A surprisingly large number of small and medium sized Organisations do not really have control of their web sites. Either they don't have the right skills, they lack the necessary permissions or their web sites have not been created on platforms that allow them control.
The obvious questions is, can you or a technical partner add a new page to your web-site?
Yes, both of us. Good, just go to step 5 below.
No, neither of us. This is a problem as you are going to need to amend the content of your web site. If you are really stuck, your site is under a year old, and is not generating much activity, then you should probably start again - but this time setting up your site in a way that you control it (can add content to it) properly from the start. If your site is over a year old or is very valuable then you will need some good advice. Either way you should contact us for a free no-obligation conversation as soon as possible!
Yes, just the partner. Oh dear - assuming that they charge for this, then you need to take actions to gain control of YOUR web site - or you will not be able to make some important actions in the Chilli Digital 101 without paying for each step. What you do now depends on a lot of factors - you should contact us for a free no-obligation conversation about this as soon as possible! Hopefully these basic steps will help.
Some basic steps in taking control of your web site
First of all, it is reasonable to expect to be able to add and amend pages on your web site. The technical partner that built the site should have discussed this with you at the very least. They may just be assuming that you don't want to us this capability - or be keeping it to themselves as an easy way of making money (AKA an "added value" service.) We have seen many quite terrible examples of technical partners charging exorbitant fees for carrying out simple updates.
Ask your technical partner if there is a content management system (CMS) for your web site. If so, ask for a login and a demonstration. If they resist you should point out that you have paid for it!
If there isn't a CMS, ask them how new pages are added - or amendments are made. Explain that you expect to do this yourself and that you want them to make it simple for them via a CMS. They will want to charge for this and you should request a proposal
Once you have a proposal, look for alternatives. We can provide you with off-the-shelf Content Management Systems and so can a lot of organisations. Look around for a supplier that is not trying to paint you into a corner
Secondly, it is also YOUR web site domain. Check that the domain is registered to you in WHO.IS
If not, check to see who registered your domain name. If someone did this on
behalf of your organisation, make 100% sure that you have paid for this
service and that you have the request in writing (in case of any
shenanigans later). Again, if you experience problems here it is a not a good sign and we have seen examples of technical suppliers cybersquatting a domain they have been paid to register for a customer. Contact us for assistance or a technically competent advisor you trust
The Chilli Digital "101 Online Marketing actions you should take before your business dies" is designed to help you get started with SEO, Email Marketing, Web site management, Social Networks and Digital Asset Optimisation. It is also available via the Chilli Digital Twitter feed and via Facebook. If you want to get serious about Online Marketing, contact Chilli Digital via 020 8241 8818. If the line is busy please try again later.
