Links are the lifeblood of the internet, and as such, they have a value. So whenever I see a link from a client website to the site of the company that designed it (‘Site created by…’, Site designed by…’), I always hope it was paid for.
A link to the web designer is an advert. It also (if they are smaller than the client) helps their page ranking. Maybe the client was so pleased with the job, they agreed to link to the web designer’s site from every page on their own site. For free. Or maybe they negotiated a discount on the price in return for the links back.
Or maybe they didn’t think to question it or even notice it, and anyway, what harm can it do, a small link at the foot of every page?
There are two things to consider here. Is it right for web designers to sign their work, either in a link, in the code (another common practice), or both? And should clients bother about it?
The folks at Brightwhite clearly think it shouldn’t be done. In their opinion, ‘signing’ a website looks dated and frankly naff.
As a copywriter, I wouldn’t expect to be credited on any of the websites, brochures, articles or adverts I write. Can you imagine?
Whenever I’ve pointed out to my own clients that they don’t have to advertise the web designer’s services for free, it’s amazing how often the links just quietly disappear. If you’ve paid good money for a website, the site is yours, and you decide the content. Credit where credit’s due – but let’s not take the p***.