Creating a website is a big step for any entrepreneur, but for many women starting or running their own businesses, it can feel even more overwhelming. Maybe you’ve been told, “Just hire someone!” or “It’s all taken care of.” But what happens when things go wrong, and you realize you don’t have the logins, don’t own your domain, or can’t even make basic changes to your own site?
You’re not alone. We’ve heard stories from women who’ve been left in the dark, locked out of their own websites, or completely dependent on someone who disappears when things go wrong. It’s frustrating, stressful, and honestly, avoidable.
On Wonder Woman Wednesday, we’re all about giving women the tools to feel confident and in control, especially in areas like tech and business that can feel intimidating.
So here it is: a real-talk, no-fluff website checklist made specifically for women entrepreneurs. Whether you’re hiring your first freelancer or redoing an old site, this guide is for you.
Why Your Website Matters (Especially for Women in Business)
Your website is more than just a digital business card. It’s your storefront, your portfolio, your voice. It’s where people come to see if they can trust you, buy from you, or work with you. For many women building brands, consulting services, or product-based businesses, your website is a key part of how you show up.
But here’s the thing, too often, we hand over control of our websites to someone else because we’re told it’s “too technical” or “not our lane.” That ends now.
A Simple, Empowering Website Checklist (Built for Women, by Women)
1. Choose the Right Person
Don’t just go by a pretty Instagram feed. Ask to see their actual work, real websites they’ve built. Even better? Talk to one of their past clients. Ask how the experience was, how communication went, and if they delivered what was promised.
Also, pay attention to how they talk about your business. Do they ask questions? Do they get excited about your vision? Or are they just pushing you into a cookie-cutter template?
2. Be Clear About What You Want
You don’t need to know fancy design terms. Just sit down and write a list:
- What pages do you want? (Home, About, Services, Blog, Contact?)
- What colors and styles do you like?
- What websites do you admire?
The clearer you are, the more likely you’ll get a site you love. And always agree on exactly what’s included, so no surprise costs pop up later.
3. Sign a Simple Agreement
You don’t need legalese. Just a one-page agreement that covers:
- What the developer is going to do
- When it will be done
- How much you’ll pay and when
- Most importantly: That YOU own the website
This protects you and keeps things professional.
4. Buy Your Domain and Hosting Yourself
This is HUGE. Your domain name (like yourbusiness.com) and your hosting (where your website lives) should always be in your name, with your email.
Use platforms like Namecheap or GoDaddy to buy your domain. Choose a hosting provider like SiteGround, Bluehost, or Hostinger.
Make sure you have all login details saved in a secure place (even a Google Doc is a good start).
5. Once the Website Is Ready
Before you pop the champagne, do a few final checks:
- Test it on your phone AND computer
- Ask your developer to walk you through how to change a photo or update text
- Make sure YOU get:
- All website logins
- Access to Google Analytics (if set up)
- A folder with all the images/files used
This is your business. You should never be dependent on someone else to make simple updates.
6. Ask About Ongoing Support
Websites are not “set it and forget it.” Things break. Plugins need updates. Sometimes you just need a little help.
Ask your freelancer:
- What happens if something stops working?
- Is basic support included for a month or two?
- Do they offer a monthly maintenance plan (and what does it cover)?
Also, make sure there’s a backup system in place. One click shouldn’t erase your entire site.
Real Talk: You Don’t Have to Be “Techy”
You don’t need to code. You don’t need to be a designer. But you DO need to stay in the driver’s seat.
Because this is your business. Your name. Your brand.
Taking ownership of your website doesn’t mean doing everything yourself—it means knowing what to ask, what to check, and how to protect what you’re building.
Final Thoughts: Digital Confidence Starts Here
Women in business are unstoppable when we’re informed. And this checklist? It’s just the start.
Share it with your network. Send it to a friend who’s launching her new idea. Print it out and keep it in your biz folder.
Let’s make sure no woman ever gets locked out of her own website again. Let’s build with confidence, clarity, and community.
The Wonder Woman Wednesday community exists to enable women with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to lead in digital spaces and beyond. Learn more and join us here: Wonder Woman Wednesday
