Have you ever found yourself frantically searching for a missing password? Imagine that unsettling moment, but related to your entire business! Owning specific website assets is crucial for every small business owner.
Domain Name: Your Digital Address
First on our list is your domain name—your online identity! This is the “www” that people may or may not type anymore. Your domain name is the very foundation of your online presence. Be sure you have auto-renew on, so you don’t wake up one day locked out!
Website Hosting: Your Online Real Estate
Next up is your website hosting. For WordPress users, having control over your website host is non-negotiable. Your website hosting is where your online presence lives, like buying space in the digital realm. Whether it’s WordPress, Squarespace, or Wix, ownership of your hosting account is a must!
Full Website Access: Your Admin Rights
Ever heard of having only editor permissions? You don’t want that! You need full administrative access to your website. Especially in WordPress, ensuring you have comprehensive access rights is essential. Clients often find themselves with limited access if an agency overlooked this step. As the small business owner, make sure you always have administrative access.
Email Accounts: Your Professional Communication
Your business email goes hand-in-hand with your domain name. It’s essential to own and control your email accounts, especially when they are part of your hosting package or through services like Gmail. Imagine wanting to change email addresses or manage new team accounts but lacking control. Make sure you own this.
Social Media Profiles: Your Connective Interface
Your social media profiles are the bridges connecting your audience to your website. They’re an extension of your brand. Ownership here ensures you can manage brand consistency, monitor engagements, and handle security like enabling two-factor authentication. Just like with your website, you should own these profiles outright.
Visual Identity: Your Brand’s Essence
Perhaps the most personal asset—your visual identity. Logos, brand colors, fonts, and imagery are the sparks of your brand personality. Jenny advises keeping these on your drive, not with your designer, ensuring you have control over how your brand appears across platforms.
These six critical website things lay the groundwork for your digital success. Take a moment, review what you own, and make sure your digital assets are rightfully yours.
