Georgia Web Designers: 17 Red Flags Before You Hire (Contracts, Deliverables, Ownership, SEO Basics)

Georgia Web Designers: 17 Red Flags Before You Hire (Contracts, Deliverables, Ownership, SEO Basics)

Quick intro

Hiring a web designer in Georgia should help your business get more leads — not create headaches. Before you sign anything, watch for common project risks like vague scopes, credential lock-in, missing SEO basics, and no post-launch support.

Why this matters

A website is a business asset. If contracts and handoffs are unclear, you can end up paying to get your own site back, losing months of traffic, or being unable to make simple updates. A few written protections up front save time, money, and stress.

17 red flags to watch for

Ask about these before you hire. If a vendor brushes them off, consider it a warning sign.

  1. Vague scope — no clear list of pages or features.
  2. No timeline or milestones.
  3. No ownership/IP clause.
  4. Designer keeps admin, domain, or hosting credentials.
  5. “Custom” site built on an untransferable template.
  6. No backups or restore plan.
  7. No basic SEO (meta tags, sitemap, redirects).
  8. No analytics setup (Google Analytics/Search Console).
  9. No mobile-first or cross-browser testing.
  10. No HTTPS or update plan for software/plugins.
  11. No accessibility checks (basic WCAG).
  12. Third-party costs not transparent (licenses, hosting).
  13. No performance targets (Lighthouse or load-time goals).
  14. No training or documentation.
  15. No post-launch support window.
  16. No dispute or termination process.
  17. Price that’s “too good to be true” for the scope.

What to insist on in your contract

A short, clear Statement of Work (SOW) attached to the contract prevents most problems. At minimum include:

  • Scope and exclusions (pages, forms, integrations).
  • Milestones with deliverables and payment tied to sign-offs.
  • Ownership/IP assignment on final payment.
  • Credential transfer plan for domain, hosting, CMS, and analytics.
  • Backup schedule, restore test, and post-launch support window.
  • Acceptance criteria (staging URL, bug fix process).

These items make it easy to verify work and pause payment if deliverables aren’t met.

Deliverables checklist (quick)

Before final payment, confirm the provider gives you:

  • Password-protected staging URL and approval record.
  • CMS admin account(s) transferred and tested.
  • Google Analytics & Search Console set up in your account.
  • XML sitemap, robots.txt, and redirect map.
  • Backup evidence and a restore test.
  • Basic performance report and accessibility checks.
  • Source files, image assets, and license keys.

Use this as a minimum standard — if most items are missing, rethink the hiring decision.

How to verify deliverables without being technical

You don’t need deep technical skills to confirm basics:

  • Ask for an admin account and try a simple edit (change a headline).
  • Request admin access to Google Analytics/Search Console or see them add your email.
  • Open the staging link on mobile and desktop; take screenshots and note issues.
  • Ask for one backup restore demonstration or a dated backup file.

Require written milestone approvals (email is fine). Tie the final payment to acceptance criteria.

SEO, security, and performance essentials

Make sure the SOW calls for:

  • On-page SEO: titles, meta descriptions, and header structure.
  • 301 redirects for changed URLs and sitemap submission.
  • HTTPS, CMS/plugin update plan, and basic OWASP protections.
  • Performance baseline (Lighthouse) and a realistic improvement target.

These basic items make the site measurable and easier to grow over time.

Next steps (action-focused)

Before you hire, get a signed SOW, a staging link for reviews, and a clear handover plan. If you want help drafting an SOW or vetting proposals, check our resources and portfolio at https://prateeksha.com?utm_source=blogger and see more posts at https://prateeksha.com/blog?utm_source=blogger. For the full guide and example clauses, read the detailed article here: https://prateeksha.com/blog/georgia-web-designers-red-flags-before-you-hire?utm_source=blogger.

Conclusion Protect your business by making deliverables, ownership, and acceptance measurable and written. Clear contracts + staged reviews = fewer surprises and a website that supports growth.

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