Many businesses discover too late that their developer controls the domain, hosting or website files. When the relationship ends, they lose their site.
What you should own
| Asset | Why |
|---|---|
| Domain name | Registered in your business name and email |
| Hosting account | In your name, or with clear access and transfer terms |
| Website admin login | Administrator-level access for you |
| Website files and database | A backup copy you can move |
| Theme and plugin licences | In your name or transferable |
| Content and images | Rights to use them |
| Google Analytics and Search Console | Owned by your Google account |
| Business email | Admin access for you |
Put it in the agreement
State that ownership of the website, code and content transfers to you on payment, and list everything to be handed over.
Handover checklist
- All logins and passwords, which you then change.
- A full backup.
- Documentation of plugins and custom features.
- How to make basic edits.
Plan costs with our website cost calculator. Read how to choose a web developer.
Want the full picture? This article is part of Business websites: the complete guide, our in-depth guide with everything in one place.
