4 Steps to leaving your current web developer (06/07)
Are you trapped? Bound by an invisible chain of computer code to your Web Development Company? Frustrated that you know the service, products and support you are getting are less that satisfactory, but terrified of the unknown process of moving to another company?
Moving is not as difficult as your Web Development Company would have you believe... |
Many business owners grit their teeth and bare it, for fear that trying to change their web service provider will result in their website being disabled and/or long painful periods of trying to develop a new website with another provider.
So what do you need to know to escape as quickly and as painlessly as possible from a bad web relationship?
Step One: Talk to your existing web development company
Many business owners forget to take this fairly rudimentary step. While some Web Development Companies will never change, there are others who would benefit from an honest critique from one of their clients. Go to them with a list of areas that you are concerned about and how you suggest they amend these.
If they are receptive and action change I would recommend giving them another chance, as you are clearly a valued client.
Step Two: Find another service provider
If there is just no changing your current web service provider then you will need to begin the process of finding a new company. Start with companies that you know are reputable; those recommended by friends, view websites you like and look for a link to the developer at the bottom of the web page, contact trusted suppliers to ask who they would recommend. In any case, ask for a list of the web development company’s clients that you can call to discuss their experiences.
Step Three: Getting access to what is yours
Depending on the type of agreement you have with your existing Web Development Company, moving to another provider shouldn’t be too difficult. You will most likely have to pay all outstanding invoices, but at this point the website should be yours to take.
Ask for a copy of your website (and any associated media) on CD and also request your domain name UDAI number. A UDAI (Unique Domain Authentication ID) number is a randomly generated unique identifier that is required to authenticate requests to transfer domain names (e.g. www.xplore.net) from one provider to another. This number is what protects someone from simply stealing your domain name.
Without this number your new Web Development Company will not be able to point your website address to your new website... |
Step Four: Changing providers
Once you have provided your website and UDAI number to your new service provider, you will also need to advise them of any e-mail addresses you have (or would like setup).
Your new Web Development Company will setup a copy of your website on their servers (or develop a new one for you, if this is what you requested) and point your domain name to their server (instead of your old Web Development Company). At this point you can advise your old web service provider that you would like to discontinue all services with them.
Many Web Development Companies have “exit packages” that make moving from another web service provider to them easy and cost effective, so you need never feel trapped.
Author: Wendy Schollum
For information on the Xplore.net “eXit package”
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