WEB DESIGNERS, DEVELOPERS and WEBMASTERS WITH and WITHOUT ETHICS
STORY 1
I personally got a call once asking me if I wanted to be high up on search engine results. Naturally, I said, "Yes, of course. How?". She went on to explain that they have a software program that will instantly create 30,000 web pages with all of my selected keywords on it repeated over and over and all linked directly to my web site. I went on to ask "How much?" She said its on sale right now for $1,800.00. If you don't act now, it will go up to $3,000.00. Naturally, I said "no, thank you."
Why did I say No? Whenever you hear a pitch on Search Engine Marketing, the best thing to do is ask for details on how they intend to go about it - just like what I did in this example. Then proceed to ask yourself "if every web site owner does the same thing, how would it affect the Internet as a whole?" Well, the answer is obvious. If everyone buys into this proposal, the internet will be full of junk web pages and it will become harder and harder to find any information on the web. Some Internet Marketing Companies do not care about such thing because they are only after profit - what happens beyond that is someone elses problem. They have no ethics and or moral value or any obligations to the Internet Community or to anyone else for that matter which is quite sad. The bottom line is they are hijacking the search engines capacity to provide relative results. Its trickery at its best. From a technical standpoint, the marketing ploy might work, maybe for a short while, or not at all. This type of guerilla marketing does not have a positive contribution to the long term life of your online business. If we fill the Internet with these empty junk web pages, then you are only contributing to the demise of the Internet and of your online business. We need to protect the quality of online content by contributing to it without the need for self-advancement.
WARNING!
We commonly hear from past and recent inquiries about their previous web designer or webmaster who abandons them and their project for no apparent reasons and without any advanced notice. More sadly, the businesses that these web designers took advantage of did not leave them any access to their domain name nor a copy of their finished or unfinished web site thus leaving them hanging without any recourse other than to start over.
To prevent this from happening, either register your own domain name and regularly keep an updated copy of the entire web site on a CD or local computer. Its true that it is very convenient to have your web designer do most of these responsibilities, but only do so, if you trust this person wholeheartedly. If not, I would be very cautious. But if you feel the need to be very cautious, do not do business with that company or person.
Another one of our recent client told us that their previous web designer would not provide them access to their web pages. They wanted to modify their web page content on their own or at least attempt to. Their previous web designer indicated that they would need to pay an additional $3,000 if they want to obtain a copy of the raw flash and psd files. This is after they had already paid $4,000 for the web site. Apparently, they left that web design company and have hired us to redesign their web site as well as training on how to update its content.
To prevent this from happening to you, make sure to read your web design agreement thoroughly. Make sure that their is language in the agreement that you own the design and content of the web pages they are building. If there is no such language, the law will be on the side of the web designer, because they are the creator of the web pages. This advise is not a substitute for legal advise. Please consult a lawyer for proper legal action.
ETHICAL WEB DESIGNERS
One of our top priority at WebSiteCenter.com is to help our clients become successful with their online business not hinder them. Whether we are in good terms or bad, we do not alter our policy to purposely hurt our clients. We provide them any and all files necessary or access to in order for them to continue their online business no matter what the situation is between us and our client. Especially when it comes to unpaid dues. It does not make sense to us to stop them from doing their business and expect them to pay their bills. It makes more sense to help them get more business so that they can continue to pay their outstanding invoices, thus helping them move forward towards success.
Notice:
Information has been obtained by WebSiteCenter.com from sources believed to be reliable. However, because of the possibility of human or mechanical error by our sources, WebSiteCenter.com or others, WebSiteCenter.com does not guarantee the accuracy, adequacy, or completeness of any information and is not responsible for any errors or omissions or the results obtained from use of such information.
Web Design Resources: Important Notes to Consider
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):Get Straight Answers
How long does it take to build a web site?
Our web design agreement will indicate 15 working days but we can build it a lot faster than 15 days if you come in prepared with all of your text content, photos and logo. In this case, we can finish it within 3-4 days - from signup to launch. What we found to be the most time consuming in building web sites is client's turnaround time in providing their final text content or copywrite. In order to help out in this area, we have prepared the most common text related information to help the project move along. We will even help with the copywrite if you provide a list of highlights that we can work with about your company, products and services at no additional cost.
Business Center: Start an Online Business
Scenario: Your self-employed and in need of cash infusion; you have a great idea, now turn it into a business reality. At WebSiteCenter.com Business Center, we've done some research for you starting with information on business plans; funding for existing business or brand new start-up; review our list of links about the new Federal Stimulus Plan targeted for small businesses.
