Before You Pay for Your New Website, Make Sure You Have Administrative Access

A new website launch feels exciting.

Design approved. Content live. Invoice arrives.

Many business owners pay the final balance without confirming ownership access.

This creates one of the most common and expensive problems small businesses face after a redesign.

You must control your domain and website accounts before issuing final payment.

Here is why.

Your Domain Is Your Digital Property

Your domain name is not part of your website design.
It is your online real estate.

If an agency registers the domain under their own account, they legally control it.

Without administrative access, you cannot:

• move your website to another provider
• change hosting
• update DNS settings
• create business emails
• recover access if the relationship ends

You are renting access to your own business identity.

Ownership Problems Happen More Often Than People Think

Many agencies set up domains quickly during a project. Often done with good intent.

The issue appears later when:

• the agency closes
• support stops
• pricing changes
• you want a redesign elsewhere
• communication breaks down

If you do not control the domain registrar login, you depend entirely on someone else to operate your business online.

Recovering ownership later takes weeks and sometimes legal intervention.

Administrative Access vs User Access

Many business owners believe they have access when they do not.

There is a difference.

Administrative access means you control billing, permissions, and transfers.

User or editor access only allows content updates.

You need admin or owner level permissions for:

• domain registrar account
• website platform account
• hosting account
• DNS management
• Google Business integrations

If you cannot remove the agency yourself, you do not own the account.

The Risks of Paying Before Access Is Confirmed

Final payment removes your leverage.

Once paid, agencies have little urgency to transfer ownership properly.

Common outcomes include:

• delayed responses
• missing credentials
• incomplete transfers
• added fees for access changes

Avoid conflict by making access verification part of project completion.

What You Should Receive Before Final Payment

Request access while the project remains active.

Confirm you can log in independently to:

• Domain registrar (GoDaddy, Google Domains, Squarespace Domains, etc.)
• Website platform dashboard
• Hosting provider account
• Analytics and Search Console accounts
• Email platform or DNS controls

Log in yourself. Do not rely on screenshots.

Ownership equals direct login access.

A Simple Rule to Follow

If you cannot change the password yourself, you do not own it.

Ownership should never depend on another company’s account.

Your agency should remain a collaborator, not the gatekeeper.

Why Professional Agencies Support This

Experienced agencies encourage client ownership.

Proper setup protects both sides:

• clients retain control
• agencies avoid future disputes
• transitions remain smooth
• long term trust increases

Transparent access shows professionalism.

Resistance to transferring ownership signals risk.

How to Handle This Conversation

Keep the request simple and direct.

Ask for:

• administrator or owner permissions
• confirmation the domain is registered under your business name
• transfer instructions documented in writing

This is standard practice, not a special request.

Protect Your Business Long Term

Your website supports marketing, reputation, and revenue.

Losing access disrupts operations overnight.

Confirm ownership before final payment so your business stays protected regardless of who manages your site in the future.

Control your domain. Control your website. Control your business.