by Would you believe me if I told you one of my favorite discussions is about getting fired? Well, it’s true! When business owners engage us as their website maintenance agency, I’m often asked a question like this…
“Emily, what happens if you get hit by a truck?”
Now, they aren’t looking for the logistics of that horrible situation, of course. But the colloquial phrase gets the point across. They want to know one thing: What happens to their website?
It’s a valid question! And one you should consider, even outside the realm of uncertain death. Business owners are getting smart about website management and they’re searching for a website maintenance agency that can deliver results. Over the years, the profession has developed a pretty poor reputation of being flaky, despondent, full of empty promises, and just all-around unprofessional.
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In fact, I’d venture to guess that you’ve had an unpleasant experience with one. After all, what other reason would you have for clicking through on this headline? 🙂 Thankfully, as the web continues to develop and simplify, you have access to options for website maintenance services that actually deliver the outcomes you deserve.
You no longer have to work with a web manager who is a bad communicator, underperforms, disrespects their clients, and produces poor work. When changing your web maintenance agency, search for the following characteristics:
- They communicate well: Your web management agency should listen to you, respond quickly, and keep you updated about the work that they’re performing.
- They overdeliver while underpromising: Work with a website maintenance agency that goes above and beyond to fulfill the promises they make to you.
- They provide clients access to their website: Clearly state that you intend to register your own domain name and anticipate having access to both your hosting account and WordPress panel. You should always feel confident that you have access, so you shouldn’t ever have to worry about how to find out who maintains a website.
- They create effective and successful solutions: Stop letting slow progress or disappointing outcomes make you feel discouraged. An experienced website maintenance provider will handle all your needs and address issues quickly.
But before you cut the cord and fire your current website manager or developer, there are a few things you need to do. Otherwise, you’re putting yourself in a situation where your former web manager could do all sorts of unprofessional things.
Make Sure You Have Logins
The first thing on your checklist when changing website maintenance agencies should be to ensure you have administrator access to each of the properties the website designer or developer set up to run your website. At a minimum, this includes the following:
- Hosting Provider
- Domain Name
- WordPress Website
If they’ve installed any additional software (e.g. email marketing, e-commerce solutions, affiliate database), you’ll need the logins to this as well. The easiest thing to do is request admin access from the website designer or developer so you have those logins when you partner with your new web management agency.
Any legitimate professional (even if they’ve produced disappointing work) will happily hand these over to you. However, if there’s an instance where they’ve disappeared or refused to comply, you’ll need to contact each provider and ask what you need to do to prove that you own these web properties.
Change All Passwords
I hope step one wasn’t too much of a hassle for you. I know how frustrating it can be when that step is overly difficult to complete. But, it’s time to put that behind you and move on to the next step! This one is simple…
Change all the passwords when you’re changing website management agencies.
Make sure to use a new password that your old website manager cannot figure out. And once the passwords have been changed, immediately remove your former manager as an admin. Otherwise, they may be able to find out the password through a “Forgot My Password” prompt.
Quick Tip: An often overlooked access path is FTP credentials.
Change Your Website Maintenance Agency
Now, it’s time to take the final step and formally change website maintenance agencies.
If your current website manager (or designer or developer) has completely disappeared, a simple email officially ending the relationship will likely suffice. However, if their work quality has just not been up to par, they may want to talk with you on the phone or in person.
Nevertheless, the result is the same: fire your website management agency!
How Can We Help?
As one of the best website management agencies, we provide website maintenance services that help turn your vision for your website into reality. Say goodbye to underperforming, overpriced web developers and maintenance companies, and let us help you achieve your goals. While concentrating on website management services, we also offer website design, WordPress training and SEO training.
Changing your website management agency is an important decision. After all, you don’t want to end up in the same situation you’re trying to get out of. We don’t want you to be forced to work with amateur website managers. That’s why we’ve made it our goal to provide you with experienced, skilled, and friendly website professionals who will deliver the greatest return on investment.
It’s time to take control of your website.
Contact our friendly office at (844) 972-6224 or send us a message through our website maintenance inquiry form.
