Question 1

Who owns my website if my web designer built it?

Accepted Answer

You own your website if the domain, hosting, and site files are in your name and your contract says the work belongs to you. If those accounts are in your designer's name, they control them until they are transferred to you. Check your agreement and log in to each account yourself to confirm.

Question 2

Should my web designer have admin access to my website?

Accepted Answer

Your web designer can have admin access while working on your site, as long as you remain the owner. Give them their own login instead of sharing yours. Remove or adjust their access when the work is finished.

Question 3

How do I find out who owns my domain?

Accepted Answer

You can find out who owns your domain by logging in to your domain registrar and checking the account owner and contact details. If you do not know where your domain is registered, a WHOIS lookup can show the registrar, although owner details are often hidden for privacy. From there, contact the registrar or the person who set it up to request access.

Question 4

Can I move my website if I stop working with my web designer?

Accepted Answer

You can move a self-hosted WordPress website to a new host or provider as long as you have access to its files, database, and domain. Sites built on platforms like Wix or Squarespace usually cannot be moved as they are and would need to be rebuilt. Knowing which platform you are on helps you plan ahead.

Question 5

What happens if an employee set up my business accounts?

Accepted Answer

If an employee set up your accounts under their own email or personal account, they may still control them after they leave. Transfer those accounts to your business email and add the employee as a user instead. Do this while the working relationship is good, not after someone resigns.

Question 6

Should I share my passwords with my web designer?

Accepted Answer

You should not share your own passwords with your web designer. Add them as a user with their own login, or share access through a password manager that grants access without revealing the actual password. This keeps you in control and makes removing access later much easier.

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