You've chosen a web development partner and outlined your goals. But wait—before signing that contract, make sure you're not missing the hidden make-or-break details. This checklist covers the crucial (but often overlooked) areas that determine whether your site becomes a business asset—or a liability.
1. Speed & Responsiveness Are Not Optional
Users expect your site to load in under 3 seconds. Google expects the same. A slow site kills conversion and visibility. Ask your developer:
- How will you compress images and optimize loading?
- Will the site be tested across all screen sizes?
- Do you use clean, semantic code?
2. Understand SLA: What Happens After Launch?
Your site goes live—but what if it crashes during a campaign? Service Level Agreements (SLA) define expectations for:
- Response time (e.g., 1 hour for critical issues)
- Resolution time (e.g., 24-48 hours for bugs)
- Support channels (email, WhatsApp, ticket system?)
- Scope of support (backups, updates, security patches?)
3. Legal: Who Owns What?
Many businesses overlook ownership clauses—until it's too late. After payment, you should legally own:
- All source code
- Admin access (CMS, domain, hosting)
- All custom visuals and written content
Ask for everything in writing—and request access to all credentials upon final handoff.
4. How to Spot Red Flags Early
- 🚩 Prices that sound too good to be true — they probably are.
- 🚩 No portfolio, or all samples look generic.
- 🚩 Pushy sales tactics with no discovery session.
- 🚩 No written contract. Or worse: vague scope of work.
- 🚩 Unresponsive communication in the proposal stage.
Conclusion: Clarity Now Saves Headaches Later
A sleek website is only half the equation. What you don't see—support, structure, and security—can make or break your brand's digital performance. Invest in clarity, and partner with teams who value transparency as much as creativity.
Need expert guidance to launch a website that performs and lasts? Talk to ABVD—where technology meets accountability.