Service Agreement

1.1. Domain Acquisition and Management

1.1.1. For Clients without a pre-existing domain, Hey I’m Braden LLC will purchase the Client’s preferred domain(s), subject to availability. If the preferred domain(s) is unavailable, alternative options will be suggested.

1.1.2. All domains acquired by Hey I’m Braden LLC will be registered and managed through SquareSpace under the ownership of Hey I’m Braden LLC.

1.1.3. Domains acquired as part of the services provided will be leased to the Client on a monthly or annual basis as part of the hosting charge.

1.2. Pre-existing Domains

1.2.1. Clients who already own a domain prior to engaging Hey I’m Braden LLC must transfer the domain’s management to Hey I’m Braden LLC to ensure consistent management and integration with the services provided.

1.2.2. Clients will be provided with specific instructions and guidance tailored to their current domain provider for the transfer process.

1.2.3. Domain transfers cannot occur within the first 60 days of the domain’s initial registration as per ICANN regulations. Clients must wait until this period has elapsed before initiating the transfer.

1.3. Termination of Services

1.3.1. Upon termination of services, the Client may request a transfer of the domain(s) back to their ownership. Such requests must be made in writing within 90 days of termination.

1.3.2. If no written request for domain transfer is received within 90 days of termination, Hey I’m Braden LLC reserves the right to:

• Retain ownership of the domain(s);
• Sell the domain(s) to a third party;
• Or forfeit the domain(s) to the original domain provider.

1.3.3. All outstanding balances owed by the Client must be settled prior to any domain transfer. Failure to settle balances within the specified period may result in forfeiture of domain ownership rights.

2.1. Notification and Approval

2.1.1. The Client must notify Hey I’m Braden LLC in advance if engaging third-party service providers for Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Social Media Management, or similar services related to their website.

2.1.2. All third-party service providers must be approved by Hey I’m Braden LLC prior to engagement to ensure alignment with website management practices.

2.2. Restrictions on Website Modifications

2.2.1. Third-party service providers are not permitted to make direct changes to the website’s on-page SEO elements, such as meta tags, schema markup, or content optimizations, unless explicitly agreed upon in writing by Hey I’m Braden LLC.

2.2.2. Off-page SEO activities, such as link-building campaigns or social media outreach, may be conducted by third-party providers, provided these activities are disclosed to and approved by Hey I’m Braden LLC to ensure compliance with the overall strategy.

2.2.3. Any requests for changes or updates from third-party providers must be submitted to Hey I’m Braden LLC via email for review and approval. If approved, Hey I’m Braden LLC will implement the requested changes on behalf of the Client.

2.3. Social Media Content Attribution

2.3.1. All social media content created and published by Hey I’m Braden LLC must be credited appropriately to Hey I’m Braden LLC in any posts shared by the Client or third-party providers.

3.1. Retainer Requirements

3.1.1. For services exceeding $1,000, the Client must pay a non-refundable retainer equal to 10% of the total cost before work begins.

• Example: A $2,000 service package requires a $200 deposit.

3.1.2. The retainer ensures the allocation of time and resources by Hey I’m Braden LLC and is non-refundable under all circumstances.

3.2. Payment Schedule

3.2.1. Clients will be invoiced for the remaining balance once the website is ready to go live. The balance must be paid in full before the website is made live.

3.2.2. Clients who opt not to use Hey I’m Braden LLC for hosting must pay the full balance before the website package is delivered.

3.2.3. No refunds will be issued once the website package or services have been delivered.

3.3. Service Period and Maintenance

3.3.1. Website packages generally include 12 months of service, covering routine maintenance, minor updates, and support.

3.3.2. After the initial 12 months, maintenance and hosting services will be provided on a month-to-month basis.

3.3.3. Major updates or redesigns beyond the scope of routine maintenance may be billed separately.

4.1. Attribution and Credit

4.1.1. A credit link stating "Site by Braden" with an href linking to https://heyimbraden.com will be placed at the bottom of the Client’s website. This link will:

• Match the website’s styling.
• Not interfere with functionality or detract from the website’s purpose.

4.1.2. The credit link must remain visible and intact for the duration of the website’s hosting with Hey I’m Braden LLC.

4.2. Intellectual Property

4.2.1. The underlying code, bootstrap design files, and hosting repository used in the creation of the Client’s website will remain the intellectual property of Hey I’m Braden LLC.

4.2.2. Clients are granted a license to use the website as delivered but do not gain ownership of the underlying intellectual property unless otherwise agreed upon in writing.

4.3. Open-Source Usage and Forking

4.3.1. Websites provided by Hey I’m Braden LLC may be open-source and available for forking into other repositories. If forked and modified:

• The credit link to Hey I’m Braden LLC must be removed before hosting the site on other platforms or making it publicly available.
• Forking or modifications must not conflict with the functionality or performance of the actual website.
• Modifications made by third parties do not grant them ownership of the original repository or design files.

5.1. Project Timeline

5.1.1. Hey I’m Braden LLC will make every reasonable effort to complete website creation within 12 months (365 days) from the start date of the agreement.

5.1.2. Timelines may be affected by the scope of the project, Client availability, and the timely provision of required materials or feedback by the Client.

5.2. Client Contributions

5.2.1. The pace of project completion is dependent on the Client’s input. Delays in providing necessary materials or approvals may result in an extended timeline.

5.3. Payment Deadline

5.3.1. Payment for services must be made in full within 60 days of the project start date, regardless of project progress. Failure to comply may result in the suspension of services.

6.1. Termination by Either Party

6.1.1. Either party may terminate this agreement by providing written notice. Termination by the Client does not entitle them to a refund of any payments made.

6.2. Post-Termination Responsibilities

6.2.1. Upon termination, the Client remains responsible for settling any outstanding balances. Hey I’m Braden LLC is not obligated to release any domain or website files until all payments have been cleared.

6.2.2. If the Client requests the return of their domain, such a request must be made in writing within 90 days of termination. Domains will only be released if all terms of the agreement are fulfilled.

6.3. Data Retention

6.3.1. Hey I’m Braden LLC will not retain data or backups beyond 90 days after the termination date. Clients are advised to request and secure necessary files within this period.

7.1. Hey I’m Braden LLC is not liable for:

• Delays caused by the Client’s lack of input, third-party interference, or unforeseen circumstances.
• Loss or damages arising from domain disputes, third-party modifications, or unauthorized changes to the website.
• Issues resulting from the Client’s use of unapproved third-party providers.