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Website Handoff

Transfer a website you built to a contractor or brand it so completely that it feels like theirs. This typically happens after the initial full-service onboarding period (month 2-3).

Before Handoff: Decision Point

Ask the contractor:

  1. "Do you want to own and manage the website yourself, or should I keep managing it?"
  2. If they want to own it: they get admin access, domain ownership, you stop updates. They pay less.
  3. If you keep managing: they get updates and optimization, you keep managing, they pay a management fee.
If Contractor Owns It: Full Transfer (2-3 hours)

Domain and Hosting

  • Domain ownership: Transfer domain registrar ownership to contractor (or keep it in your name but grant them admin access)
  • Hosting: Transfer hosting access or provide credentials (CPanel, hosting panel, etc.)
  • DNS: Explain: "The domain points to the hosting. Do not change these settings without asking me first."
  • Email: If you set up business email (@contractor.com), transfer those credentials or migrate them

Content Management

  • If using WordPress or a CMS: provide login credentials and admin access
  • Training call (1 hour): Walk them through how to edit pages, add photos, update contact info
  • Provide documentation (1-page PDF): "How to edit your website" with screenshots

Handoff Checklist

  • ☐ Domain ownership transferred or admin access granted
  • ☐ Hosting login credentials provided
  • ☐ Email access transferred or migrated
  • ☐ Contractor can log in and edit pages
  • ☐ Analytics access transferred (Google Analytics admin)
  • ☐ Google Ads account transferred (if they want to manage ads themselves)
  • ☐ All passwords documented in a secure place (password manager or encrypted file)
  • ☐ Contractor confirms they can make a test edit

Post-Handoff Support (Optional)

  • Offer: "I will support you for 30 days if you have questions. After that, you manage it."
  • Or: "For $X/month, I will provide quarterly updates and technical support"
If You Keep Managing It: Ongoing Optimization (Ongoing)

Monthly Updates (4 hours/month)

  • Update project photos: contractor provides new photos, you add them to portfolio
  • Update copy: contractor provides feedback, you adjust messaging
  • Add blog posts or news: contractor gives you ideas, you write and publish
  • Optimize underperforming pages: test new headlines, call-to-action buttons, forms

Quarterly Audit (2 hours/quarter)

  • Review Google Analytics: traffic trends, user behavior, conversions
  • Review SEO: keyword rankings, new opportunities
  • Review ads: performance, cost per lead, recommendations
  • Present findings to contractor: "Here is what is working, here is what we should improve"

Renewal Conversation

At contract renewal: "Are you happy with the website performance? Should we add new services, expand to new service areas, or test a new ad platform?"

Website Branding Strategy (If You Maintain It)

To make the website feel like theirs:

  • Logo: Large, prominent placement (top left or header)
  • Color scheme: Their brand colors throughout
  • Photos: Majority of photos are from their projects (not stock photos)
  • Copy: Written in their voice, references their team, their process, their values
  • Address and phone: Prominently displayed (builds trust locally)
  • Reviews: Display Google reviews or testimonials from their clients
  • About page: Tell their story (how long in business, why they started, what they believe)
Ownership
  • If transferred: Contractor owns and manages it (you are available for technical support)
  • If you maintain: You own the optimization and updates, contractor owns the strategy and feedback
Success Criteria
  • Contractor feels ownership of the website (if transferred)
  • Website reflects their brand completely (colors, photos, messaging)
  • Contractor satisfied with performance and support
  • If transferred: zero confusion on access, management, or responsibilities
  • If maintained: contractor confident you are improving their performance monthly