Have you ever been asked to affect changes to a website via a 3rd party?

A few months ago, a new client of mine got a new website to replace their old one which I think they spent a significant amount of money on.

Their existing web designer controls the site and I'm told they have done some on-page SEO on it.

After talking with me, they now realise that their site could be improved from the point of view of converting visitors to leads.

They have suggested that I work with the exsiting web designer to implement the changes I think necessary.

I think this is potentially risky. Even if the web designer seems co-operative, they could still delay the project either deliberatley or through being over-loaded by other work.

Currently, my gut feeling is to either get control of the site or not get involved. I'm guessing that most people here would also walk away but I could be wrong. Has anyone used a strategy for reducing the risk of working with an existing web company or for persuading the client to transfer control of their site?

I'd be intertested to hear about any experiences you may have had in a similar situation.

Regards,
Dave