As an SEO copy editor, there are few things more important than ensuring your website is properly developed and optimized for search engines. One of the key steps in this process is establishing a website development agreement with your developer.

A website development agreement is a legal contract between you and the developer in which you outline the terms and conditions of the project. This agreement should be carefully crafted to ensure that the developer understands your needs and expectations, and that you have the necessary protections in place to ensure the project is completed successfully.

To ensure your website development agreement covers all your bases, here`s a checklist to follow:

1. Scope of Work and Deliverables: The agreement should specify exactly what services the developer will provide and what Deliverables will be created (e.g., design files, HTML/CSS code, Content Management System, etc.). It should also include a detailed timeline for the project.

2. Ownership: The agreement should specify who will own the website and its content upon completion. This is especially important in regards to any custom code or graphics.

3. Intellectual Property: The agreement should detail any intellectual property rights related to the website, including ownership of any trademarks or copyrights.

4. Payment: The agreement should outline the payment structure, including payment amounts, due dates, and any late payment penalties.

5. Change Orders: Any changes or additions to the scope of work should be handled through a change order process that specifies the additional work and associated costs.

6. Warranties: The developer should provide warranties on the work completed, ensuring that it is free of defects and meets the agreed-upon specifications.

7. Confidentiality: The agreement should include strict confidentiality provisions protecting any confidential information related to the project.

8. Liability: The agreement should specify each party`s liability and provide for indemnification and hold harmless provisions.

9. Termination: The agreement should outline the circumstances under which either party may terminate the agreement and the process for doing so.

10. Governing Law: The agreement should specify the governing law that will apply in the event of a dispute between the parties.

By taking the time to carefully review and craft your website development agreement with your developer, you can ensure that your website is built to meet your needs and optimized for search engines. And as an SEO copy editor, you can take pride in knowing that your website will be well-positioned to succeed online.