What info to NOT give web designer

[VelColour12]

I am working with a web designer to design an original website. I am curious how much information I should give. I know I will have to tell them basic functions to bring my idea into existence however I am worried it would be too easy for them to duplicate my idea. I need funding and I can’t get it without an accurate estimate of the site development. I can’t get that without disclosing very valuable information to my web designer. What should I do? thanks for any help one is able to give

[myfayt]

Well I am a web designer, so I can help you from our side. We have no interest in stealing your ideas, I do web design to make a few bucks and move on to the next project. Yes there might be a hand full out there who would like to mimic your idea, not much you can do about it. Hiring a web design company would insure your idea would never be stolen, it'd be against their contract. Also if you hire a professional, they do web design for living, why would they want to copy your idea?

Don't be so scared about everyone wanting to steal your idea. Most of us on this forum would rather come up with our own ideas, then to copy someone elses.

[Future of Edu]

Dealing with designers almost everyday, I have to agree with myfayt. Contract does protect you. If you get an individual designer, you need to have them sign propeor contracts (non-disclosure, proprietary agreements etc). I also know that it is essential for your designers to know what your site does, how it works, what your target markets are, basically your entire business.

Because of such open relations, I decided to ake my designer on as a partner.

Best of luck,

Enjoy Life,
Nick

[muqtada123]

are you dealing with some in house designer or freelance one?

[myfayt]

Dealing with designers almost everyday, I have to agree with myfayt. Contract does protect you. If you get an individual designer, you need to have them sign propeor contracts (non-disclosure, proprietary agreements etc). I also know that it is essential for your designers to know what your site does, how it works, what your target markets are, basically your entire business.

Because of such open relations, I decided to ake my designer on as a partner.

Best of luck,

Enjoy Life,
Nick

That is another thing I left out. When I do a website, I have to know what I am designing. I may ask you 50 questions, but I don't want to spend twenty hours on a site and then it not be what you want, and I wasted all of that time. I'd prefer doing it right the first time.

When a web designer asks you something like "how will this work?", "what are your plans for future development?" etc. He/she is just asking so he/she knows how to code it. Like will it ever be changed in the future? added onto? or just a flat basic design no plans on changes.

[VelColour12]

True. I am not worried about anyone on the site. I'm not really worried. It's more of me covering my ass. I will be working with a web design company. Thanks for the input, I didn't know there was a contract protecting me. That is why I posted this question. My lawyer briefly mentioned it but I wasn't sure what all it contained.

One more question for any web savvy person. How many ways are there to profit from a web site. I know there are affiliates, selling add space....?what other ways are there if any

[VelColour12]

Thanks again for the reponses: muqtada123,myfayt, and future of edu. Great helpful content.

[myfayt]

You're welcome, there is tons of ways to make money on a website. Advertisers, Donations, Subscriptions, Buying products, Selling products or services, classifieds, gambling (where legal), etc.