Many small businesses find out too late that their web designer owns their domain, hosting or Google accounts. If the relationship ends badly, getting them back can be slow and expensive. Check now while things are friendly.
What you should own
- Domain name: registered to your business. A .com.au must be registered to an eligible Australian entity, usually using your ABN.
- Hosting account: in your name, or a clear agreement that the site files are yours and will be handed over.
- Website files and content: your copy, photos and design should be yours under the contract.
- Google Business Profile, Analytics, Search Console, Ads: you as owner, with your designer or agency added as a manager.
How to check
- Look up your domain with a WHOIS tool, or ask your registrar, to see the registrant name.
- Log in to each Google account and check you're listed as owner.
- Ask your designer for the hosting and website admin logins.
If someone else owns it
- Ask politely for a transfer first. Most designers will help.
- For the domain, ask your registrar about the transfer or registrant change process.
- For a Business Profile, see transferring ownership.
We set up every site and account in the client's name. See questions to ask a web designer and choosing a .com.au domain.
Want this done for you? See our website design packages, or get a free audit.