A website agreement isn’t just legal jargon—it’s the roadmap that keeps your project on track, your designer sane, and your website actually getting finished. Yet, some clients treat it like the iTunes terms and conditions: they skim it (or ignore it entirely), assume everything is flexible, and then get frustrated when things don’t go their way.
Here’s the reality: a website agreement protects both you and your designer. It outlines expectations, timelines, responsibilities, and what happens if things go off course. Without it, projects can drag on forever, budgets can spiral out of control, and both parties can end up feeling frustrated.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- Why your website agreement is critical to a successful project.
- The most important clauses (including what happens when clients go quiet).
- How to avoid common pitfalls and keep your project moving.
Let’s break it down so you know exactly what to expect before signing on the dotted line.
1. The Purpose of Your Website Agreement
A website agreement ensures that everyone is clear on:
✔ What’s included (and what’s not).
✔ How many revisions are allowed.
✔ What’s expected from you as the client.
✔ Payment terms and deadlines.
✔ What happens if the project stalls.
It’s not just about protecting the designer—it’s about setting fair, realistic expectations so that the project goes smoothly for both sides.
2. Key Clauses You Need to Understand
1. Sedentary Clause: What Happens When You Go Quiet
Many projects get delayed because clients disappear. Whether it’s because they’re busy, overwhelmed, or just forgot about the project, silence halts progress—and a good agreement will outline what happens if that occurs.
🚫 Common client mistake: Going quiet for weeks, then suddenly resurfacing and demanding urgent updates.
✔ What the agreement says:
- If a client fails to provide content or feedback within a set timeframe (e.g., 14 days), the project may be paused or terminated without a refund.
- If the project needs to be restarted after a long pause, there may be additional fees to resume work.
🚀 How to avoid this:
✔ Keep communication open—even a quick email saying “I’m delayed but still here” keeps the project alive.
✔ Set reminders for deadlines and feedback requests.
2. Revisions: How Many You Actually Get
Web design isn’t an unlimited buffet of tweaks and changes—revision rounds are limited to keep the project moving.
🚫 Common client mistake: Making endless little changes (“Can we just move this button 2 pixels to the left?”).
✔ What the agreement says:
- You get X number of revisions (typically 2-3 rounds).
- Extra revisions beyond this may incur additional costs.
🚀 How to avoid revision overload:
✔ Be clear on your vision before approving designs.
✔ Provide detailed, consolidated feedback instead of drip-feeding changes one email at a time.
3. Supplying Information in a Timely Fashion
Your designer can’t magically create a website if they don’t have your content, branding, and instructions.
🚫 Common client mistake: Assuming the designer will “fill in the gaps” if content is missing.
✔ What the agreement says:
- You must provide all required content (text, images, branding assets, etc.) before design starts.
- If content is delayed, the timeline will be extended—but not the final deadline.
- If content isn’t provided within a set timeframe, the project may be put on hold or cancelled.
🚀 How to avoid content delays:
✔ Gather all your content before the project starts.
✔ If you need help, pay for professional copywriting—don’t assume the designer will do it for free.
4. Realistic Budget Expectations
You can’t expect a high-end, custom website on a bargain-basement budget. Your agreement sets clear expectations on what’s included and how pricing works.
🚫 Common client mistake: Expecting premium features (custom e-commerce, membership portals, advanced animations) without budgeting for them.
✔ What the agreement says:
- The price covers specific features and pages—anything extra costs more.
- Major scope changes (e.g., adding a shop after agreeing on a basic site) will require a new quote.
- Payment terms are fixed—work won’t start (or continue) without meeting the agreed schedule.
🚀 How to avoid budget issues:
✔ Be clear on what you need before the project starts.
✔ Understand that additional features = additional cost.
✔ Pay invoices on time to keep your project on schedule.
3. How to Keep Your Website Project on Track
Now that you know what’s in your agreement, here’s how to ensure a smooth, delay-free experience:
✔ Read the contract. Don’t just sign—understand what’s included.
✔ Stick to deadlines. Provide content, feedback, and approvals on time.
✔ Limit revisions. Be clear upfront to avoid unnecessary back-and-forth.
✔ Communicate. If you’re delayed, let your designer know before the deadline passes.
✔ Respect your designer’s time. They’re not on call 24/7—stick to agreed working hours.
A website agreement isn’t a formality—it’s the key to a successful project. It protects both you and your designer by setting clear expectations on:
✔ Timelines and deadlines (including what happens if you go quiet).
✔ Revision limits (so you don’t accidentally add months to the project).
✔ Supplying content on time (because your website can’t be built without it).
✔ Budget clarity (so there are no surprises when you request extra features).
Next step: Before your project starts, take 10 minutes to read your agreement properly. A little preparation now will save you weeks of frustration later.
