I started writing this blog post last fall but then got sidetracked only to have the same issue come up again with a new client, so this time, here we go!
For most people, the thought of building a web site can seem a little daunting and while there’s no shortage of free web builder applications out there, many turn to a professional for help.
Over the last few months, I’ve helped a growing number of businesses with the same recurring problem. They have a website that was built a while back ( or some even brand new! ) and are now looking to update a few things or get it converted over to something they can manage themselves like WordPress or other Content Management System (CMS). Keeping an up-to-date web presence is a great idea as being current will 1) show your customers all the latest & greatest things happening with your business and ultimately 2) improve your ranking in Search.
The first thing I do is research the website using registry records like cira or whois just to validate ownership and hosting / name servers. At this point, if all checks out, we get down to business. However, time and time again, I am finding that a number of clients don’t actually own their website, (not the Registrant of record ) in fact – they never have! Needless to say, they had no idea.
How could that happen you ask? Well, most commonly to speed things up the web designer ( or perosn who bUilDs WeBs!tEz in their spare time ) has registered the domain name (under their own name or company name) and set up a basic shared hosting plan through their own re-seller website. This way they can up sell you for the hosting too. There is nothing wrong with this latter part – every website needs to be hosted somewhere – but when all these dominoes start to line up you could be setting yourself up for a fall.
The problem is, that by registering the domain name themselves (instead of in your name) they become the owner of the website which in turn binds your business to them. That’s great while you’re happy with their services but what if things go south?
Also, consider for a moment as an employer if your IT person was tasked with securing a business website or Blog. Then, one day the employee leaves for greener pastures or worse has to be fired! If not handled correctly this simple task can truly become a nightmare. I’ve even seen situations where the ex-employee has created a real snafu after the fact, posting inappropriate comments, trade secrets, pictures or worse refusing to hand over the ownership details. Generally, at this point, the lawyers get involved.
You can check your domain name right now by visiting www.whois.com and simply typing in your domain name. Take special note of the Registrant line – this means the Owner and it should only ever show yourself or your company name. If you find you’re not listed as the Registrant, it should be corrected asap. It can be fixed but it gets a little tricky if you’re not too familiar with domain registrations & registrars so for this reason, we would advise consulting a professional for some help.
A website should be considered digital real estate, like a House. It’s your house and you should own it – period.
The web designer or web developer you hire is only ever the caretaker or architect of your home.
MAC5 is a Web Design & Marketing company providing design & troubleshooting of websites and Blogs regardless of format or language. Our initial consultation is always FREE and the straightforward advice you receive could save you both time and money.
Thanks so much for reading!