Who’s Actually in Control of Your Digital Setup?

Just because you’re self-employed doesn’t mean you need to do everything yourself. But let’s be honest – most of us start out exactly that way. Especially when it comes to getting online.

You buy a domain at midnight. Pick a website builder because “it’s what everyone else uses”. Rope in a mate who “knows a bit about hosting”. Patch together an email address and promise yourself you’ll sort it properly later.

Then life happens. The business grows. You’re busy. And before you know it…

You’re not entirely sure who controls what.

This post isn’t here to shame you – genuinely. It’s here to help you spot the digital loose ends before they trip you up. Because those little gaps? They have a habit of turning into bigger problems down the line.

The 5 Most Common Digital Setup Gaps I See

1. Your domain is registered in someone else’s name
   This one crops up all the time. Your domain should be registered in your name, under an account you own, with an email address you can actually access. Too many people rely on a web designer or IT mate to “just sort it” – and later discover they can’t move, renew or manage it without chasing someone down. Not ideal.
   👉 You can check using a free tool like who.is. If you’re not listed as the registrant, it’s time to regain control – before it becomes an admin headache.
2. You’ve never set up 2FA
   Two-factor authentication adds a layer of security most platforms now offer by default – but only if you enable it. It takes minutes to set up and could save you hours of hassle if something goes wrong.
   👉 Try free apps like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator – they’re quick to install and easy to use.
3. Business emails are going to an inbox you never check
   Maybe your domain-based email was set up to forward to your personal Gmail. Maybe it worked fine at first. But over time, messages can get lost in spam, flagged as suspicious, or filtered without you noticing.
   👉 A proper inbox setup means better deliverability, fewer missed enquiries, and a more professional presence. It’s not just a tech thing – it’s a trust thing.
4. You’re not sure who deals with your hosting or email
   If something broke today – your website went down or your email stopped working – would you know who to contact? Or even where to log in? That uncertainty can leave you stuck or starting from scratch, especially if a previous developer disappears or a hosting account expires.
   👉 Find out who manages your domain, hosting, and email. Make sure you have login access and recovery options in place – future-you will thank you.
5. You’re still paying for tools you forgot you had
   Subscriptions are sneaky. It’s easy to sign up during a burst of enthusiasm, only to forget you ever did. Those small monthly charges add up – and might be for tools you’re not even using anymore.
   👉 Set aside 30 minutes to scan your business bank statements or PayPal history. List anything that doesn’t serve you, and make a note of what you’re actually using; discuss with your web designer or host as sometimes you might not know/remember the names of the plugins

This Isn’t About Getting It Perfect

It’s just about getting back in control.

If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Most of my clients come to me at exactly this point – when they’ve done what they can, and now need a second set of eyes to help them untangle things.

When your digital foundations are clear and connected, everything else becomes easier:

• Updating your website
• Changing platforms
• Automating admin
• Knowing who to call when something breaks

Need a calm digital tidy-up?

I offer practical, no-fuss support for sole traders and small businesses who want to get their digital setup sorted – without the overwhelm, jargon or passive-aggressive IT advice.

If you’re not sure where to start, drop me a message and I’ll help you figure it out.