The Basics
1. Agreement to these terms
These Terms & Payment Policy apply to website design, website redesign, SEO, local SEO, AI-search optimization, branding, maintenance, consulting, and related digital services provided by MartinHey.com. A project proposal, estimate, statement of work, or other written project agreement may add project-specific terms. If a project-specific written agreement conflicts with this page, the project-specific agreement controls.
2. Project scope
The agreed scope, deliverables, price, timing, and included revisions will be described in the proposal or project agreement. Work outside that scope is considered a change request and may require an updated timeline and additional fee. Additional work will be discussed before charges are added.
3. 50% project initiation payment
A 50% project initiation payment is required before work begins. Once that payment is received, the project is scheduled and work begins. Because time and production capacity are then committed to the project, the initial 50% payment is non-refundable.
The remaining 50% is due upon project completion and before final website files, credentials, ownership, or other final deliverables are transferred, unless a different payment schedule is stated in writing.
4. Invoices and payment processing
Invoices may be delivered electronically and may be paid through Stripe or another approved payment method. Unless an invoice states otherwise, payment is due within the time shown on the invoice. Clients are responsible for providing accurate billing information and for promptly addressing failed or overdue payments.
5. Project timing and client delays
Estimated timelines assume timely access to requested content, credentials, feedback, and approvals. Delays in providing those items may move the project schedule. If a project is inactive for an extended period because required client materials or approvals are unavailable, the project may need to be rescheduled based on current availability.
6. Revisions and change requests
Included revisions are limited to those described in the project scope. New pages, new features, major direction changes, added services, or work requested after approval may be quoted separately. No additional paid work will be added without discussion and approval.
7. Client-provided content and access
The client is responsible for providing accurate content, images, logos, account access, approvals, and other materials needed for the project. The client represents that it has the right to use any content, trademarks, photographs, or other materials it supplies. MartinHey.com is not responsible for delays or claims caused by inaccurate, incomplete, or unauthorized client-provided materials.
8. Third-party services and fees
Domains, hosting, premium plugins, software subscriptions, stock assets, advertising, email services, payment processors, and other third-party products may have separate fees and terms. Unless specifically included in writing, those costs are the client’s responsibility. Third-party platforms may change pricing, policies, availability, or functionality without MartinHey.com’s control.
9. SEO, rankings, traffic, and AI-search visibility
SEO and AI-search work is intended to improve technical quality, content clarity, discoverability, and search readiness. Search engines, AI systems, directories, and third-party platforms control their own rankings and results. No specific ranking, traffic level, lead volume, revenue result, or AI-search placement is guaranteed.
10. Cancellation and refunds
If the client cancels after the 50% project initiation payment has been received and work has begun, that initial payment remains non-refundable. The client is also responsible for any separately approved third-party costs or additional work completed beyond the amount covered by the initiation payment.
If MartinHey.com is unable to complete a project and ends the engagement, any payment for work not performed will be handled fairly based on the work completed and any non-recoverable approved expenses.
11. Ownership and transfer
After full payment, the client receives ownership of the final custom deliverables specifically created for the project, subject to any third-party licenses. MartinHey.com retains ownership of pre-existing tools, reusable code, methods, templates, frameworks, know-how, and other materials that were not created exclusively for the client.
Unless confidentiality is agreed to in writing, MartinHey.com may identify completed work in a portfolio or as an example of services provided, without disclosing confidential client information.
12. Maintenance and ongoing support
Ongoing maintenance, hosting administration, software updates, SEO work, content changes, reporting, or technical support are not included after project completion unless they are specifically included in the project agreement or a separate maintenance arrangement.
13. Third-party outages and changes
MartinHey.com is not responsible for outages, security incidents, policy changes, account restrictions, search-engine changes, hosting failures, software bugs, or other events caused by third-party providers outside reasonable control. Reasonable assistance may be provided when such issues affect a client project, subject to the agreed support arrangement.
14. Limitation of liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, MartinHey.com will not be liable for indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or lost-profit damages arising from the services. Any direct liability relating to a project will not exceed the amount paid to MartinHey.com for the specific services giving rise to the claim, except where applicable law does not allow such a limitation.
15. Governing law
These terms are governed by the laws of the State of Illinois, without regard to conflict-of-law principles.
16. Privacy
Information submitted through MartinHey.com is handled as described in the Privacy Policy. Payment information submitted through Stripe is processed under Stripe’s own privacy and security practices.
17. Questions
Questions about these terms, an invoice, or a project can be sent to martin@martinhey.com.
Important: These website terms are intended to provide clear general business rules. For larger, unusual, or higher-risk projects, a separate signed agreement may be used. Consider having an Illinois attorney review these terms before relying on them for a dispute or other legal matter.