Bits of info your web developer may have, that you should have.
Preferably keep a copy of this info on site, another copy in the cloud (if it’s encrypted!), and a couple of paper copies in different locations.
(here is a google sheets example you can copy and use) If you prefer to get another version emailed, contact us.
Domain Name Authorized Contacts
List of contact info set with domain name – verify whois.
Example1 – assistant Betty used her Betty@YourCompanyDotcom email addy for setup / admin / billing, two factor auth was setup to go to her personal cell phone number, and a previous owner / partner is listed for the domain whois with GoDaddy…
This info would be needed to renew an expiring domain or change hosting.. and this info may tell you that it will be impossible for you to control your domain name without Betty’s personal cell phone for 2fa.
Hosting Accounts
Hosting Admin Login – Account, Passess, SSH keys, 2fa?
Hosting Billing Contact, card on file, exp date, billing renewal dates, length of contract
DNS for site via?
eg – DNS handled by the server or third party like cloudflare?
Export DNS settings if there is more than nameservers listed
(txt files, mx records, etc)
List the public whois data
and whois data set within domain name company
Third Party Dependency
List of functionality that depends on third parties, or connected to other auth or APIs (that is not already listed above)
eg – imagify, instagram feeds, other things that are connected to a web dev’s accounts, a hosting deal or similar – things that could break if the web site was moved and credentials were eliminated.
Outside the Country
How many people worked / working on parts of the site that are from outside the country?
List the things these people had access to, or submitted for inclusion into the website or server.
Backups
Where are backups stored? How do I access them during an emergency if no contact with web admins?
Auto Updates
Auto Updates Enabled? for site, plugins, hosting panel? Last time this was checked?
List of all things where recurring fees needed:
Include premium themes, plugins, third party services, hosting, domain names, DNS, email, etc.
Names, email addys, phone numbers of all associated people / accounts – website or other information for each thing – contact info thereof, account numbers, 2FA?, exp date of payment method. Date of last update / next payment. Passwords.
See a sample document ( click here for google sheets document ) that you can copy / send / reuse free.
There are many critical bits of information that business owners may need to know, and that web development agencies sometimes do not share. Here are some important questions and answers you should in order to and prevent problems or fix any issues with your web site.