Website Statement of Work

SOW Version: 1.0

Effective Date: [Date of Agreement]

1. Parties Involved

Contractor:

  • Name: Visser Analytics (Timothy Visser)
  • Email: timothy@visseranalytics.com
  • Phone: (503) 508-6138

Client:

2. Project Overview & Purpose

This Statement of Work (SOW) defines the scope, deliverables, timeline, and responsibilities for the development of a new website for the Client. Visser Analytics will provide specialized services to deliver a high-quality, performant, SEO-optimized, and accessible website tailored to the client's needs.

3. Website Type Selection

Please select the desired website type for your project. The choice will influence the development approach, content management capabilities, and ongoing maintenance requirements.

  • Description: A dynamic website built on the WordPress Content Management System (CMS). WordPress allows for relatively easy content updates and additions by non-developers through a user-friendly admin interface. It's highly extensible with plugins for various functionalities.
  • Best For: Clients who need to frequently update content, manage a blog, or require complex functionalities (e.g., e-commerce, membership sites) with a visual editing experience.
  • Maintenance: While content updates are easy, the underlying WordPress system, themes, and plugins require regular technical updates and security monitoring.
  • Description: A highly performant website where pages are pre-built into static files (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) before deployment. This approach offers superior speed, security, and scalability. All content edits and structural changes are made directly in the code by a developer.
  • Best For: Clients who prioritize speed, security, and a bespoke design without the need for frequent content updates by non-technical staff. Ideal for marketing sites, portfolios, or informational sites with stable content.
  • Maintenance: Requires a developer for all content and structural updates. Ongoing technical maintenance is generally simpler due to fewer moving parts.

4. Scope of Work

Visser Analytics agrees to perform the following services for the website project, based on the selected website type:

4.1. Website Design & Development

Discovery & Planning:

• Initial consultation to understand client's brand, goals, target audience, and functional requirements.
• Review of existing content and assets.
• Development of sitemap and basic wireframes for key pages.

Design Phase:

• Creation of custom visual design concepts (e.g., mood board, style tiles, mockups for key pages).
• Iterative feedback and revision rounds ( rounds included).
• Finalization of approved design for all required page templates.

Development Phase:

• Implementation of custom layouts and components based on approved designs.
• Implementation of responsive design to ensure optimal viewing across desktops, tablets, and mobile devices.
• Integration of provided content (text, images, videos) for up to pages/posts.
• Provision of a development URL for Client review, hosted by Visser Analytics. This development site can seamlessly transition to the live production site if Visser Analytics is selected for ongoing hosting.
• Testing across major browsers and devices.

4.1.1. WordPress Specific Development (If WordPress selected)

• Installation and configuration of WordPress CMS on the designated hosting environment.
• Selection of WordPress or Elementor page builder.
• Integration of essential WordPress plugins for functionality (e.g., contact forms, security, caching, SEO).
• Development of unique page templates and custom post types (if required).
• Setup of user roles and permissions within WordPress.

4.1.2. Static Website Specific Development (If Static Website selected)

• Manual development of a static-first website using modern web technologies (e.g., Astro.js).
• Implementation of custom layouts and components based on approved designs, offering unlimited flexibility in design and functionality.
• Integration of essential libraries or frameworks for specific interactive functionalities (if required and agreed upon).
• Development of unique page templates and static content pages.

4.2. Google Business Profile Setup & Optimization

• Creation or optimization of the Google Business Profile listing for the Client.
• Verification of the business listing.
• Optimization of business information, categories, services, hours, and photos.
• Guidance on managing reviews and posts.

4.3. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Keyword Research:

• Identification of relevant keywords for the client's industry and target audience.

On-Page SEO Implementation:

• Optimization of meta titles, meta descriptions, and header tags for key pages.
• Image optimization (alt text, file names).
• Internal linking strategy.
• Creation and submission of XML sitemap to Google Search Console.
• Setup of Google Analytics and Google Search Console accounts.

Technical SEO:

• Review of website structure for crawlability and indexability.
• Implementation of schema markup for relevant content (e.g., Organization, Local Business, Product).
• Configuration of canonical tags where necessary.

4.4. Performance Optimization

• Leveraging best practices for optimal performance (e.g., efficient asset loading, optimized builds, caching solutions).
• Optimization of images (compression, lazy loading).
• Minification of CSS and JavaScript files.
• Leveraging browser caching.
• Configuration of Content Delivery Network (CDN) if applicable (client to provide CDN service).
• Pre- and post-optimization performance audits using tools like Google PageSpeed Insights and GTmetrix.

4.5. Accessibility Auditing & Remediation

• Initial automated accessibility audit using industry-standard tools.
• Manual review of key pages for common accessibility issues (e.g., keyboard navigation, color contrast, focus states).
• Implementation of basic accessibility features (e.g., proper semantic HTML, ARIA attributes where necessary, accessible forms).
• Provision of a summary report outlining identified issues and remediation steps taken.
• Note: Full WCAG 2.1 AA compliance is a complex and ongoing process. This SOW covers initial auditing and remediation of common issues. Extensive remediation for full compliance may require a separate SOW.

