rejected at an intermediate stage
How do I make my site visible on Search Engines?
Search Engine rankings are subject to a wide variety of factors, the weighting of which is subject to continuous and often, unannounced change by each individual Search Engine. As such, it is difficult for any company to guarantee that it can achieve a high ranking for any web site, or maintain any initial high ranking that may be achieved.
Search Engines increasingly factor into their rankings some elements that lie outside the control of either Powernet or the company for whom the site has been developed: these include the number of links to the site from other websites and the number of occasions on which the site is accessed via the Search Engine with which it is listed.
While Powernet will endeavour to achieve as high ranking for your site as possible, you should bear in mind that Search Engines only provide one means of driving traffic to your site: traditional marketing activities should always include your site's web address.
Powernet can assist you by providing advice and experience as to how your marketing mix can be adjusted to assist the visibility of your web site, and you should take the opportunity to raise your marketing concerns and issues with us at the earliest possible stage in our relationship.