Congratulations on your new website! Whether it’s built on Framer, Wix, or another platform, getting your site live is an exciting milestone for your business. But what happens next? Many clients feel a bit unsure about how to take ownership and keep their site performing well.This guide walks you through everything you need to know after handover — from technical basics to SEO, security, and ongoing care — so you can confidently manage your new online home.
1. Technical Setup & Ownership Transfer Your developer should handle most of this, but here’s what to expect:
- Domain Connection: Your custom domain (e.g., yourbusiness.co.nz) is pointed to the new site. Make sure it loads correctly with HTTPS (the padlock icon).
- Platform Ownership:
- Framer: You’ll receive an email invitation to accept the project transfer. Once accepted, the site moves to your Framer workspace with no downtime.
- Wix: The developer transfers site ownership via the dashboard — you’ll get an email to accept it.
- Billing: Be ready to connect or upgrade to the appropriate plan so the site remains live and fully functional.
Tip: Ask your developer for a quick video walkthrough of the platform dashboard.
2. SEO Foundations — Getting Found on GoogleA beautiful site is only useful if people can find it. Key elements your developer should have set up:
- Search-engine-friendly page titles and descriptions.
- Proper heading structure and image alt text.
- Fast loading speeds and mobile responsiveness.
- Google Search Console: Submit your sitemap and verify your site so Google can index it properly.
- Local SEO (especially important in New Zealand): Claim and optimise your Google Business Profile.
Your Action Items:
- Regularly add fresh content (blog posts, service updates, photos).
- Monitor performance in Google Search Console and Analytics.
3. Security, Privacy & Legal Requirements (NZ Specific)
- Keep login details secure and use strong, unique passwords.
- Privacy Policy: New Zealand’s Privacy Act 2020 requires transparency about how you collect and use personal information (e.g., contact forms). Include a clear Privacy Policy page and, if needed, a cookie consent banner.
- Accessibility basics help ensure your site works well for everyone.
Regularly update the site and platform to stay protected against vulnerabilities.
4. Content Updates & Training You (or your team) should be able to make changes without always needing a developer:
- Learn how to edit text, images, blog posts, and CMS items.
- Understand image optimisation guidelines (size, format, compression).
- Maintain brand consistency (colours, fonts, tone of voice).
Most developers provide training sessions or short Loom videos — watch them and save them for reference.
5. Your Handoff Package — What You Should ReceiveA professional handover usually includes:
- Login details or reset instructions.
- Platform access guide.
- Analytics (Google Analytics 4) and Search Console access.
- Style guide or brand assets.
- List of what was included in the project scope.
- Recommended maintenance schedule.
Keep this documentation somewhere safe (e.g., a shared Notion page or Google Drive folder).
6. Performance & Final ChecksBefore full handover, the site should have been tested across devices and browsers. After going live:
- Check all forms, links, and animations work.
- Monitor loading speed.
- Set up 404 error pages and social sharing images.
7. Ongoing Maintenance & SupportWebsites are not “set and forget.” To keep performing well, consider:
- Regular content updates.
- Security and software updates.
- Backup routines.
- Performance monitoring.
- Occasional refreshes as your business evolves.
Many clients choose a monthly maintenance retainer with their developer for peace of mind — this covers updates, minor changes, backups, and priority support.
Final Thoughts
Your new website is a powerful tool for your business. Taking a little time to understand these areas will help you get the best return on your investment for years to come.At Mon Désir Design, we don’t just design and hand over — we make sure you feel confident owning and growing your site. If you have questions about your new website, need training refreshers, or want ongoing support, feel free to reach out.Have you recently launched a new site? What’s one thing you’re most excited (or nervous) about managing? Drop a comment below — I’d love to hear!