Who Owns Your Website? (And Why It Matters)

Here is a problem we see far too often: a business owner wants to update or move their website and discovers they cannot, because someone else controls the domain or the site. Do not let that be you. Here is how to make sure you own what you paid for.

The two things you should own

Your domain (your address, like yourbusiness.com) and your website files. We explain both in domains and hosting explained. The domain is the critical one.

The common trap

Some designers register your domain under their own account, or build your site on a platform you cannot export. If you ever part ways, they effectively hold your site hostage. It happens more than you would think.

How to check

• Is the domain in an account with your name, email, and payment method?
• Can you log in to your domain registrar yourself?
• Do you have access to your hosting and website files?
• Is auto-renew on, so the domain never lapses?

How a good studio handles it

You own your domain, in your account. We handle the technical side of hosting and updates, but you keep control. No lock-in. That is the difference between a partner and a hostage situation, and it is one of the red flags to check when hiring.

Not sure what you actually own? Send us your site and we will help you figure it out, free.