Domain Name
Your domain name is your brand’s cornerstone on the internet. If an agency has complete control over it, you essentially have no say in its usage. Here’s how you can reclaim it:
- Request an EPP or AUTH Code:
- Contact your current agency and request the EPP (Extensible Provisioning Protocol) or AUTH code. This code is necessary for transferring your domain.
- Choose a New Domain Registrar:
- Select a reputable domain registrar (e.g., Namecheap).
- Follow their procedures for transferring the domain to them. This will involve paying a one-year registration fee.
- Initiate the Transfer:
- Once you’ve initiated the transfer, your current agency will need to approve the release. This step relies on the agency’s cooperation.
- Approval and Transfer:
- After the agency approves the transfer, your new registrar will notify you. Most registrars maintain the existing DNS settings, preventing any interruptions to your email or website.
- Gain Full Control:
- With the transfer complete, you now control your domain. Any future DNS changes must go through you, ensuring positive control over your digital presence.
Website
Your website is distinct from your domain name; it’s a collection of files that present your site when accessed by a web browser. If you lack administrative access, you cannot manage your website content.
- Request Administrative Access:
- Ask your agency for administrative credentials to the website’s control panel or dashboard. Be aware that changes you make might incur charges if they break the site.
- Request Server Access:
- If possible, ask for access to the server control panel. This might not be feasible if it exposes other clients’ data.
- Backup Your Site:
- Request a complete backup of all files, databases, and current emails. Note that this might not be possible if your agency hosts your email without a third-party service.
- Identify the CMS:
- Determine the content management system (CMS) used for your site (e.g., WordPress, Joomla, Drupal). Knowing this will help you manage or migrate your site if necessary.
Need Help?
Web Tweeks can assist in recovering your assets, provided your agency cooperates. If not, legal action might be necessary, which can be costly and time-consuming. We can discuss this further and include Web Tweeks in the conversation at any point.