Launching a new website or updating an existing one? You’ll likely team up with a website designer to bring your vision to life. It’s an exciting step, but safeguarding your data is just as important as the design itself.
The creative process—picking layouts, colors, and features—is fun. But the less visible elements, like logins, hosting accounts, and customer information, need careful handling. Without proper precautions, you could lose control of your online presence.
Here’s a practical guide to protecting your data when using web design services, no technical expertise required.
Own Your Digital Assets
One major mistake is not owning the accounts tied to your website. Many businesses are surprised to learn their domain or hosting is registered under their designer’s name.
Imagine your designer offers to “handle everything.” They buy the domain, set up hosting, and build the site using their own accounts. Legally, they control those assets. If you part ways or face issues, regaining access can be a challenge.
Prevent this by registering these in your own name and email:
- Domain (e.g., Hover, Namecheap)
- Hosting (e.g., Bluehost, Kinsta)
- CMS accounts (e.g., Shopify, Squarespace)
Share access with your designer, but retain ownership. It’s like hiring a contractor—you wouldn’t let them own your house.
Clarify Access Needs
Your website designer needs access to certain tools to do their job. That’s expected. But before sharing credentials, ask what they need and why. They might request:
- Hosting access to upload files
- CMS admin rights for design changes
- FTP access for backend tweaks
- DNS settings to link your domain
These are standard, but they shouldn’t need personal passwords or financial details unrelated to the project. Use secure tools like 1Password or Bitwarden to share credentials, avoiding email or text. Better yet, create temporary accounts with limited permissions that you can revoke later.
Always Use a Contract
Whether it’s a small project or a large one, get terms in writing. A contract clarifies ownership, access, and what happens if things go wrong. Include:
- Ownership of files and code: The site is yours once paid.
- Design rights: Custom work stays exclusive to you.
- Deliverables: Specify what you’ll receive (e.g., files, launched site).
- Exit terms: You keep work done if the project ends early.
Confirm that any stock images, plugins, or fonts are properly licensed to avoid legal issues later. If a designer resists a contract, that’s a red flag—find someone else.
Be Cautious of Bundled Packages
Some web design services offer all-in-one deals that include design, hosting, maintenance, and more. It’s convenient but can limit your options. If everything’s tied to their platform, leaving could mean losing your site or rebuilding from scratch.
Before signing, ask:
- Can I move my site to another host?
- Do I own all files and content?
- What happens to my data if I cancel?
- Can I create my own backups?
Your site should be portable, so you can switch providers without major disruption if needed.
Maintain Regular Backups
Always keep a copy of your site’s files and structure. Ask your website designer to show you how to back up—it’s often a simple process using a hosting tool or CMS plugin.
Back up:
- Before starting a redesign
- Before major updates
- After the site is complete
Store backups in secure cloud storage like Google Drive or iCloud, not just on your computer. If your designer manages updates, confirm they’re backing up, but keep your own copy for control.
Secure Accounts After Completion
When the project’s done, lock down your accounts. Change passwords, revoke unnecessary access, and check your admin panel for active users. Keep one primary login for yourself.
Request from your designer:
- Source files (e.g., logos, design assets)
- Logins for any third-party tools
- A list of where accounts are registered
This ensures you’re prepared if issues arise or you need to make changes later.
Stay Engaged, No Tech Skills Needed
You don’t need to be a tech pro to work with web design services, but don’t go hands-off. Check in regularly, ask questions, and raise concerns if something feels off. A good designer will explain things clearly and value your input. It’s your site—stay in charge.
Final Note
Hiring a website designer Singapore can elevate your online presence, but don’t overlook your data. By owning your accounts, setting clear terms, and staying involved, you’ll get a great site and the confidence that it’s fully yours.
