I’ve been in business now since 2017 and during this time I’ve seen a lot of debate amidst designers about whether clients should have access to their WordPress websites and know how to edit them.

Many designers say no! They think clients shouldn’t have access because they might break something. Or mess up the design.

Are these things possible? Sure. But I still believe that a client should have the “keys” to one of their biggest business assets. Here’s why…

It’s My Client’s Business

It is their business’ website. Not mine. Plain and simple. I would be very upset if I owned a business asset and had no access to it. And since I don’t want that to happen to me, I’m not going to do that to my clients.

Instead, I want my clients to feel empowered when it comes to their websites not overwhelmed or unsure. Plus, I find that by providing them with step by step tutorials they are less likely to break things.

When you work with me:

• You own your domain and hosting
• You have full login access to your WordPress website
• You get step-by-step video tutorials for common website updates and any other how-to videos you request
• You can make simple changes without worry

And if you don’t want to touch your tech at all? That’s ok too.

Let me tell you a little story, so you understand why I feel the way I do. I had a non-profit client who had no access to their domain name or host because a volunteer had purchased those things. Everything was in his name and he ghosted them so they had to start fresh.

We still had WordPress access, so we were able to get their website data before the domain name expired. If we hadn’t they would have lost everything.

I helped them get set up with a new domain name and hosting and redesigned their WordPress website. All of which they now have access to should they need to make changes on their own. (But usually they just ask me.)

This is one of many reasons why I believe proper access and systems should be set up from the start.

Note: There is nothing wrong with designers offering hosting for their clients. Many do. But it is not something I want to do.

Note #2: If your web designer purchases your domain name and hosting, make sure they transfer that over to you once the site is launched.

What if something happens to me… or, you know, it’s just the weekend?

Here is another big reason I believe clients need access to their assets. What if something happens to me? I pray nothing does. But the possibility is something we have to think about and be prepared for.

If something happens to me, my client’s business shouldn’t suffer. And their projects shouldn’t be put on hold because I’m the only one who knows how to make changes to a sales page or set up a funnel. That’s not ok.

It’s one more reason I’m happy to provide tutorials for my clients.

Also, what if it’s the weekend and a client is in flow and writing great copy for their new launch on Monday? Are they supposed to just wait for me? Some will. But many would want to just make those updates themselves. And I am ok with that.

I’m not afraid for my job

Many designers don’t want to show clients how to make changes to their websites because they are afraid they will lose work. I’m not afraid of that.

Have I lost some hours of work here and there because my clients are self-sufficient? Sure. But not a lot. God has always provided for me and my family.

I have some clients who want NO part of their tech and they are happy for me to do all of it.

I have some clients that want to be part of the initial set up – of say their email funnel or course platform – just so they know how. Then they are happy for me to take over and maintain it all.

And I have some clients who enjoy tech and design so they like to play around with their websites. And that’s ok with me.

Do they sometimes make design choices I don’t agree with? Yep. Do they occasionally mess things up? Yep. But that is part of learning! And I will be there to help and support them through those times.

My clients work with me because they don’t have the time or bandwidth to do it all. They value my expertise and like my design style. They know I can do most tech things faster and more efficiently. Empowering my clients to make choices and changes for their websites doesn’t diminish that at all.

I don’t want my clients to feel dependent on me or like I’m holding their business hostage. I want them to keep coming back to work with me because they want to.

I say it a lot – your website is the cornerstone of your online presence. And you should feel confident in accessing and using it. My role isn’t to be a gatekeeper. It’s to hand you the keys and then be there to support you and your business as you use them.

Did you enjoy this post? Pin it to share it with others!