WHY A CODE OF ETHICS?

Web design and development is an inexact process at the best of times, and services in this area generally can't be guaranteed by predictable time lines or an immediate picture of cost vs. return. This means that clients who are trying to decide which web services provider to hire must rely on whatever evidence is before them about who to trust with the design and development of one of their most important business assets.

No Code of Ethics can remove all doubts, nor eliminate the unpredictable nature of the results of the work that web designers/developers provide. Nonetheless,  I have documented my Code of Ethics here so that potential clients can make an informed decision about my intentions.

WEB DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT CODE OF ETHICS

I commit unequivocally to the following set of principals:

INTEGRITY

• I will use client needs and interests as my guiding force.
• I will not knowingly engage in any activity which causes harm to my client.
• I will not knowingly recommend choices which may have a potential negative effect for you. 
• I will not intentionally mislead you, or fail to inform you of things you need to know in order to make the best choices for your business.
• I will not take advantage of your lack of knowledge and understanding of the technical aspects of creating your website.
• I will not make promises that I do not have the reasonable expectation of being able to deliver on.
• I will honor my guarantees in the most liberal manner possible.
• I will not take on tasks that are outside my scope of ability, and will instead recommend a qualified service provider to accomplish this work on your behalf.

TRANSPARENCY

• I will make my background and experience transparent.
• I will not misrepresent my references.
• I will inform you clearly of any necessary or helpful elements which are NOT included in my contract with you  
• I will be clear from the beginning about the amount of information I will require from you in order to complete tasks in a satisfactory and timely manner.
• I will help you to consider cost containment options, maintenance costs, and options for long term growth and expansion of your online presence.

INDUSTRY "BEST PRACTICES" ADHERENCE

• I will perpetuate the highest standards of integrity and honesty in all elements that I recommend for your website.
• I will not place misleading information on your website.
• I will make no intentional attempt to manipulate search engine results.
• I will not use deception or manipulation as a basis for marketing messages and SEO.
• I will respect copyright laws.
• I will, to the best of my ability, help you to ensure that your site complies with industry standards.
• I will adhere to current common-sense guidelines published by Search Engine Officials for safe SEO practices.
• I will not knowingly recommend a course of action which might create legal problems for you.

ASSIGNATION OF DECISION-MAKING AUTHORITY

• Insofar as it is appropriate to do so, I will respect client authority over the services I provide. I will assist you in obtaining the knowledge necessary to retain that authority in actuality, rather than in appearance only.

CLIENT CONFIDENTIALITY

• I will honor my confidentiality promises to clients.
• I will give you the full benefit of my knowledge and ability, irrespective of any other client with whom I am also working.

Certified and agreed to by Kerry Crawford