Navigating a New Path: Inheriting a Company Website and Seeking Guidance

When faced with unexpected challenges, we often find ourselves at a crossroads that requires us to adapt quickly. Such was my experience when my former employer passed away, leaving his small business in my hands. While I felt honored by the trust he placed in me, stepping into the role of a business owner came with its own set of hurdles—especially regarding the company’s online presence.

As I began to assess the situation, I realized the company’s website was a critical component of our operations, yet I felt entirely out of my depth. I had inherited a handful of passwords and potential leads, but the technical side was daunting. Determining the website’s platform seemed like the first logical step, but my attempts to uncover this information were met with frustration. Various online tools designed to identify content management systems (CMS) yielded nothing, leaving me puzzled.

The state of the website itself did little to inspire confidence. It was far from user-friendly, leading me to suspect that the previous owner had crafted it using a basic knowledge of HTML instead of utilizing popular platforms like WordPress or Wix. This only deepened my uncertainty about how to access its back-end.

Although I possess some familiarity with HTML, I was at a loss about where to log in and make necessary changes. Unlike more straightforward services, which allow users to edit their websites through a specific portal, the situation here felt more cryptic and intimidating.

So, how do I move forward? Here are some steps I’ve found helpful, and hopefully, they can guide anyone else in a similar position of inheriting a business website:

1. Request Access

Start by reaching out to anyone who might still have knowledge about the website’s setup, such as former employees or contractors. They might provide valuable insights or even the credentials needed to access the site.

2. Check Domain Details

Investigate the domain registration details. Websites like WHOIS can help you find out where the website is hosted and sometimes even the CMS used. This information can guide you regarding specific login pages.

3. Explore Hosting Options

If you can identify the hosting provider, try accessing the control panel there. Different hosting services have different login procedures. Look for commonly used hosting platforms that would assist with file access.

4. Seek Professional Help

If the technical aspects become overwhelming, consider hiring a web development professional who can give you a clearer understanding of the website.