Do You Have Login Details to Your Own Website?

By Digital Media Guys

In today’s digital world, your website is one of your most valuable business assets. It’s your online shopfront, your marketing hub, and often, the first impression customers have of your brand. So here’s a simple but important question: Do you have the login details to your own website?

It might sound strange, but you’d be surprised how many business owners don’t. They paid for a website to be developed, trusted a developer or agency to handle the job, and assumed that once the job was done, they’d have full control. But when it comes time to update something, move to a new developer, or bring someone in-house, they hit a wall – they can’t access the back end of their own site.

This isn’t just inconvenient, it’s a red flag. Worse still, it’s more common than you might think.

When “Web Development” Means “Digital Hostage Taking”

There’s a troubling practice in parts of the web development industry where developers or agencies intentionally withhold backend access from clients. Sometimes they say it’s to “protect the site” or “maintain consistency.” Other times, they simply never bring it up, knowing most business owners won’t ask.

Let’s be clear: if you’ve paid for your website to be built, you should own it, completely. That includes:

• Full administrator access to the backend of your CMS (like WordPress)
• Login credentials to your domain registrar (e.g., GoDaddy, 123reg)
• Access to your hosting account (not theirs)
• Ownership of your domain and all related services (email, analytics, etc.)

When a developer holds on to this information, they’re essentially retaining control of your digital presence. You can’t change developers without their cooperation. You can’t hire someone internally to make updates. In some cases, you can’t even move your domain. It’s like paying for a house but the builder keeping the keys.

Why This Happens (and How to Spot It)

There are several reasons why some developers use this approach:

1. Lock-In for Ongoing Work: If they control access, you have to keep going back to them for updates, changes, or fixes. It creates an artificial dependency.
2. White-Labeled Platforms: Some individuals set up templated sites using services like Wix, Squarespace, or GoDaddy’s site builder under their own accounts. They charge you as if they built something custom, but in reality, you don’t own anything – you’re just renting space on their terms.
3. Lack of Transparency: Inexperienced or unethical developers might hide the fact that the website isn’t truly yours because they know it’s a deal-breaker for savvy business owners.

What’s worse is that this kind of arrangement often costs far more than it should. You’re paying a premium for a setup that you could’ve done yourself – or worse, one that limits your flexibility and growth in the long run.

Protecting Yourself: What Every Business Owner Should Know

Whether you’re building a new site or reviewing your current setup, here are a few key best practices to ensure you’re in full control:

1. Get Everything in Writing
   Make sure your contract specifies that you’ll receive all login credentials upon project completion. This should include domain registrar, hosting, CMS admin, FTP/SFTP access, and any relevant third-party services.
2. Own Your Domain
   Register your domain in your company’s name and under an account that you own and control. Never let a developer register your domain on your behalf unless they’re doing it through an account you set up.
3. Use Reputable Platforms with Transparency
   Stick with open-source platforms like WordPress, which allow complete control and portability. Avoid developers who use closed platforms under their own accounts.
4. Ask the Right Questions
   Ask your developer:
   
   • Will I have full administrator access?
   • Who will own the hosting account?
   • Is the domain registered to me?
   • Can another developer easily take over the site?

If they hesitate or give vague answers, walk away.

The Digital Media Guys Difference

At Digital Media Guys, we believe in complete transparency and client ownership. When we build your website, it’s yours – no exceptions, no fine print. From the moment we start, we set everything up under your accounts (domain, hosting, CMS, and more) and provide you with full administrator access when the project is complete.

We specialise in professional WordPress builds that follow best practices for performance, security, and usability. We don’t use cookie-cutter templates or white-label tools disguised as custom builds. And we certainly don’t believe in holding your website hostage.

Your business deserves better and with us, you get it.

Final Thoughts: Demand What You’ve Paid For

As a business owner, your website is a vital tool. You paid for it. You should control it. No developer or agency should ever leave you in the dark or limit your ability to grow, adapt, or move on.

So if you’re not sure whether you have access to your own site, now’s the time to check. And if you’re starting a new project, make ownership and access a priority from day one.

Digital Media Guys is here to help, and we’re committed to building websites the right way – transparent, secure, and truly yours.

Ready to build a site you actually own?

Let’s chat. We’ll give you the keys the moment it’s done. No strings, no secrets, no surprises.