WINDSOR-ESSEX WEBSITE OPERATIONS | OCTOBER 12, 2026
Website handoff checklist for small businesses
A website is easier to maintain when the business knows which accounts, files and responsibilities it controls. Use this handoff worksheet after a launch or before changing developers. It creates a record of unresolved questions, not a security certification.
Harbour & Main publishes this guide and offers website development services. The worksheet runs in this page only and sends nothing. Record account owners and references, never passwords, access tokens or recovery codes.
Check ownership with evidence
0 of 6 handoff areas verified.
Create the handoff record
For each area, write the account or file reference, business owner, support contact, evidence checked and any open action. A link to the right account is useful; credentials belong in your approved password manager.
Your notes disappear when you leave or reload. Copy them into your own business record before closing the page.
Test a recovery, not just the existence of a backup
The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security recommends backing up essential information, restricting access and regularly checking that restoration works. Ask the developer to demonstrate recovery in a safe test environment and document what would still be missing, such as third-party booking or payment data.
Change providers without losing the customer journey
Agree on a transition window, the last supported release and who handles failures during the change. Test the replacement site before changing DNS. Keep a record of redirects, form destinations and integrations so a polished replacement does not silently lose inquiries.
After the handoff, review whether old access is still needed and use the service's normal permissions controls to remove obsolete access. Avoid deleting active accounts before the replacement owner can manage them.
Acceptance questions to resolve together
- Can the business edit content and reach support using its own accounts?
- Are recurring fees and cancellation responsibilities written down?
- Can someone other than the departing developer explain how the site is restored?
- Have forms, booking links and phone actions been checked after the transition?
Source checked October 12, 2026: Canadian Centre for Cyber Security backup guidance. The worksheet and transition questions are original editorial planning tools.