#PeaceOfMind For Business Owners: Top Tips to Manage Online Accounts & Avoid Lockouts

Imagine this nightmare scenario: Your website suddenly disappears, your social media accounts are unreachable, and your email server bounces back messages. Panic sets in as you realize you’ve lost access to your entire online presence. The culprit? You outsourced your marketing, but the person handling it left the company without handing over crucial login information. Disappearing website designers, unreachable email handlers, and misplaced phone numbers tied to company accounts – these are real stories that can cripple your online business.

Here’s the good news: you can completely avoid this disaster. By taking control of your company’s online assets, you hold the keys to your digital kingdom, ensuring smooth operations even when outsourcing marketing tasks.

What are these online assets you need to control?

Let’s break it down into key accounts and media channels, along with the crucial details you should have at your fingertips:

1. Website and Domain Management:

• Login credentials: This includes your username and password for your website’s Content Management System (CMS) like WordPress or Squarespace.
• Domain name registrar information: This is the company you registered your website address ([invalid URL removed]) with. You’ll need their login details and access to manage your domain name renewal and settings.
• Hosting provider information: This is the company that stores your website’s files and makes it accessible online. You’ll need their login information to manage your hosting plan and troubleshoot issues.

2. Social Media Accounts:

• Login credentials: This includes usernames and passwords for all your social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.).
• Admin access: Ensure you have the highest level of access (admin or owner) on all platforms. This allows you to add or remove users, manage permissions, and make critical decisions.
• Linked accounts: Keep track of any accounts linked to your social media profiles, such as Google My Business or advertising platforms.

3. Email Accounts:

• Login credentials: Usernames and passwords for all your business email addresses. This includes access to the email provider’s control panel.
• MX records: These are technical settings that tell the internet where to deliver your emails. Make sure you have access to modify these if necessary.

4. Google My Business Listing:

• Login credentials: This allows you to claim, update, and manage your business listing on Google Search and Maps.
• Verification method: This could be a postcard sent by Google or access to a specific email address or phone number linked to the listing.

5. Advertising Platforms:

• Login credentials: Usernames and passwords for platforms like Google Ads, Facebook Ads, or any other services you use for online advertising.
• Billing information: Keep track of your billing details and payment methods associated with these platforms.

Beyond Logins: Essential Safeguarding Tips

• Use a password manager: This secure application stores your login credentials for all your accounts under one roof, encrypted and protected with a strong master password.
• Two-factor authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA wherever available. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a code from your phone or email in addition to your password.
• Regular backups: Ensure you have regular backups of your website content, social media data, and email archives. In case of technical issues, these backups will save the day.
• Documented procedures: Create a document outlining your online accounts, login details, and access procedures. Share this with trusted employees who might need access in your absence, but keep the original secure.

Don’t outsource control, outsource expertise. By taking ownership of your online assets, you empower yourself to navigate the ever-changing digital landscape with confidence. Remember, a successful marketing strategy requires collaboration, but control over your online presence remains firmly in your hands.

July 2024

Samuel Alabi

samuelalabi.com

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