5. Deliverables

Upon successful completion of the scope of work, the following deliverables will be provided:

• Fully functional, responsive website (WordPress or Static, as selected) on the agreed-upon hosting environment.
• Approved website design files (e.g., Figma/Adobe XD files, or high-fidelity mockups).
• Configured Google Business Profile.
• Optimized meta titles, descriptions, and header tags for key pages.
• XML sitemap.
• Google Analytics and Google Search Console setup.
• Performance optimization report (before and after).
• Accessibility audit summary report.
• Basic WordPress training documentation for content management (if WordPress selected and requested by Client).

6. Project Timeline & Milestones

The project will follow the following approximate timeline and milestones. Delays in client feedback or provision of content may impact the schedule.

Phase 1: Discovery & Planning

Duration: business days
Deliverable: Sitemap, Wireframes

Phase 2: Design & Content Collection

Duration: business days
Deliverable: Approved Design Mockups

Phase 3: Development & Initial Integration

Duration: business days
Deliverable: Development Site accessible for review

Phase 4: Optimization & Accessibility Integration

Duration: business days
Deliverable: Staging Site with optimizations

Phase 5: Final Review, Testing & Launch

Duration: business days
Deliverable: Live Website

Total Estimated Project Duration: business days / weeks from SOW signing and receipt of initial content/access.

7. Client Responsibilities

To ensure timely completion of the project, the Client agrees to:

• Provide all necessary website content (text, images, videos, logos, brand guidelines) in a timely and organized manner, typically within business days of project kickoff.
• Provide timely feedback and approvals on designs, development milestones, and other deliverables, typically within business days of submission.
• Provide necessary access to all required accounts (e.g., Google accounts, third-party services). If the client chooses to self-host, they will provide access to their hosting environment and domain registrar.
• Designate a single point of contact for all project communications and approvals.
• Review and approve all deliverables in accordance with the Acceptance Criteria (Section 12).

8. Payment Terms

Total Project Fee: $
Estimated Hours: @ $125/hour = $
(Actual cost may vary based on actual hours worked, not to exceed $ without a Change Order)

Payment Schedule:

• 25% upon SOW signing.
• 25% upon completion of Design Phase.
• 25% upon completion of Development & Initial Integration Phase.
• 25% upon Project Launch.
Invoicing: Invoices will be submitted on the 1st of the month and are due within 30 days.
Expenses: Any additional costs (e.g., premium plugin licenses, stock photography, third-party service subscriptions) must be pre-approved by the Client in writing.

9. Assumptions & Exclusions

9.1. Assumptions

• All content (text, images, videos) will be provided by the Client in a digital, ready-to-use format.
• Feedback and approvals will be provided within the specified timeframes.
• The project does not include ongoing website maintenance, content updates post-launch, or advanced marketing services unless explicitly stated in a separate agreement.
• If a Static Website is selected: Website edits and ongoing content updates will be performed exclusively by Visser Analytics or another qualified developer. Due to the custom, manually built nature of this type of website, direct client editing via a content management system (CMS) is not typically integrated unless explicitly scoped as an additional service.

9.2. Exclusions

• Creation of custom photography, videography, or extensive copywriting.
• Integration with complex third-party APIs not explicitly mentioned.
• Development of e-commerce functionality (e.g., online store, payment gateway integration) unless explicitly added via a Change Order.
• Contact forms for Static Websites are an optional add-on and will incur an additional monthly fee of $20 for integration and maintenance of the form submission service. If a contact form is not desired, this fee will not apply.
• Ongoing monthly maintenance, security updates, or content management services post-launch (unless separate maintenance agreement is in place).
• Guaranteed search engine rankings (SEO efforts are aimed at improving visibility, but rankings are subject to many external factors).
• Full WCAG 2.1 AA compliance beyond the initial audit and remediation of common issues.

10. Hosting Services (Optional)

Visser Analytics offers reliable website hosting services. Please indicate your preference below. The monthly fee depends on the selected website type:

  • If WordPress Website is selected: Monthly hosting fee of $125/month. This includes managed WordPress hosting on a Cloudways Vultr server, featuring advanced caching, Content Delivery Network (CDN) integration, daily backups, performance monitoring, uptime monitoring, and dedicated site outage support.
  • If Static Website is selected: Monthly hosting fee of $60/month. This includes hosting on Vercel, leveraging its global CDN for superior speed and reliability. The lower cost reflects the reduced server-side complexity as there is no database to manage.

Client will be responsible for providing their own hosting environment and necessary access credentials.

11. Change Management

Any changes to the agreed-upon scope of work, deliverables, or timeline must be submitted in writing by the Client. Visser Analytics will then provide a written Change Order detailing the impact on cost, timeline, and deliverables. Work on the requested changes will only commence upon written approval and signature of the Change Order by both parties.

12. Acceptance Criteria

Deliverables will be deemed accepted upon written approval by the Client after review. Review periods for major milestones will be business days. If no written feedback or approval is received within this period, the deliverable will be considered implicitly accepted.

13. Signatures

By signing below, both parties agree to the terms and conditions outlined in this Statement of Work.

Visser Analytics (Contractor)

Contractor Signature

Name: Timothy Visser

Title: Contractor

Date:

Client

Client Signature

Date: