How to avoid 99% of legal issues in your web design business (S5E157)

How to avoid 99% of legal issues in your web design business (S5E157)

Author: Autumn Witt Boyd | Go-To Lawyer for Online Entrepreneurs September 21, 2020 Duration: 32:46

Web design is one of the most collaborative creative service relationships we see at the AWB Firm. Because of this unique relationship, it can be especially easy to find yourself dealing with things like scope creep and delays caused by your client.

The best way to avoid these issues altogether is… you guessed it… to use a rock solid client contract. But what terms should you include to make sure you're covered? And that you're also fair to your client?

In this episode, we'll cover:

  • Autumn's tips for presenting a proposal and/or contract to a new client
  • How to deal with delays in getting information, images, or copy from the client that you need in order to finish their project
  • Why going through the steps of putting together your client contract can help you proactively think through some worst case scenarios (and how you can avoid them in the first place!)
  • What a 'pause clause' is and why you might want to consider including it in your client contract
  • How you can use work product ownership in your client contract as leverage to make sure your project stays on track, and you get paid
  • The best thing you can do when you start growing your team
  • Whether or not you need to form a legal entity or get insurance

BONUS:  If you're starting something new, or this episode has spotlighted areas of your business that have you worried, now is a great time to make sure your business is in good shape legally. Download our free How to Write Your Own Contracts checklist to make sure your business has solid contracts in place at www.awbfirm.com/podcast157!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

AWB Firm YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/Awbfirm/

Contract template shop: https://www.awbfirm.com/contract-templates

Launch Party (AWB Firm website designer): https://www.launchparty.live/

This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.


Navigating the legal landscape of an online business often feels like deciphering a foreign language. Legal Road Map®: copyright, trademark and business law info for online entrepreneurs translates that complex language into actionable advice you can use right away. Hosted by Autumn Witt Boyd, a practicing attorney who focuses specifically on creative and digital businesses, this podcast serves as a reliable guide through the common yet confusing legal questions entrepreneurs face daily. Each episode tackles practical topics, from the essential contracts you need to protect your work and client relationships to understanding the real purpose behind website policies like terms of service and privacy notices. You’ll hear clear explanations on how copyright and trademark law applies to your original content, branding, and products, helping you secure your intellectual property without unnecessary jargon. Think of it as a regular consultation with a trusted expert, designed to demystify the law so you can make informed decisions and focus on growing your venture with greater confidence and security. Tune in for straightforward conversations that replace legal anxiety with a practical plan, making this podcast an invaluable resource for any entrepreneur building a business in the digital space.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Legal Road Map®: copyright, trademark and business law info for online entrepreneurs
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