A Website Development Agreement is a legal document setting out the Responsibilities, Deliverables, Timeline and Payment for the design, development, testing and hosting (optional) of a website. It protects both a Client and a Developer by clearly defining expectations from the outset.
Website Development Agreement Template
Protect your website project with a clear development agreement. Download a free template in Word or PDF and customize for your needs.
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About This Template
This Website Development Agreement template is for use when you are about to enter into a website design & development project. It is suitable from the design & development phase through to testing, deployment & any required website maintenance services.
Once you've made the agreement your own, edit it online or download it as a Word or PDF document, and get eSignatures for a legally binding contract.
Who Can Use This Template
The template for a Website Development Agreement is a legal contract for organizations who outsource or contract website delivery. It is suitable for:
- Web development agencies delivering websites to clients
- Design studios specializing in UX/UI design and front-end development
- Web platform development offered by software firms
- Information technology consultants deploying corporate websites
- Businesses outsourcing website creation
This template can protect your budget, timeline, and ownership of digital assets when working with an external web developer.
If hiring a single freelance web designer or developer as an independent contractor, consider using the Independent Contractor Agreement template, which contains provisions regarding independent contractor status.
When to Use This Template
This Website Development Agreement template should be used whenever your business is creating a new website (before design work begins, code is written, or any deposits are paid).
Early contracts clarify the scope, protect intellectual property, and outline delivery expectations.
A Website Development Agreement is a subtype of Software Development Agreement, only narrower in scope and typically more visual. Our template covers graphic design mockups, front-end development, back-end development, content delivery, and optional website hosting and maintenance.
Website Development Agreements Sample: What’s Included
This example document is a binding agreement between a Developer and Client for the design, development, testing, presentation, and (where applicable) the hosting of a website. It sets out the Parties' expectations and safeguards.
Scope of Work and Deliverables
A separate, signed Scope of Work document defines deliverables, functionality, testing, and acceptance criteria, reducing ambiguity and simplifying change control.
Developer Requirements and Responsibilities
Developer designs, develops, hosts (if proposed), reduces risks & delays, and presents the site to the Client for final approval, who in turn provides feedback, space, and appropriate resources.
Change Management and Approvals
All changes must be documented and agreed in writing between both parties before the work proceeds.
Optional Web Hosting and Maintenance
If included, Developer will provide shared hosting (99.9% uptime), off-line backup, modifications within the window agreed, and provide access for inspections and updates by authorized persons.
Design Process and Content Standards
Design mockups have to be approved by the Client. Pre-release access is credential-protected. Prohibited content is not accepted unless otherwise agreed. The Client must provide content in compatible formats.
Delivery, Handover, and Backups
On completion and termination, the Developer delivers operational materials in the relevant formats, retains backups for the specified term, and destroys all copies of any materials upon termination or end of the term.
Pricing and Invoicing
Time-and-materials billing with monthly itemized invoices. Payment is required within 30 days to clarify cash flow.
Termination and Final Accounting
Either Party may terminate on written notice at any time. The last invoice shall reflect unbilled time/materials as a close-out.
Governing Law and Dispute Resolution
This Agreement shall be governed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State.
Acceptance and eSignature
Executed by authorized signatories; electronic signatures valid; names, companies, and dates displayed in signature blocks.
How to Complete This Website Development Agreement Template
1. Party Information
You should replace The Developer's and the Client's full name, company name, and contact details. The legal company names matter because they will be the legally binding parties to the contract.
2. Scope of Work Reference
Attach or reference a separate Scope of Work, which will describe the deliverables, the functionality, and the technical requirements. Both parties should acknowledge and sign-off this Scope of Work along with the agreement.
3. Developer Requirements
Complete the Developer's obligations section with proposal references, presentation dates, and delivery deadlines. Document how risks, delays, or changes to the schedule must be communicated.
4. Hosting Details (If Applicable)
For in-scope hosting, define:
- Hosting environment type
- Uptime expectations
- Backup storage terms
- Maintenance turnaround times
- Third-party access permissions
Remove this section if infrastructure is managed externally.
5. Design & Approval Process
What format will design mockups be submitted for review/approval? Which party will provide content? In what file types? Any limits on number? Establish access controls before launching the website.
6. Material Delivery and Backup Terms
Specify how the final website files, codebases, and documentation will be delivered, and detail any backup retention periods. Specify the destruction process to follow after the agreement concludes.
7. Pricing & Invoicing
Fill in the billing terms. If you are billing hourly, set the hours to track. Outline which expenses are billable, how frequently you will invoice clients (e.g., every 30 days), and when payment is due.
8. Termination Conditions
Detail how either party may terminate the contract and how final invoices for work performed will be handled.
9. Conflict Resolution & Governing Law
Include jurisdiction, governing law, and arbitration requirements that will apply if a dispute arises.
10. Signatures & Execution
Once the parties have signed and dated the agreement, digitally or otherwise, they have a legally enforceable contract between them.
FAQ
Identify a clear Scope of Work (SOW) and include a requirement for written approval of any change to the scope of work to prevent scope creep and identify expectations of work, timelines, and costs.
Yes. Include requirements for uptime, backup and maintenance windows if hosting is included. This section can be omitted if hosting is not included..
On completion or termination of this Agreement all website files, code & assets will be handed over to the Client. Backup & retention rules need to be agreed and a destruction policy will take effect at the end of contract.
Either party can terminate the contract with written notice. Finally, invoices should include all completed work. This ensures the Developer gets paid for all hours and materials, and that the Client is not charged for work that is not authorized.
All fields are completed, the SOW is attached, and the parties sign (either in ink or electronically). These signed execution blocks form a contract and can be used in a court of law.
