Tips to Prevent Content Hijacking
TranscrIpt:
Hey guys! Welcome to this week’s episode. I’m your host Sherri Wilson, the owner of Genius Communication. And like the name says, I help business owners brand and persuade in a way that makes them more money, prevents problems, and solves problems! And, today, we are going to tackle a big one—hijacked content! I see it all of the time. Let me explain what it is real quick then I’ll give you some tips.
Hijacked content happens this way. You hire someone (like me) to build your website, purchase your website domain, setup your Google My Business, Facebook page and ads, and other social media accounts. And that’s great! Many of my clients have no idea what all is involved for a successful digital marketing strategy and execution. It’s not like throwing spaghetti at a wall hoping it sticks so good job hiring someone!
But here’s where things get sticky. All of those accounts that they set up are only accessible by them! That means that when (not if but when) you want a new website or hire someone else (for whatever reason), you can’t easily go in and add the new person to those accounts. You have to hunt down and get all of that from the one who possesses all of your content. And any person with integrity is happy to do that. But sometimes it seems that there are those who are insecure or offended and decide to either slow walk the process or pretend they’ve not gotten your dozens of phone calls, texts, and emails. Believe me. It happens. I’ve been the one making those calls and using my “weight” to make things happen. I’ve even seen divorce situations where one spouse holds websites and passwords hostage.
The Easiest Way
The easiest way to prevent this from happening is to create those accounts yourself and then add your content creator and designer as an admin. Admin is important because he or she will need to be able to do things that require that level of access. But you will be the owner and/or admin yourself and have the ultimate authority. Once they are all created and you add your designer, then they can get busy adding the content.
The next easiest way
If you currently have a good relationship with your designer, ask them to add you as an admin now. Sit down. Make a list of all the social media accounts, website host, website domain provider, and anything else you can think of. Call them or email them with that list and while on the phone have them add you.
The hardest way
Sometimes you just can’t get your stuff back. You can get a lawyer, which might be needed. Here’s the thing. Duplicate sites, Facebook pages, etc. really messes with your Google rankings and creates confusion. It’s never good to create confusion for potential buyers where they’re trying to figure out which site or social media page is the right one. If at all possible, you want to get your stuff back.
Conclusion
You never ever want someone else to have absolute control over anything—content, finances, nothing. People think that everything is great! You love who you work with. They seem to love you. There’s a great relationship and rapport. But, eventually, things will change. Marriages end. Financial advisors retire (or take off with your money). Designers switch professions or get sloppy. There are so many variables; therefore, the best bet is for you to maintain control as much as possible over ALL of them.