Completion of web design does not mean that all work related to the operation of the site has been completed. Hosting is the hosting service in which the site's files and applications are kept accessible. HTTPS, on the other hand, helps protect communication between the browser and the server. Writing design, release, and maintenance responsibilities separately reduces later uncertainty.
Do not reduce hosting selection to disk space alone
The needs of a portfolio site and a store with frequent product updates are different. Compatibility with the software used, backup, restore, support and migration opportunities should be evaluated together. Instead of strong adjectives in the package name, ask how to run your own site.
For example, when an image is accidentally deleted, it should be clear who will bring it back and to what date it can be returned. Hearing that a backup has been found is not the same as having a restore attempted. Instead of randomly testing on the live site, the technical team should verify in a secure testing environment.
What doesn't HTTPS, introduced as SSL, solve?
Although it is called SSL certificate in everyday language, current HTTPS connections use TLS. An encrypted connection does not prove that the entire content of the site is correct or that the application is safe from all kinds of attacks. Account access, software updates and backups should be managed separately.
Drawing a lock icon in the visual design does not create this technical security. The designer must ensure that trust messages match the features actually delivered; The technical structure is the responsibility of the development and hosting team.
Who to contact for outages and DDoS?
DDoS is a type of attack that aims to disrupt the availability of the service with traffic from multiple sources. The practical question for the business is which support channel to turn to when an outage occurs. Discuss with the provider the scope of protection, notification pattern and response contact; Do not read any package as promising unlimited protection.
Add a list of responsibilities to the design submission
Write those responsible for domain name, hosting, HTTPS renewal, content update and software maintenance on separate lines. Keep track of any open issues after submission with this list. When discussing design scope with freelance web designer Selçuk Aker, you can also mention which team is responsible for the technical operations.
Ask for responsibility and return plan instead of package name
Package names such as “enterprise,” “secure,” or “high-performance” alone are not benchmarks. Compatibility with the software used, restoring backups, scope of support, and who controls the account should be explained. Server selection is a technical consideration separate from the graphic design decision.
Mail hosting and web hosting may be different services. If the person carrying the website does not know the company's e-mail system, it may pose a risk of interruption. Add account inventory and technical contact to the release plan. Do not disguise the service received from the hosting provider in the same item as the production service received from the designer.
With Selçuk Aker, it can be clarified who is responsible for publication and maintenance when planning web interface design. Server management, security operation and unlimited technical support should not be considered part of the design delivery unless separately agreed.
Discuss support scenario on delivery
If the site does not open one day, who will be notified first? The person who fixed the content error may not be the same person who responded to the server problem. Access information, renewal dates and technical support channel must be included in the delivery record.
Taking a backup and restoring it when necessary are two different matters. Ask the provider what data is retained, how long it is retained, and the extent of restoration support. Don't lump new feature development, routine updates, and fault response into one vague word "maintenance."
Also check if the email service will be affected when moving the website. Corporate email and account transfer separates brand presentation and technical responsibilities.
Frequently asked questions
Does using HTTPS kill all security?
No. Protecting the connection and account, application and server security are different issues.
Is hosting automatically included in the design fee?
No. The duration, provider and responsible party must be clearly stated in the offer.
If there is backup, is maintenance unnecessary?
No. Backup, update, and monitoring are different tasks; If necessary, its restoreability should also be checked.
