If you search the internet, you will see endless stories of people who have hired a web developer to do some work for them, but the developer ends up holding them hostage.

I.e. The web developer holds on to their website, doesn’t give them full ownership, etc.

Usually, the web developer starts off good.

But as time goes on, replies to emails become slower, changes are not affected on time (if at all), all while you continue to pay monthly maintenance fees.

The real problem comes when you want to stop working with them.

That’s when most people realize they don’t actually own the site and the web developer owns it instead (i.e. the domain is registered in the developer’s name and they have no relevant credentials to their website, hosting, and domains).

I even heard of someone who paid $3,000 to build a website and $600/month for maintenance only to get threats from the developer that his website would be deleted if he stops working with them.

Sheesh.

To avoid this, the first and most important thing is to work with someone you trust.

Nothing else matters if you can’t do this.

So before you hire anyone (including me), do your due diligence. Look at previous work, request contact information of past clients, and try to get as much information on them as possible. Be properly informed.

And if you have a gut feeling something is wrong, go with your gut.

But let’s assume you have done that, here are some other things to do:

* Ensure your agreement clearly spells out that you own the domain, hosting, and actual website content.

* Ensure every plugin, theme, domain, etc., is bought in your name (and get the credentials).

* Ensure you have the credentials to your website and you are able to access it

*If possible, ensure your access is higher than that of your web developer (this is not always practical, but try to do it if you can).

Ultimately, working with a person/agency you trust would give you more peace of mind than trying to mindlessly control every single variable — credentials, ownership, etc.

You need a person/team who has your back, not someone looking to stab you in the back.

That said, IKON Media is currently taking on web design and development clients.

If you are not sure you’d like to work with us, that’s perfectly fine. You don’t have to work with us, you just have to find someone you trust to do a good job.

But if you think you’d like working with us, then let’s have a chat.

This chat is the perfect opportunity for both of us to understand the project, ask questions, “screen” each other, and determine if we should move forward.

For more articles like this on marketing, sales and copywriting, check out my website: https://ikonmedia.net/

When you get there, you have the option to join my email list.

If you join you will get my free book that shows you how to multiply the amount of revenue you make in your business using your email list.

If you’re interested, use the link above.

Fola