Why You Should Secure Your Website Before Hiring a Developer: A Guide for Entrepreneurs
In the fast-paced online world, a website is a powerful tool for developing an online reputation, whether you’re an entrepreneur, job seeker, artist, or writer. A strong online presence, particularly through a website, can make or break your ability to generate revenue. The quality of your website also greatly impacts results. Many entrepreneurs who are fairly new to the web rely significantly on a website developer, taking huge risks by handing over their business to a developer who, in turn, has full access to your online presence, data, server, online IP, and URL.
It’s easy to set out with the best intentions. You have a budget and plan to stick to it, and then you find a web developer who charges a price within your budget, unknowingly placing your business in the hands of a complete stranger. In order to salvage this disaster and start your very own website, you should take a few steps to secure your online presence before connecting to a web developer.
URL
The very first step you need to take in order to secure your website is to purchase a URL, such as www.yourbusiness.com. This is a small step for the security of your website, but it is crucial.
A server is very important when making a website as this is where your data is saved. If your server isn’t accessible to you and you have certain shortcomings with your developer, he or she will have access to all your data and can erase your entire website overnight. When you purchase a brand new server, never give first access to your developer, and also restrict the limits on what the user can do on the server. Only share your user ID with your developer so that he or she does not have access to the main frame of your website.
Launching your WordPress
This is a slightly more tricky but absolutely necessary step. If you think that once you have a URL and then you buy a server, you are secure, that perhaps might not be the case. The most crucial step is hosting your WordPress on the server with your ID and password. When you give the URL and the server access to the website developer but you haven’t hosted WordPress on the server, in this case, the developer will launch his or her own WordPress key on your server. If you have any disagreement with him or her, the developer can shift the whole project or business from your server to another server and have unlimited access to your website.
Themes
Themes are an important aspect of your website, costing anywhere between $20 and $150. When buying these themes, always buy them directly from your email ID and bank account or the developer will have a backdoor entry to the theme if he or she buys it in his or her own name.
Plugins
After aligning URL, server, WordPress, and theme, you would now need plugins like appointment setting, cart services, or email responsive services, and much more. These plugins should be bought by you through WordPress or Envato market under your name or else the developer will have a backdoor entry to your website where he or she can exploit your data and other services.
Agreement
The last and least talked about but most crucial part of securing your website is always to have an agreement with the website developer. The agreement should contain the following points:
A. URL provided by the client to the developer.
B. Server access would be given to the developer.
C. WordPress should be launched by the developer with the client on a live 1-1 session.
D. Theme will be selected by the client, and the amount would be paid by the client for the theme.
Another important aspect to consider when working with a website developer is the timeline for the project. It’s crucial to establish a realistic timeline for the completion of the website. Be sure to discuss this with the developer and set a mutually agreed-upon deadline. This will prevent any misunderstandings or delays and ensure that your website is launched within the expected time frame.
It’s also important to communicate effectively with your website developer throughout the project. Regular communication will help to ensure that the website is being built according to your specifications and that any issues or concerns are addressed in a timely manner. You should also ask the developer for regular updates on the progress of the project to ensure that everything is on track.
In addition, be sure to clarify ownership of the website and all related materials, including the code, images, and content. This is particularly important if you decide to work with a different developer in the future. The agreement between you and the developer should specify that you own the website and all related materials, and that the developer is only providing a service.
When it comes to payment, be wary of developers who require payment upfront or demand payment before the project is complete. This is a red flag, as it suggests that the developer may not deliver the completed website as promised. Instead, consider working with a developer who requires payment on a milestone basis or upon completion of the project.
Finally, it’s important to protect your website from potential security threats. You can do this by using secure passwords, keeping your website software and plugins up to date, and regularly backing up your website’s data. Be sure to discuss website security with your developer and ensure that they are taking the necessary precautions to protect your website from hackers and other security threats.
In conclusion, working with a website developer can be a daunting task, but it’s essential if you want to create a strong online presence for your business. By taking the necessary steps to protect yourself and your website, you can avoid potential pitfalls and ensure that your website is built to your specifications and launched successfully. So, be sure to take the time to find the right developer, establish clear communication, and protect your website from security threats. With these steps in place, you can create a website that not only looks great but also helps to grow your business.
