Lately I can't attend a workshop, networking event, business meeting without hearing a tale of woe about "..they've stolen my website and won't give it back!" The cry for justice varies from: "I don't know where my website is" to "I don't know how to find 'the guy' anymore."
Don't cry victim, don't be helpless, don't give up. Take control. Learn to ask the questions that will leave you informed. This is YOUR marketing tool, YOUR identity, YOUR branding. Shouldn't you take steps to protect it, just like you would a product, logo or trade secrets? (hint - the answer is YES!)
When you hire a web consultant or marketing guru, or whatever their title is; we'll assume you've done your due diligence and asked for references, seen samples and have an idea of their area of expertise. Let's assume ALL of that. You've hired them. What information should they be required to give you as it pertains to your online presence. Think about it. The list is longer than you may think. You should have ALL usernames/passwords, all locations of your data, email, domains and files.
But you knew that, didn't you. I'm sure you have all of this in a neat and tidy list on your computer, right? What? I didn't hear you. You don't have a clue what I'm talking about. EEK! Time to get that information. You have a right to all of it if you contracted with them, unless you have some contract that reads something like,
"...and as your client, I prefer to be beholden to you and let you keep all the keys to my online marketing campaigns, materials and promotions. I prefer to be in the dark and totally dependent upon outside contractors without a Plan B if they get hit by a bus."
Just because you are not tech savvy, nor comfortable with too many details, you need to come up with a hit list of what you need to have; whether you understand it or not. Then, they should be able to Playskool the information for you so that they aren't geek speaking over your head. It should be made so you do understand the purpose of each item in the list.
Quick checklist to see if you need a professional online advocate to help you regain control or at least gather your own information:
- Who hosts your domain?
- What is a domain?
- What is an ISP?
- Who hosts your professional email?
- Can you get to your mail remotely?
- Where does your website sit?
- Is it only in one location?
- Is it the same location as the mail?
- Who is that company?
- How do I reach my web, domain and email hosting companies?
- What happens if your current web solutions provider is hit by a bus? Who can take over for you quickly?
- How do you login to your website files/FTP?
- What is FTP?
This is only the beginning of what you should know about your own online presence. We'll get into your print/collateral materials' list another time.
If you would like to schedule a consultation appointment to complete this list and then decide if you want my help to get the answers, please let me know: susan@susanfinch.com | 503-372-5444
I can also schedule training sessions for your trade group, company or organization.
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