You finally get the phone call from your web designer telling you that your new website is now online. You excitedly fire up a web browser to marvel at the finished product. Your very own piece of internet real estate, that was once just an idea scribbled on a Post-It note, has been realised as a fully functional, gorgeously designed, dollop of shiny website loveliness. You could not be happier.

But something lurks in the shadows. Something with malicious intent. Something that if ignored could leap out and bite a great big chunk out of your behind at any time. So what is it?

Well you may be surprised to know that it’s your web designer’s new baby!

Of course babies don’t generally have a habit of biting people on the backside. When I say ‘new baby’ I really mean their latest project, new girlfriend, new job, new house, new location or any major life-changing event - including a new baby!

Employing the services of a freelance web designer can be a smart move for many reasons. They are generally cheap, attentive and often highly skilled and annoyingly talented. They sometimes live a hand-to-mouth existence so every job that comes in is a really big deal. They will probably look after you, take a great deal of interest in what you do and will actually care that you are happy with the end result.

The problem with freelancers, through no fault of their own, is that they are only one person. That means it doesn’t take much to throw a huge spanner in the works. A disruption that a small agency could brush off without missing a step can put a freelancer out of business. Unfortunately established web agencies also go out of business all the time.

So what happens to your website when your web designer vanishes? Where are your website files? Who owns the domain name? Who do you contact if it isn’t working? Here are a few tips to help you avoid being deserted:

Read the small print

Before you agree to anything make sure you read your designer’s Terms and Conditions. Depending on the size of the project you may want to have a solicitor check them for you. Make sure that at the end of the project you own the website (including copyright of all the graphics and HTML) and that you can transfer it away to another supplier if required. If they cannot provide you with any T&Cs be very, very careful about what you are getting into. At the very least get something in writing stating who owns what.

Make sure you own the domain

All too often web design agencies will register domain names in their own name rather than in their client’s name. This can make things very difficult for you if you have to try and claim ownership at a later date. Make sure that you are listed as the ‘registrant’ on the domain record and that the address, phone number and email address are current.

Ask for a copy of your website

It is your website, you’ve paid for it, so ask for a copy on CD.

Ask for the hosting account details

If your web designer disappears you will need to give these details to your new designer so they can grab a copy of your website. Some designers might be cagey about this but most will be more than happy to oblige. Specifically you need your FTP login, Control Panel login and database access details (if you have one). If you will also need the logins for any web applications you are using (such as content management systems, online shops, forums etc). Print them and file them somewhere safe!

Armed with this information you should hopefully never have to make that phone call saying “My web designer has gone AWOL and I have absolutely no idea how to access my website. Can you help?”.

Sadly this is the type of phone call we receive quite a lot!