Lately, I’ve been getting more inquiries than usual from business owners needing help fixing or rebuilding their website—not because the site broke, but because their previous designer or developer simply didn’t give them access to it.
If that sounds wild to you, it’s unfortunately much more common than it should be.
This post is for small-to-mid-sized businesses with simple brochure-style websites (not eCommerce). Whether you’re hiring an agency or a freelance designer, here’s what you need to know about website access, ownership, and protecting your digital real estate.
What Does Backend Access Actually Mean?
Backend access refers to your ability to log into the admin area of your website, make edits, view analytics, update plugins, and manage the core functions of your site. Depending on your platform, this includes:
- WordPress: Admin role login, access to themes/plugins/settings.
- Squarespace / Wix / Shopify: Full site permissions.
- Hosting platform: Access to your cPanel, server files, or dashboard.
- Domain registrar: Where your website name is registered (GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.)
It’s like having the keys to your own house—not just permission to redecorate.
The Red Flags:
Here’s what to look out for:
- You’re only given “Editor” access, not “Admin”
- You don’t have your hosting or domain login info
- You need to email someone every time you want a basic text or image updated
- You’re paying for a site you can’t access or move
- Your contract doesn’t mention ownership or handoff procedures
- You’re just told you’ll “break it” if you touch the backend
It’s a major control issue—and a real liability.
Why It’s a Problem
- You can’t switch service providers without losing your site
- You’re locked into paying someone indefinitely
- You risk losing everything if the agency stops replying or goes out of business
- You can’t improve SEO, run updates, or make timely edits
Having a website but not having backend access is like relying solely on Instagram to market your business: if it gets shut down, you’re stuck. Owning your website means owning your visibility and growth.
What Access You Should Have (Checklist)
Here’s what you should receive when the site is handed off:
- Admin login to your CMS (WordPress, Squarespace, etc.)
- Login to your hosting account (SiteGround, Bluehost, etc.)
- Domain registrar access (GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.)
- Nameserver/DNS access
- Google Analytics + Search Console ownership
- Google Business (if applicable)
- Website documentation or a handoff guide
- Clarity on whether you own or license your website/design
If your developer is also listed as an admin, that’s fine—but you need to be the primary owner.
Monthly Maintenance Plans: Know What You’re Paying For
Not all maintenance plans are the same. Ask:
- Am I paying for actual support or just hosting?
- Is the site hosted on your agency’s shared server?
- Will I still have access if I stop paying the monthly plan?
- What’s the fair market rate for hosting and domain?
- Are backups, updates, or edits included?
At our agency, we empower our clients with a web handoff doc showing how to edit the most important parts of their site. Even if you never touch it, you should know how it works.
What Happens When the Project Ends?
Before signing the contract, ask:
- What does offboarding look like?
- Will I get all the credentials?
- Will the site remain live if I stop hosting with you?
- What are the terms around ownership and rights to the site/design?
Too many horror stories happen simply because people don’t know how to ask these questions.
What Does Ongoing Support Look Like?
Some agencies provide:
- 30-60 days of support post-launch
- A few hours per month for tweaks or bug fixes
- Paid support packages
Clarify what support is included and what will cost extra.
Common Scenarios I See (And How We Can Fix Them)
Even if you have some access, many business owners are surprised to find out they’re still missing key credentials. Some common cases:
- You have access to edit your website but not your domain (can’t move platforms or redirect traffic).
- You have access to the domain but not the hosting platform (can’t migrate or back up your site).
- You have admin access to the site, but not to analytics or SEO tools like Google Search Console.
- You’re paying for hosting but don’t know where it’s actually hosted or how to access it.
If you’re in one of these situations, we can absolutely work together to:
- Audit what access you currently have
- Help you recover or transfer missing credentials
- Document everything clearly so you know where things are
- Migrate your site to a platform where you have full control
We always start with a quick access audit and then create a custom action plan to make sure your digital assets are in your hands.
Final Thoughts
Websites are an investment—one that should belong to you. Don’t get stuck in a situation where you’re essentially renting your own website.
Ask for full access, understand your deliverables, and work with professionals who want you to feel confident, not confused.
Need help reviewing your setup or planning a site build the right way? Reach out to us with our Contact Form.