As a business owner, your website is one of your most valuable assets. Yet, we often encounter entrepreneurs who have lost touch with their own digital presence. Many have hired a web design company years ago, only to find that the company has either disappeared or become unresponsive. This raises crucial questions: Do you own your business website? Can you access your hosting account, domain, and backend of your website?
It’s vital that YOU, the business owner, have full control over your website. This includes your hosting account, your domain account, and your website backend to make edits.
Access to Your Hosting Account
Your hosting account is the server where your website resides, or the ‘physical’ computer that serves the files and database running your website.
You should be the one paying the monthly or yearly hosting fees. Are the renewal reminders going to your email, or someone else’s email? Having access to your hosting account not only ensures you maintain control but also allows you to determine whether your website stays online.
Access to Your Domain Account
Just like hosting, your domain controls everything related to your website (and email) URL and typically needs an annual renewal. Are the renewal reminders going to your email, an employee’s email, or an email at another company? Is the contact information listed on the domain actually yours? If the domain ever expires, everything related (website hosting, email, etc.) will stop working.
Backend Access
Being able to edit content is essential for keeping your site fresh and relevant. Most websites have a CMS, or content management system, that allows for simple content editing capabilities. Are you able to log into your website to make basic changes to content, such as new working or swapping out an image? If you can’t access the backend, you may miss out on opportunities to engage with your audience or update important information.
Ownership of Your Website
When you lack login credentials to your hosting account, domain, and website backend, you risk not truly owning and controlling your website. This can create significant hurdles if you ever want to make changes or switch providers.
If you find yourself in this situation, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Our team is ready to work with the original creator of your site or investigate ways for you to regain access. Remember, it’s your business and your website—take charge of it!
