Your Website Designer Can Disappear, Leaving You Stranded!

Since your website is often the first point of contact between your business and potential customers, launching it is a major milestone. But what happens when your trusted website designer suddenly vanishes? Unfortunately, entrepreneurs in Ghana often deal with freelance developers and small agencies who disappear without handing over admin access, hosting credentials, or even the website files. This often leads to lost revenue, shattered trust, and a frustrating rebuild from scratch. Read on to find out how to avoid this problem. 

Sole dependency: a huge mistake

Many local businesses in Ghana often hire freelance designers without contracts or clear project timelines. While the rates may be cheaper, these one-man operations often lack the accountability and long-term commitment your business needs. When they become unreachable due to relocation, career change, or simply poor professionalism, you are at risk of losing your website and digital identity. 

Here are some common warning signs to look for: 

• No signed agreement outlining ownership rights
• All content stored on the designer’s personal hosting or servers
• No access to your website’s cPanel, domain, or CMS
• Poor communication or frequent delays with no valid reason. 

How to protect your business 

Losing access to your website can be devastating, so make it a point to avoid it at all costs. For starters, work with a registered website design agency with a proven track record and credible client reviews. While at it, ensure you sign an agreement with them that gives you full ownership of the website, domain, hosting, and content.

Always insist on being the being the primary owner of the following: 

• Domain registrar account (e.g., Web4Africa, Ghana Dot Com)
• Web hosting account (e.g., StormerHost, Dizinc Ghana)
• Content Management System (WordPress, Joomla, etc.)
• Google Analytics and Search Console accounts 

If your website designer is reluctant, then you may need to reconsider working with them. 

Likewise, always be involved when your website is involved – ask for regular backups of your website and learn how to log into your hosting panel and CMS. You also want to stay updated on renewals for your domain and SSL certificates. Additionally, choose a developer or agency that offers maintenance packages, security updates, and content changes.

Choose the best website design agency in Ghana! 

At Think Expand Limited, we focus more and more on building trust and long-term relationships with clients through excellent websites, and ongoing service support. If you are a small-to-medium-sized business looking for help to set up your website, feel free to contact us on +233 548334499 or send us message on [email protected] to get started.