Posted on August 13th, 2010Fasthosts has conducted a survey and revealed very interesting facts according to which 43% companies totally depend on external web professionals to build and manage their websites.
According to research, the other 56% companies that have their own web experts are helpless to implement any changes to their websites when the experts are on leave or inaccessible.
It is ironic that 2/3 firms even do not possess details or passwords of the hosting company where their websites are hosted. Another interesting point is that 70% firms acknowledged the fact that their domain names are registered on the name other than the business owner. The research also signifies that these firms also do not contain backup copy of their website.
Nearly ¼ firms that take services of external web companies disclosed that their website main reason to go offline is staff shortage and technical problems which the web designer has to face in routine. Approximately 17% firms admitted that with this down time they have to bear great losses in sales, and lost staff time.
“For many firms, using external web professionals is a very sensible and rewarding option. However, it is vital that all businesses take simple measures to retain some basic control of their website and protect their investments,” said Steve Holford, marketing director at Fasthosts.
“Should arrangements suddenly change, business owners should be equipped to make changes to their online identity and maintain contact with their online audience. The web designers we work with always recommend that clients at least keep a back-up copy of their website design”.
Holford also pointed out the fact that small businesses are mostly unaware, if the domain name and web hosting accounts are registered on their names and if they can access them easily.
“As external parties can come and go, it is vital that businesses protect themselves from potential disruption, losses and reputation damage that an off-line or out-of-date website can cause”.