Inheriting My Boss’s Small Business After His Death—Struggling to Find My Way Around the Company’s Website

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Navigating a New Chapter: Taking Over My Boss’s Company Website

Recently, I found myself in an unexpected position. Following the passing of my boss, I inherited his small business, along with a rather perplexing task: managing the company’s website. While it’s an exciting opportunity, it also comes with its challenges, especially when it comes to understanding the technical side of things.

Assessing the Situation

Armed with some passwords and leads, I quickly realized I need to identify the platform on which the website is built. The design is far from appealing, leading me to believe that my boss may not have opted for popular site builders like WordPress or Wix. Instead, it seems he may have crafted the site using his own HTML skills, presenting me with a unique puzzle to solve.

The First Hurdle: Identifying the CMS

I’ve attempted using various online tools to trace the content management system (CMS), but so far my efforts have been in vain. The website’s layout and functionality suggest that it lacks the user-friendly features common to more widely used platforms. This makes accessing and editing the content a bit daunting, especially for someone with limited tech experience.

Getting Inside the Website

I do possess a foundational understanding of HTML, which is helpful, but what I lack is clarity on how to access the backend. In platforms like Wix, for instance, all I would need to do is log in to their site. However, without knowing where my boss hosted this website or how he set it up, I’m left in a bit of a limbo.

What’s Next?

To move forward, I plan to explore a few avenues:

  1. Reach Out for Support: I might need to contact my boss’s previous web hosting provider. They should be able to assist me in retrieving access or can at least point me in the right direction.

  2. Explore the Source Code: Since I have some familiarity with HTML, I can dig into the website’s source code. This might give me clues about the hosting provider or any software that’s being leveraged.

  3. Seek Professional Help: If I still find myself stuck, I may need to consult a web developer. They can provide insights on the best way to take control of the website and possibly help in modernizing its appearance.

Inheriting a business comes with its fair share of responsibilities, and managing a website adds another layer of complexity. However, I am determined to navigate

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One Comment

  1. It sounds like you’re taking the right steps to gain access and control of your inherited website. Since the site appears to be custom-built with HTML, I recommend the following:

    • Use FTP or cPanel access: If you have the hosting credentials, connect via FTP (using tools like FileZilla) or through cPanel to locate the website files. This will give you direct access to the source code and involved resources.
    • Identify the hosting provider: Check the domain’s DNS records using tools like Whois Lookup to find out where it’s hosted. Often, the hosting provider’s contact info can help you retrieve login credentials.
    • Review the source code: Since you are familiar with HTML, you can examine the site’s code for comments or configurations that hint at the server setup or content management system (CMS).
    • If the site runs on a custom setup without a CMS, consider implementing a CMS like WordPress or another platform for easier management in the future. This transition can be aided by professional developers if needed.
    • Always ensure you have backups before making changes to avoid data loss. If you’re uncertain, consulting a web developer for a site audit and guidance on modernizing the website is a good investment.

    Feel free to ask for further assistance with FTP setup

    Reply

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