Navigating the Challenge of Inheriting a Company Website
When you inherit a company, you might find yourself facing a variety of unexpected challenges. A recent dilemma shared by a new business owner underscores this point: following the passing of their boss, they inherited a small company along with a perplexing website that is in dire need of attention. With minimal technical expertise, the owner is at a crossroads, unsure of how to proceed.
Unraveling the Mystery of the Website
The first step in addressing the website situation is to identify the platform on which it was built. Many new website owners turn to content management systems (CMS) like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace, which typically offer user-friendly experiences and straightforward editing processes. However, in this case, the website appears to have been developed using custom HTML, suggesting a more hands-on approach was taken by the previous owner.
Despite some initial attempts to trace the CMS using various online tools, the results have been inconclusive. The website, described as “hideous,” indicates that it likely wasn’t built with mainstream platforms, which could complicate access and updates.
Gaining Access to Website Editing
The new business owner possesses some passwords and leads, but the challenge lies in understanding how to utilize them effectively. In traditional CMS platforms, logging in is straightforward—one would simply navigate to the platform’s website, enter their credentials, and start editing. However, with a website crafted from scratch using HTML, the process is less intuitive.
To begin, the owner should take the following steps:
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Identify Hosting Provider: Determine where the website is hosted. This information can usually be found through a “whois” search or by inspecting the website’s footer for hosting details.
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Accessing File Management: Once the hosting provider is identified, you can access the website’s files through a control panel like cPanel or via FTP (File Transfer Protocol) using Software like FileZilla. This is where the HTML files are located and can be edited.
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Utilizing Previous Knowledge: Since the owner is familiar with HTML, they can dive into the code to make necessary changes. However, it’s crucial to back up the existing files before making any modifications to avoid unintentional errors.
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Seeking Professional Help: If the complexity becomes overwhelming, consider reaching out for professional assistance. Web developers can provide guidance or even take over the website renovation, ensuring that it aligns with modern standards while preserving
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