How to fire your web designer without losing your website

Most web designer breakups are not dramatic. The designer may have retired, become too busy, or moved on to other work. The business may simply have outgrown the site. Whatever the reason, the goal is the same: leave with your website, domain, and email still working.

The order matters. First, check what you own. Then give notice and complete the handover. Change passwords only after the new provider has confirmed that everything is working.

Step 1: check what you own

Before you say anything, find out whose name is on each account. Here is how to check who owns your website in about ten minutes.

The domain. This matters most. The domain is connected to your website and often to your email. It should be registered in your name or your company’s name. If it is registered to the designer, include a transfer in the handover plan.

The hosting. Is the site on your account or theirs?

The website login. Do you have full administrator access, or only a limited editor login?

Analytics and your Google Business Profile. Are you an owner, or only a user or manager?

Your email. If your email runs on your domain, it depends on settings the designer may control.

Step 2: make your own backup

If you have administrator access, download a full backup of the site. On WordPress, use a reputable backup plugin or your host’s backup tool. At a minimum, save the text, images, and original logo files somewhere you control.

Save your agreement and your past invoices too.

Step 3: read your agreement

Look for three things: the notice period, what gets handed over when you leave, and any outstanding balance.

Settle any undisputed amount you owe before the handover. A clean exit is easier when the account is up to date.

Step 4: give notice in writing

Keep it short and kind. List what you need, so nothing gets missed. Here is an email you can copy and edit:

Hi [name],

Thank you for your work on our website. We have decided to move the site to someone new, and I would like to plan a smooth handover by [date].

Could you please help with the following?

• Confirm that the domain is registered to [your company name], or transfer it to an account we control.
• Send us a full backup of the website, or transfer the hosting account.
• Give us administrator or owner access to the website, analytics, and Google Business Profile.
• Send us the original logo and image files.

Please let me know if there is anything outstanding on our account. I am happy to settle it before the handover.

Thanks, [your name]

Step 5: protect your email

This is where many handovers go wrong. Your email depends on DNS records, the settings that tell the internet where to deliver messages. If the domain or DNS moves without the correct records, new email may stop arriving.

Before anything moves, export the DNS records if the provider allows it and take screenshots as a backup. Ask the new provider to verify the website and email records before making changes, and again after the move.

Step 6: change every password

Once the handover is complete and the website and email have been tested, change the passwords on the domain, hosting, website, and related accounts. Update the recovery email and phone number, turn on two-factor sign-in, and check that renewal notices come to you. Remove the former designer’s access only after your new provider confirms it is no longer needed.

If the designer will not hand things over

Most designers will help without fuss. If yours does not reply, follow up in writing and keep copies of the agreement, invoices, and messages. Contact the hosting company and domain registrar to ask what proof they require. If the domain is in the designer’s name and they refuse to transfer it, get legal advice before taking further action.

How I handle handovers

Everything I build is yours once it is paid for. Your domain stays in your name the whole time. If you decide to move on, 30 days’ written notice starts a handover of the site, files, and records to accounts you control. That process is written into my agreement before work begins.

If you are switching designers and want help with the move, book a consult. I will look at what you have and tell you what needs to move first.