Website Ownership and Control Checklist

As a website owner, maintaining absolute control and ownership over critical components of your website is essential for security, continuity, and success. Use this comprehensive checklist to ensure you have full control over all vital aspects of your website.

Please note that this is an exhaustive list and not every item may apply to your site.

Key Components to Maintain Complete Ownership and Control

  1. Domain Name:
  • Confirm that the domain is registered in your name or your business’s name.
  • Maintain direct access to the registrar account to manage settings and renewals.
  • Ensure the domain renewal process is under your control, including auto-renewal options.
  1. Hosting Services:
  • Hold the hosting account under your name, and you will have full administrative access.
  • Retain full access to the hosting control panel (e.g., cPanel, Plesk) to manage files and databases.
  • Have the authority to adjust server configurations, software installations, and resource allocations.
  1. Website Content and Code:
  • Own all website content, including text, images, videos, and other media.
  • Keep all website source code (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, backend code) accessible and owned by you.
  • Maintain administrative access to your content management system (CMS).
  1. DNS Management:
  • Maintain the ability to edit DNS settings (A records, MX records, CNAME records, and others).
  • Have direct access to DNS management tools through your registrar or DNS service provider.
  1. SSL Certificates:
  • Purchase and own SSL certificates in your name.
  • Ensure you can install, manage, and renew these certificates as needed.
  1. Database Access:
  • Control the login credentials for all databases.
  • Access database management tools (like phpMyAdmin) to directly manage and maintain your data.
  1. Email Accounts:
  • Own all email accounts associated with your domain.
  • Control the email hosting platform to create, modify, and secure accounts.
  1. Analytics and Tracking:
  • Maintain ownership of analytics accounts (e.g., Google Analytics, Matomo).
  • Have direct access to webmaster tools like Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools.
  1. Social Media Accounts:
  • Own all branded social media profiles related to your website or business.
  • Hold administrative rights to social media management tools or scheduling platforms.
  1. Backups:
  • Control the backup schedule and processes for your site.
  • Have direct access to stored backups for quick restoration in case of data loss.
  1. Legal Documents:
  • Retain ownership of all legal documents, including terms of service, privacy policies, and disclaimers.
  • Ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations (GDPR, CCPA, etc.).
  1. Intellectual Property:
  • Own all trademarks, logos, and brand imagery.
  • Enforce copyrights and trademarks as required.
  1. Security Credentials:
  • Control all passwords, access tokens, and security keys for every account and tool.
  • Implement and manage two-factor authentication (2FA) where possible.
  1. Payment Processing Accounts:
  • Own accounts with payment processors (e.g., PayPal, Stripe) and monitor transactions directly.
  • Access and manage transaction histories, dispute resolutions, and account settings.
  1. Software and Licenses:
  • Purchase themes, plugins, and software licenses in your own name.
  • Keep a secure record of license keys and maintain renewal schedules.
  1. Cloud and Storage Services:
  • Own accounts for cloud services (AWS, Google Cloud, Azure) and retain full administrative privileges.
  • Control how cloud resources are allocated, configured, and billed.
  1. Advertising and Marketing Accounts:
  • Control accounts on advertising platforms (Google Ads, Facebook Ads) and ensure these are registered under your business.
  • Retain access to marketing tools (CRM systems, email marketing platforms) without relying on third-party ownership.
  1. Compliance and Regulations:
  • Implement measures to comply with data protection laws (GDPR, CCPA) under your authority.
  • Own all related documentation and ensure regular updates in response to regulatory changes.
  1. Documentation and Project Files:
  • Retain ownership of all project documentation, proposals, and technical specifications.
  • Maintain direct access to design files (e.g., PSD, AI) and other creative assets.
  1. Server and Network Access:
  • Possess the credentials for server access (SSH keys, FTP accounts) and firewall configurations.
  • Control the rules, settings, and permissions related to your server and network environment.
  1. APIs and Third-Party Integrations:
  • Own and manage API keys and tokens for any external service integrations.
  • Control the associated third-party service accounts and have the ability to modify integrations as needed.
  1. User Data and Privacy:
  • Control how user data is collected, stored, and used.
  • Establish and maintain privacy policies, communicating them transparently to users.
  1. Content Delivery Network (CDN):
  • Own your CDN accounts (e.g., Cloudflare, Akamai) to manage caching, performance, and security settings.
  • Adjust configurations according to your site’s needs without third-party intervention.
  1. Customer Support Systems:
  • Own live chat, ticketing, and customer support platforms used to interact with your customers.
  • Maintain direct access to communication records, ensuring quality control and compliance.
  1. Version Control and Repositories:
  • Own code repositories (GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket) and manage permissions to code branches and commit histories.
  • Control the development and deployment workflow to prevent unauthorized changes.
  1. Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity:
  • Create and own disaster recovery plans, including failover and restoration processes.
  • Maintain control over redundant systems and ensure they can be activated if the primary system fails.
  1. Legal Agreements and Vendor Contracts:
  • Keep copies of all service contracts with developers, hosting providers, and other vendors in your name.
  • Ensure contracts clarify your ownership rights over any work produced.
  1. SEO and Online Presence:
  • Own accounts with SEO tools (SEMrush, Ahrefs) and maintain direct control over keyword research and optimization efforts.
  • Manage online listings (Google My Business, Yelp) to maintain brand consistency and verify business information.
  1. Mobile Applications:
  • Register and manage mobile app store developer accounts (Apple App Store, Google Play Store) under your business name.
  • Retain ownership of all mobile app source code and related assets.
  1. Policy and Compliance Documents:
  • Develop and manage internal policies, employee handbooks, and operational procedures under your control.
  • Update these documents regularly to reflect current laws, technologies, and business practices.

Safeguard Your Credentials
These digital credentials are as valuable as any other business asset. Make sure to:

  • Record all login and recovery information.
  • Verify that billing and mailing addresses are correct and up-to-date.
  • Store backup copies in multiple secure locations (e.g., a safe deposit box, a locked office cabinet).
  • Maintain a password-protected digital copy in a secure cloud storage solution like Dropbox or Google Drive for easy access in emergencies or while traveling.

By maintaining direct ownership and control over these elements, you ensure the security, flexibility, and long-term stability of your website and its supporting infrastructure. Regular reviews and audits can help verify that everything remains under your authority.