Who owns a business website?

Points to check

• Confirm the domain registration, hosting account, source files, content and third-party licences separately. Different parties may control each.
• Ask for administrator access and a list of services the site depends on. Passwords should be transferred securely at handover.
• If bespoke assets or code are involved, have the written agreement say which usage rights you receive.

Start with the brief

Write down the business outcome you need, the people you want to reach and any practical constraints. This makes it easier to judge whether a suggested service or platform is appropriate.

Clarify domain, hosting, design files, code, content and third-party account access before signing.

Compare the work, not just the headline

Ask providers to describe the deliverables, who will do the work, what they need from you and when the result will be reviewed. A written proposal should distinguish included work from optional extras.

• Page structure, content and visual design
• Mobile layouts, accessibility and launch checks
• Hosting, ownership and handover arrangements

Questions worth asking

• Who owns the finished website and accounts?
• What content and revisions are included?
• What happens after launch?

Ask for a written handover and a practical exit path if you change provider.

Make a fair comparison

Use the same brief for each provider, request any missing details in writing, and consider ownership and ongoing support alongside price. You can use the free worksheet to record the answers.