Website Launch Guide
How we put your new website live, safely and with as little access as possible.
The short version
You keep full ownership of your domain, hosting and email. In most cases I never need your passwords. Below are the options, starting with the simplest and most private.
Option 1: You make one small change (no access needed)
I build and test everything first. Then I send you the exact one or two settings to change in your domain account, or we do it together on a 15 minute screen share.
Option 2: Invite me as a guest
Most domain and hosting companies let you invite someone by email, without sharing your login. You can remove me with one click at any time. Examples include GoDaddy Delegate Access, Namecheap Share Access and Cloudflare Members.
Option 3: A separate user just for me
If your website runs on WordPress or cPanel, you can create a new user for me. It has its own login, and you can delete it right after launch. Your own account stays private.
If a password is truly needed
This is rarely necessary. If it is:
- Change the password first to a new, temporary one that you don't use anywhere else.
- Send it through an expiring link, not in a regular email.
- Change it again right after launch, and turn on two-step verification.
Your email stays safe
Your email and your website use different settings. I only change the ones for the website, and I save a copy of everything before starting. After launch, I test that your email still works.
What happens on launch day
I save a backup of your current site and settings, connect the new website, then test the secure connection, the contact form, your phone number and the mobile version. Your old page addresses are redirected, so you keep what you've built on Google.
What I need from you
Your domain company name, your hosting company name if you know it, and about 15 minutes of your time. If you're not sure where things are, that's fine. I can usually find it out on my own.