Ministry Marketing CoachMinistry Branding and Marketing that Works

Occasionally, when overhauling an existing web site, we’ve found ourselves in a sticky situation. It usually goes something like this . . .

The client wants us to design and develop their new site, but they don’t really know who currently manages their domain name. This question must be answered and access must be granted to manage their domain name before their new site can go live.

After some digging around, the client usually discovers that the company who designed their current site originally purchased and now owns their domain name.

Unfortunately, the company is not willing to relinquish ownership without giving the client grief for changing hosting providers and going another direction with their web site.

In effect, they are holding the client hostage.

Eventually, the company comes to their senses and releases ownership of the domain name back to the client. The client then delegates domain name management to us.

Unfortunately, the damage has been done and the web company has shown their true colors. The whole experience has wasted countless hours and caused serious angst.

Here are a few suggestions to keep you out of trouble and to help you avoid being held hostage:

Always purchase your own domain name. I know it’s a hassle, but you really don’t want another company (even one you trust) to have this much control over your church or ministry domain. The added benefit is that you will be aware when your domain name is up for renewal or is about to expire.

Give administrative access to your design and development team but don’t transfer ownership. The beauty is that you can delegate access to others to help you with management, without yielding total control and putting yourself at risk. As one of our team members, Rob explained, “If you trust someone to drive your car, you will hand them the keys, but you won’t sign over your car title. Transfer = change of ownership.”

Make sure you know who owns your domain name. As a starting point, go here to find out. If you don’t own it, start the process of regaining ownership.

So, the main takeaway here is this: Distinguish between who will own your domain name (should be YOU) and who will manage it (anyone you allow).

If you need help with your ministry or church web site, just shoot us an email.