This question seems pretty silly, but the truth is that proprietorship of website files, code, and graphics is often overlooked by businesses that have their website designed by a professional website developer or marketing firm. Most times web developers and marketing agencies don’t bring the issue up, especially large marketing companies that charge monthly fees for website packages.
I recently met with a business owner who shared their experience along these lines. Over the past year they have paid thousands of dollars in monthly fees for an appealing, yet basic website template which they have no ownership of. That’s right; they don’t even own the website they’ve invested a large sum of their money in. It’s very sad that any company would even consider this business model, but that is how this marketing company runs the show and they are not the only one out there.
To avoid any defamation litigation I will refrain from naming the business marketing company, but I will share some of the things they proclaim on their website – which clearly lists their location in Colorado.
“We’re a full-service website design and internet marketing agency focused specifically on the business industry”
“Totally Custom Design”
“Choose from our portfolio of over 100 premium designs.”
“No Hidden Fees”
“Our businesses have the best looking and highest performing websites. Best investment you’ll ever make!”
Although it states that there are no hidden fees, it fails to include the fact that their “custom design websites” are owned by them, and when your contract ends you are left with nothing but the content that was published on their website.
Don’t get shammed by these high cost marketing firms, choose Liberty Web Marketing and enjoy the benefits of dealing with a local company who gives you what you pay for.