Navigating the Digital Landscape: A Newbie’s Guide to Managing Your Inherited Company Website

Taking the reins of a small business, especially under unexpected circumstances, can be both an honor and a daunting challenge. Recently, I found myself in such a situation after my late boss passed away and left his company to me. While I’m grateful for the opportunity, I’ve quickly discovered that managing the company’s website is a skill set I’m somewhat lacking.

Unraveling the Mystery of the Company Website

As I embark on this new journey, one of my primary tasks is to get access to the company’s website. I have a few passwords and leads, but I lack the technical expertise required to effectively manage the site. My first step is to identify the platform on which the website was built.

I attempted to utilize various online tools designed to trace content management systems (CMS), but unfortunately, I came up empty-handed. The site’s design is quite outdated, leading me to suspect that it’s not powered by popular platforms like WordPress or Wix. Instead, it appears to be a custom creation born from my boss’s own HTML skills.

A Familiar Language, But an Unfamiliar Environment

While I have some understanding of HTML, my knowledge falls short when it comes to accessing and editing the site itself. In user-friendly platforms like Wix, one simply logs in via their website to make changes. But in this case, I’m left wondering where to enter the login credentials to access his unique design.

Next Steps in My Digital Journey

To move forward, I plan to explore a few practical steps:

1. Identify the Hosting Provider: The first action is to check where the website is hosted. This information is typically available through the domain registrar. Once I identify the hosting service, I can reach out to them for assistance.

2. Gaining FTP Access: If the website is indeed custom-built, I’ll likely need FTP (File Transfer Protocol) access to edit the HTML files directly. Understanding how to use FTP could be the key to unlocking the backend of the site.

3. Seek Help if Necessary: If I hit a wall, I might consider reaching out to a web developer or a tech-savvy friend who can provide guidance and clarity on accessing the site.

4. Learning Resources: Additionally, I’ll be on the lookout for online courses or resources that can strengthen my web management skills, especially focusing on HTML and managing server access.