Web Design in South Shields

You should. Insist that the domain is registered in YOUR name (not the designer's), you hold the hosting account credentials, and the contract transfers full rights to the design and code on final payment. Designer-owned domains are the single most common lock-in trap in this industry.

Two to three structured revision rounds are the industry standard, usually stated in the contract. Unlimited-revision promises sound generous but signal weak process — projects with no revision cap routinely stall for months. Consolidate all your feedback into each round instead of drip-feeding changes.

Usually not — most quotes assume you supply finished text and images. Professional copywriting and a photo shoot are typically separate line items that can add 20-50% to a project. Stock photos and designer-polished draft text are the common middle ground; agree this explicitly before signing.

Morally yes, legally increasingly so — several markets now enforce accessibility standards (WCAG) for business websites, and lawsuits and fines are real in some countries. Practically: proper headings, alt text, keyboard navigation and color contrast cost little at build time and a lot to retrofit. Ask your designer to build to WCAG 2.1 AA.

Freelancers typically charge £800-3,000 for a straightforward 4-5 page site, with most landing around £1,200-2,000. Regional agencies commonly quote £3,000-6,000 for comparable scope with strategy and copy support.

A privacy policy and cookie notice (UK GDPR/PECR), and if you sell online, terms reflecting the Consumer Contracts Regulations — including the 14-day cancellation right for most distance sales. Limited companies must also display the registered company name, number and office address.