Why Knowing Your Hosting Details Matters
Do you have control of your website and social media accounts? This is a question that often leaves clients uncertain when discussing website development. Surprisingly, over 70% of clients we meet with have no knowledge of who hosts their current site. Understanding these details is critical because hosting companies often handle domain name registration on your behalf. It’s essential to verify if your name is listed in the registration – and it should be!
The same principle applies to website plugins and WordPress themes. If your site requires a plugin, ensure that you purchase it directly or, if your design company handles the purchase, have it done under your name.
At Kiers, we prioritize local hosting with our hosting partner, physically located within the city, and host numerous sites for our clients. During the hosting setup process, we ensure that all documentation is in the client’s name, providing them with confirmation. It’s crucial to inquire with your hosting company about the ownership of your domain name, database, and website. If the ownership does not lie with you, it may be time to consider a change.
Managing Passwords: Safeguarding Access to Your Online Presence
Another common issue faced by our clients relates to password management. Many businesses have an administrative staff member responsible for handling website and social media accounts. However, if that individual leaves, it’s essential to know and securely document the passwords associated with your online presence.
Maintain a secure and easily accessible location for your online passwords to avoid potential disruptions. It may not seem like an issue now, but if it’s been years since you last checked, you may already be in trouble. If an ex-staff member has your account passwords and you have no way of contacting them, guess what? You just lost your social media page, the data and all the work that had gone into it. You now need to start fresh and unfortunately, so too do the algorithms that govern our digital lives. New page, new data and new audience to try and reach.
These exercises are of utmost importance. Opting for cheap hosting companies at $10.00 a month may appear tempting initially, but they could end up costing you much more in the long run. Remember, your social media accounts and website are valuable company assets. It’s crucial to protect and retain control over them.