Navigating the Transition: Inheriting a Company Website

Taking on a small company after the passing of a boss can be a challenging yet transformative experience. As I step into this new role, one of my immediate concerns is gaining access to the company’s website. With limited technological knowledge, I find myself standing at the crossroads of uncertainty about the next steps.

The Challenge of Accessing the Website

Upon receiving the company’s assets, I found several passwords and leads that could potentially unlock the digital operations of the business. However, the first hurdle lies in identifying the platform on which the website is built. I’ve attempted to use various online tools designed to identify Content Management Systems (CMS) but, unfortunately, to no avail.

The current website leaves much to be desired – it’s not particularly user-friendly or visually appealing. This leads me to suspect that my former boss may not have opted for popular platforms like WordPress or Wix, which are renowned for their ease of use. Instead, it appears he may have crafted the site using his own HTML skills.

It’s Time to Get Hands-On

While I am familiar with the basics of HTML, I’m unsure about how to access the backend to make necessary edits. When using a platform like Wix, the process is straightforward: you log into the website through their portal. However, my situation is far less clear.

As I embark on this journey to familiarize myself with the website, I realize that my first task is to uncover how to access the editing interface. Here are a few steps I plan to follow:

Contact Former Employees or Associates: Reaching out to anyone who previously worked with the company may provide insights or even direct access to the website’s backend.
Check Email for Hosting Information: Many hosting providers send welcome emails containing login credentials. If I can locate any relevant emails, this could be my key to accessing the site.
Explore the Source Code: By viewing the page source of the website, I might be able to gather clues about the hosting service or related platforms deployed in the site’s construction.
Consult with Hosting Providers: If I can find the domain registrar, the hosting provider may help me regain access to the backend using the domain name.
Investing in Professional Help: If all else fails, bringing in a web developer or IT professional could provide the assistance I need to get started.