Scope: what exactly will be delivered
The contract should list the pages, features, integrations and content tasks included. Note who writes the text and supplies photos. Spell out the number of revision rounds and what counts as a change versus a new request. Vague words like 'full website' or 'SEO included' invite misunderstanding.
Ask for a timeline with milestones, and what you must supply for the schedule to hold. Delays on your side usually move dates.
Ask what happens if the project grows. A good agreement describes how extra work is requested, quoted and approved in writing, so neither side is surprised by a new invoice.
Ownership of the site and content
Check who owns the design, code, text, photos and the domain after you pay. Many agreements transfer ownership only after full payment. Make sure the domain is registered in your name, and hosting accounts are accessible to you. If a template or third-party plug-in is licensed, find out what happens to the license if you leave.
Confirm that the designer has the right to use any stock images or fonts and that you are not liable for their mistakes.
Payment terms
Look at the deposit, the milestone schedule and the final payment. Tie payments to deliverables, not just dates. Understand late fees, refund terms and what happens if the project stops partway. Be wary of requests for full payment up front for large projects.
Ask what is not included in the price: premium plug-ins, stock photos, copywriting, extra pages, or later changes.
If a payment processor, mailing service or booking tool is part of the build, check whether the subscription will be in your name and billed to you directly. Accounts opened in the designer's name can leave you locked out later.
Ongoing hosting and care
Find out whether hosting, maintenance, backups and security updates are included, who handles them and what they cost. Note renewal dates and whether prices can rise. Ask how quickly problems are fixed and how to reach someone.
Make sure you can move to another provider, and that the agreement says how files and data will be handed over, and in what format.
Ending the relationship
Read the termination clause. How much notice is needed? Are there fees for leaving? Will the provider transfer domain, hosting and files promptly? Contracts that auto-renew for long periods deserve a calendar reminder on the cancellation date.
Check limits on liability, confidentiality and who is responsible if the site infringes copyright. Items like these are why a short review by an attorney can be worth the cost.
Red flags
Be cautious if the agreement is only an email, the provider will not put promises in writing, ownership is unclear, or you are asked to sign before seeing the scope. Ask questions and wait for clear answers. If you are unsure of any term, an attorney can read it with you before you sign.
Also watch for pressure to sign quickly, discounts that expire tonight and promises such as top search positions that no honest provider can control.
Common questions
Should I have a lawyer review a website contract?
For a large project or an unusual term, yes. For simple projects, a clear scope and ownership clause may be enough.
Who should own the domain name?
You should, registered under your own account with your own contact details, so you can control renewals and move it.
This guide is general information. Search engines change how they work and their guidelines; check Google's current documentation for your situation. Nobody can guarantee a ranking.