Navigating Your New Responsibilities: Taking Over a Company Website After Inheriting a Business
Inheriting a small business can be both an exciting and daunting experience, especially when it comes to managing its online presence. Recently, I faced the unique challenge of stepping into my late boss’s shoes, inheriting a company along with its rather dated website. The unexpected transition has left me wondering where to start when it comes to managing this digital asset.
Understanding the Challenge
Upon taking over, I quickly realized that while I possessed some crucial login information and a few leads, my technical expertise was limited. The website in question is far from modern; its outdated design and structure led me to believe that it might not have been built using popular platforms like WordPress or Wix. Instead, it appears my boss crafted it using his own knowledge of HTML, which complicates things for someone like me, who isn’t particularly tech-savvy.
Figuring Out the Website’s Framework
My first instinct was to identify the content management system (CMS) the website is built on. Initially, I attempted to use various online tools designed to detect CMS platforms, but I didn’t yield any results. It’s clear now that finding out how to access the backend is crucial for any updates or changes I wish to implement.
The Next Steps
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Identify the Hosting Provider: Understanding which company hosts the website is essential. This is where the files are stored, and it’s typically where you’ll log in to make any changes. If you were provided with login information by your boss, start there.
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Accessing the Server: If the site was built using HTML, you might need to access the server via an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) client or a file manager provided by your hosting service. This will allow you to upload and edit files directly.
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Familiarize Yourself with HTML: Since you have some knowledge of HTML, it’s beneficial to brush up on your skills. This allows you to make the necessary changes to the site’s code effectively. There are countless resources available online, from tutorials to forums, that can help enhance your understanding.
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Consider Professional Help: If the task feels overwhelming, don’t hesitate to consult a web developer. They can provide guidance or even manage the transition for you, ensuring that you maintain and improve your online presence effectively.
Moving Forward with Confidence
Taking over a business and its website can feel like a
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