The four things to own
| Item | What it is | How to check |
|---|---|---|
| Domain | Your address, such as yourbusiness.com | You can log in to the registrar and your name is on the registration |
| Hosting | The server where the site lives | The account and the billing are yours |
| Site files | The design and code | You have a copy, or can download one |
| Content | Text, photos, logo | Your contract says they are yours |
Common forms of lock-in
- The agency registered your domain. If you part ways, moving it requires their cooperation.
- Proprietary platforms. Some providers build on a system only they host; leaving means rebuilding from zero.
- “Website as a service” contracts. A low monthly fee where the site disappears if you stop paying.
Questions to ask before you sign
- Whose name will the domain be in?
- If I stop working with you, what do I take with me?
- Can the site run on any standard hosting?
- Is there a monthly fee, and what does it cover?
How we handle it
The domain and hosting are in your accounts from the start. When the final invoice is paid, the design, code and content are yours, and the site runs on any standard hosting.